Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

My transmission completely went out at 130,000 miles. We had to buy a whole new transmission. It has had regular maintenance on it. Rpm would skyrocket the car wouldn’t move. Then it would finally go but not very fat or will. It also was making a terrible grinding noise

NHTSA complaint #11756859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The automatic transmission on my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (gasoline engine, 10-speed 10L80 transmission) has been exhibiting intermittent slipping/skipping during gear changes, particularly during acceleration and deceleration. The transmission component is available for inspection upon request. The malfunction poses a safety risk as the unexpected hesitation and rough shifting creates unpredictable vehicle behavior at highway speeds and during merging, increasing the risk of a collision with other vehicles. The problem has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, however a knowledgeable automotive advisor has assessed the likely cause as moisture contamination of the transmission fluid, which degrades lubrication and causes erratic shifting behavior, known issue in several GM vehicles, but the only recall related to this issue is for just Diesel vehicles. I contacted General Motors customer service regarding this issue and was directed to file this complaint with NHTSA, as GM stated they were unable to attach or create a related existing recall to my vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer at this time. I am in the process of scheduling service at a transmission specialist. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to or during the shifting malfunction. Symptoms first became noticeable at 85,000 miles, and have continued since.

NHTSA complaint #11756718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission began slipping at 20, 25, 35, and 45 mph by the time we hit 80k miles. The vehicle was out of warranty. We were told it was unaffected by the recalls and not related to the issues affecting other drivers. It now has 167k miles and we have tried having the transmission flushed but it still slips and needs a new transmission. Chevy knows about these issues and refuses to replace their horrible product since they also sell the cure to the problem and make money off of it.

NHTSA complaint #11756422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

2022 Chevy Tahoe went into limp mode at 62,500 miles out of the blue and check engine light came on. At the certified Chevy dealership I was told it was the transmission control valve, Code P2732, which is a known widespread factory issue in these models. Upon further inspection, was told my transmission fluid was completely black and burned and it ruined the transmission and therefore it needs to be replaced. "Consequential Damage Policy: When a control valve body fails and stays "stuck on," it forces maximum line pressure through the system. Continuing to drive under these conditions quickly destroys the internal clutch packs, burns the fluid, and melts down the transmission." This is exactly what happened and my vehicle was never put on a recall list but clearly was a ticking time bomb.

NHTSA complaint #11755417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I have a 2023 Chevy Tahoe with 45k miles. Today driving two kids home from our football practice I was driving along at around 40mph and all of a sudden the transmission downshifted and almost locked the rear tires up. If it was winter, wet, or cool, there is no doubt that the tires would have locked up. Check engine light came on, and now the vehicle wont move in reverse and at around 45-50 mph the engine is running at 3,000 rpms. I volunteer to be a youth football coach and always have a car full of children. This isn't normal or safe. P.s. I should've bought the Ford Expedition.

NHTSA complaint #11755139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

-On the date of Monday XXX at approximately 4:30 pm est I was traveling on [XXX] and transmission felt like a possible slip happened in transmission. At approximatively 4:45pm est I made it home tried to back vehicle into parking space and reverse was lost. Vehicle didn't and wouldn't shift into reverse. I had to push vehicle in spot backwards. No check engine or warning lights were displayed on dash. - On Tuesday XXX. I contacted [XXX] of [XXX] approximately at 8:30 am est. [XXX] answered. I explained the symptoms and asked If I could bring in within the hour or so. He stated it would be fine to bring in. - At approximately 9:10 am est My girlfriend and [XXX] daughter got in vehicle. Started vehicle no service lights were on, but had no reverse still no reverse. My girlfriends mother was following us to pick us up at dealership as we dont have a 2nd vehicle. We started out driveway to [XXX]. I had no problems at 1st then prior to the intersection of [XXX] the Vehicle lost control on its own. The sequences happened fast and abrupt. 1. Vehicle downshifted roughly to about 3 gear 2. Lost power steering 3. engine over revved 4. vehicle pulled right. During this time as a professional trained driver. I removed us off [XXX] off road way on to [XXX] (To the right) to avoid being in an accident. I would say that the speed was roughly 20MPH at turn as I was avoiding the accident that could of potentially happened. I was not on asphalt the whole time to make turn as I had a limited vehicle (Not properly functional). I was able to stop at [XXX] to stop. Stopped on Brigantine is when I pointed out to my girlfriend that the lights just came on. in the meantime, we received a phone call from [XXX] (Girlfriends mom) asking where we went as she didn't see us. We explained to her situation, and she met on Brigantine and followed us to dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11754265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My chevy tahoe vibrates when i drive and the dealership can not find the reason why it does that.

NHTSA complaint #11754017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmission going out, and with that causing happening causing the Fluid to Smell Burnt and Full. The auto shop test Drove and made It 30 Feet and Would Not Move. Transmission Is Failing and Causing the Concern.

NHTSA complaint #11753184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I purchased my vehicle new in 2020. It presently has around 83,000 miles. From early on, it has occasionally hesitated, then jumped when putting the car in reverse. I spoke to the dealership years ago but they said it was nothing. On July 19, 2026, my car randomly would not shift above (probably) second gear on the highway. After parking, it would not shift into reverse at all. The vehicle was towed more than 30 miles to my hometown dealership as it was inoperable. It now requires something approaching a transmission replacement costing between $2500-4500, or more. I am aware that this is a recurring problem with GM vehicles of this type and era, and it seems absurd to have so many vehicles with failing transmissions before they even reach 100,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11753041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission valve , vehicle shutter, and eventually complete loss of power and failure. Transmission had to be replaced as vehicle was out of warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11751999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While traveling out of town on the highway,we had a sudden loss of power. My vehicle wouldn’t accelerate or shift. My check engine light came on and a message displayed that said something about reduced power. After limping to a dealership while in another city, I managed to wait hours for my husband to pick me and my children up. We waited several days for the dealership to tell us it was the valve body that needed replaced. My vehicle was NOT in the original recall for the valve body, although we experienced the exact same issues that the recalled vehicles experienced. This entire experience was horrifying. Along a stretch of highway that I was unfamiliar with, speed limits of 80mph, and a sudden, complete loss of motor power and speed, this could have someone. I had a vibration while staying at any constant speed for months prior to this, I had taken the vehicle in numerous times but was told the only thing to fix it was a software repair and that wouldn’t take care of the problem entirely. This vibration was and still is so bad that my phone will fall from the magnetic mount if I don’t let off the accelerator or increase acceleration. My vehicle still doesn’t seem to run properly but I am unable to get it to reproduce any issues when at the dealership. Extremely unnerving to travel with my family out of town or state and wonder if my fairly new vehicle will make it.

NHTSA complaint #11751779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Rear wheels suddenly lock up momentarily during downshift at 30-50 mph (most reproducible 35-40). Transmission in a high gear (8th-10th); any throttle input commanding a downshift can trigger it: as the downshift executes, rear wheels briefly stop, skid with an audible chirp, vehicle jerks violently. Reproducible on demand, multiple times per drive, on video. Highest-speed event ~50 mph, family aboard. NO advance warning: no check engine light, no message, no stored code, no gradual onset. Traction control sometimes activates at the instant of the skid, sometimes not — always reacting to traction already lost, never before. A driver has no opportunity to anticipate or react. THIS IS A LOSS-OF-CONTROL HAZARD. It is especially dangerous in a turn, on wet pavement, or in traffic. Onset May 2026. Pursued repair since, across three shops: an independent, twice (no codes/leaks/abnormal findings; MAF replaced; unresolved; referred to dealer), then a GM dealer 3 days (test drove 34+ miles, no codes, fluid good, all shifts correct; declined recommended control-module recalibration, cause unconfirmed). Lockup recurred within 5 miles of leaving, same day; I returned immediately, asked for a tech ride-along while fresh — did not occur. Next day, a second GM dealer: tech note said fluid was low, though the same RO's inspection passed that fluid and found no leak; no leak ever identified anywhere. Paid $672 for a fluid exchange — unresolved. Days later, same dealer measured 265F on a 30-mile road test and condemned the transmission. Full replacement underway, largely out of pocket. Symptom matches recall 26V-085 (momentary rear wheel lockup, worn control valve, 10-speed/ETRS) covering 2022 models. My 2023 is not included. I am not asserting a diagnosis — no one has established the cause — but I ask ODI to consider whether that campaign should include additional model years. The failed transmission is available for inspection; videos available on request.

NHTSA complaint #11751780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Driving the vehicle down the highway at approximately 65 miles per hour, the check engine light came on and the engine went into limp mode, slowing immediately. Upon getting the vehicle to the left shoulder on a busy highway, the vehicle displayed "engine overheating", "battery low", and 0% oil life. A full oil and filter change had been done less than 1000 miles ago and upon checking the oil, it was at the correct level. The engine completely failed and is not being replaced at a Chevrolet dealership. I completed the recall N252494003 on March 5th, 2026 which comprised of an engine inspection, higher viscosity oil, a new oil cap, filter replacement, and owner's manual insert. The engine still failed and required replacement despite having this done.

NHTSA complaint #11751156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

This 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe has experienced three separate and recurring engine-related failures. The first failure occurred at approximately 41,350 miles and required replacement or repair of the lifters and camshaft. The vehicle remained at the dealership for approximately 15 days. The second failure occurred at approximately 54,619 miles and involved another lifter failure along with traction control problems. The third failure occurred at approximately 65,140 miles. The Check Engine warning light illuminated while the vehicle was being driven, and the vehicle again experienced engine-related problems. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for more than one week, and no repair or permanent solution has been provided. I am concerned that these repeated engine failures and traction control problems create a serious safety risk, particularly because the vehicle is driven on public roads and highways. Despite previous repairs, the engine problems continue to recur. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these repeated safety-related failures.

NHTSA complaint #11750323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH uphill in the mountains, the transmission started slipping, followed by a loud banging sound. The contact stated that later, while fishing, there was an abnormal metallic sound like BBs hitting a tin can coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lunged forward, followed by grinding and banging sounds. There was no indication of a fluid leak coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that shortly afterwards, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated. An unrelated warning light for the oxygen sensor was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that there was no recall coverage or assistance available for the vehicle. The manufacturer referred the owner to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.

NHTSA complaint #11749981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My transmission failed and it has been in a shop for 2 months. The pistons in the transmission failed not sure why but made it not go in reverse. The parts were on backorder for atleast a month. The warranty is out and my extended warranty will not pay because Chevorlet Dealership failed to flush my transmission when it was in for service. The transmission is a known problem on these models and was recalled for the diesel models but not the gas models.

NHTSA complaint #11748993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of the recall; therefore, paying for a placement water pump myself. The dealership is Musson Patout Automotive Group/GMC, 214 West Hwy 90 Frontage Road, New Iberia, LA 70560, [XXX]. I am requesting that my vehicle be added to the recall list, due to this oversite. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11748142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My transmission failed, yes it is available for inspection. The failure occurred without warning. I was driving my truck on the highway, suddenly it began to hesitate and making a loud winding out noise. The truck was hesitate on going forward. Yes, I had the vehicle towed to Banks Chevy, I was told the torque converter blew metal shavings into the transmission and it was a common problem with these vehicles. No warning at all, I just had my oil changed at the dealership, it was running great, out of nowhere this happened.

NHTSA complaint #11747899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

DATE: 06/17/2026 The engine shuts off without warning while I am driving, recurring roughly every 10 miles. When it stalls, the dashboard and electrical accessories stay on, but the vehicle loses motive power, along with power steering assist and power brake assist, which is extremely dangerous at road speed and in traffic. This began immediately after dealer service completed on 6/18/2026. During that visit the dealer performed two safety recalls (N252494000, the "L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion" PicoScope inspection with oil change; and N252510321, ECM software reprogramming) and a valve lifter replacement that required removing both cylinder heads. The vehicle was running and fully drivable when I dropped it off, and was returned stalling repeatedly while driving. It never did this before the service. At first the engine would not restart after stalling. The dealer replaced the starter; it now restarts but continues to stall every ~10 miles. A dealer diagnostic scan recorded numerous "Lost Communication" codes across nearly all control modules, plus control-module input-power codes showing low voltage and power-circuit correlation faults (e.g., U3505, U3018, U3007) and an active loss-of-communication code for the power steering module — consistent with an intermittent loss of electrical power or ground affecting engine control. The engine passed the recall's connecting-rod/crankshaft (PicoScope) inspection, so this is not the recalled bearing failure mode. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is undrivable. The dealer has ordered a new engine and apparently also a new radiator for reasons unknown. No crash or injury has occurred to date, but the vehicle lost power while on the freeway at speed multiple times. A GM customer assistance case is open. Repair orders and the diagnostic scan are available on request.

NHTSA complaint #11747941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.