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    2002
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Chevrolet Tahoe Change Vehicle

    The Tahoe's highlights are its responsive powertrain, quiet cabin, and good low-speed ride. But fit and finish are unimpressive, the third-row seat is very tight and handling is cumbersome.
    Alerts
    There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2002
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

    Chevrolet Tahoe

    Reliability
    See All
    Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    Crash and Rollover Tests
    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap NA
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
    IIHS Side Crash NA
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    NA
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
    2001
    2002
    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    NA
    Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Safety Equipment
    ABS standard. Side air bags standard from 2000-2002, available until 2006, standard from 2010. ESC available from 2003, standard from 2005. Head protection air bags available in 2007, standard from 2008.
    Road Test

    The Tahoe's highlights are its responsive powertrain, quiet cabin, and good low-speed ride. But fit and finish are unimpressive, the third-row seat is very tight and handling is cumbersome.

    Seating
    3 front, 3 rear, 3 third
    Drive Wheels
    4WD , Rear
    Warranty

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Body Styles
    4-door SUV
    Transmissions Available
    • 4-speed Automatic
    Engines Available
    • 4.8-liter V8 (275 hp)
    • 5.3-liter V8 (285 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    What Owners Say

    Antilock system (ABS)

    “ABS failed and we simply disconnected it”

    Stewart W., WI (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.7-L V8)

    “ABS control module failed. Had to remove and send off for repairs and then reinstall”

    Anonymous, AK (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “Check engine light indicated ABS braking system needed work. Held off on repair for about two years”

    Anonymous, MD (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4.7-L V8)
    Premature brake wear

    “The rear brakes wear out in 20,000 miles consistently and have since the vehicle was new. I have tried all the recommended fixes with no results. I'm told consistently that it's a design flaw from GM. I simply have to replace the rear brake pads every 20,000??!!”

    Mike B., CO (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)
    Load more

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    “rear main seal was leaking and had it replaced when I had transmission replaced”

    M Z., TX (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    “Oil pan gasket was replaced”

    Anonymous, OR (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “Just some small oil leaks associated with age”

    Anonymous, WA (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “Replaced oil pan gasket. Oil still leaking”

    W F., NC (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)
    Load more

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    “Compressor failed and replacement lasted 11 months”

    Anonymous, MN (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    “Clutch rubber projections wore off”

    S Z., NJ (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    “Weak cooling capacity, turned out to be caused by a leak in the rear A/C”

    Anonymous, MI (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    “Last summer my wife advised me that the air conditioning is not blowing as cold as it used to. We added Freon to it but still does not blow very cool when the truck is idling”

    Anonymous, GA (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)
    Load more

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    12V power plug

    “It was part of the module related to the highlights, dimmer switch, turn signal addressed in question before. It is all related”

    Anonymous, AL (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.7-L V8)
    Body control module

    “driver(left front) electric window motor module failed and had to be replaced”

    John F., NY (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    “The problem turned out to be the power plug located within the turn signal, headlight dimer switch module located on the steering wheel column”

    Anonymous, AL (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.7-L V8)
    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    “multiple lights blowing out after multiple replacements. not a fuse issue. replaced multiple lights in their entirety and appears to be working fine again. approximately $600 to fix. note this includes headlights”

    Anonymous, SC (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 4.7-L V8)
    Load more

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    “Paint is peeling in a few areas, mainly the tailgate/hatch back. I have never driven a car with paint peeling before. I know it is old, but rust is expected, not b\peeling paint”

    Sue B., MI (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT Unsure)

    “Clear coat peeling of & white spots on hood & Roof”

    Anonymous, CA (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)
    Rust

    “Rusting on rear bummer and panels below doors”

    Stewart W., WI (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.7-L V8)

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Alignment

    “It was a routine alignment that needs to be done on all cars periodically”

    John F., NY (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)
    Wheel bearings

    “4 wheel drive wheel bearings cannot lube. I also do not like the fact that the oil change shops say they lube the zerk fittings on the front end. they do not do it as they say they did. I have to get under the car myself to do it. I might as well get under it myself at 75 yrs to change oil!!!”

    S Z., NJ (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    What Owners Say

    Sunroof

    “The sunroof motor was repaired once, but is too costly to continue to do so p repeatedly. Living in Michigan it was not used that much that it should have died twice”

    Sue B., MI (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT Unsure)

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel pump

    “Was weak at 135000 miles and had to crank engine awhile before it would turn over”

    M Z., TX (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.2-L V8)

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    “passenger side water leak from windshield rubber seal, loosened headliner under visor & bypassenger door”

    Anonymous, CA (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    Differential

    “Had major noise from differential requiring replacement of bearings, ring and pinion gears. $2400”

    David V., UT (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Exhaust leaks

    “It developed a leak in the flange between the manifold and the exhaust pipe”

    Anonymous, BC (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    “Radio volume goes completely off without reason. Instruments lights go completely dark when auto headlights come on”

    W F., NC (2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.2-L V8)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    Change Vehicle