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    2004
    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 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2004
    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?
    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 (285 hp)
    • 5.3-liter V8 (295 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    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 is going bad. Have been adding refrigerant as needed and will continue doing this until the compressor goes out completely”

    Gerald O., TN (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.8-L V8)
    Automatic climate control

    “The temp control switch behind the dash stopped working and defaulted to hot air thru the vents”

    Greg H., AZ (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

    “The fan didn't work on a few settings. Actuator replacement”

    Anonymous, WI (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 5.3-L V8)

    “Blower only worked on level 5”

    Anonymous, VA (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.8-L V8)

    “AC went from cool to hot”

    Anonymous, FL (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 5.3-L V8)
    Heater system

    “System does not blow warm air in cold weather”

    Anonymous, VA (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.8-L V8)

    “Dual air heater door broke”

    Anonymous, OR (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

    “Slow leak that hasn't been able to be found”

    Anonymous, OR (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
    Load more

    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

    4WD/AWD components

    “The transfer case would default to 4 low setting on occasion, without the selector button being pushed”

    Greg H., AZ (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

    “4WD has given me a lot of trouble. I've replaced the dashboard control unit and the motorized actuator. But I still get occasional warnings on the dash display that there's a problem. I haven't had this looked at by a mechanic yet”

    Steven H., UT (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)

    “Needed to replace transfer case control module; program new module”

    Dave Z., CA (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 5.3-L V8)
    Differential

    “I had a whining sound in the rear end, sounded like it was ready to go out. Had to have it rebuilt”

    Eddie A., TN (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

    “Needed standard service of rear diff; diagnosed as pinion seal leak, bearings, and seals”

    Dave Z., CA (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure 5.3-L V8)

    “got stuck in 4 wheel low & would change out of it”

    Ken F., CO (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-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

    Gauges

    “Replaced all twice, another has not working. Crappy, crappy instruments”

    Anonymous, TX (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.8-L V8)

    “Speed and tachometer gauges stopped working. Had to replace the entire assembly”

    Sherrie M., TX (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)

    “control for A/C & heat some times won't switch .... so I some times get heat on hot days & a/c on cold days. gauges & dash lights went out”

    Ken F., CO (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    “Burn out quickly, since almost new to now”

    Anonymous, TX (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.8-L V8)

    “Chevy running lights and fog lamps are notorious for running with one burnt out. Turns out that the light connectors are prone to shorting out. I replace a lot of bulbs before replacing the socket”

    Craig M., CA (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
    Tire pressure monitor

    “THE IDIOT LIGHT IS ON TOO MUCH DUE TO THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR THAT DOES NOT WORK PROPER”

    Anonymous, AL (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
    Load more

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Antilock system (ABS)

    “I have had to get the brakes done about every 3-6 months. it's mostly the abs just keep breaking. But i have had problem with the parking breaks”

    Anonymous, MS (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

    “Leak”

    Anonymous, MN (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Unsure Unsure)

    Engine Major

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

    What Owners Say

    “At 88,000 miles, had to replace the engine at a cost of just over $10,000 due to a cracked cylinder head”

    Lori D., WI (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4.8-L V8)
    Engine rebuild or replacement

    “This was a total disappointment. The engine went without warning. Just ceased up”

    Raijean J., NJ (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

    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

    What Owners Say

    Starter

    “The factory starter completely quit working after being problematic for about a week. The car left my wife stranded at the gym. I replaced the starter myself, but had to do it in the gym parking lot”

    Steven H., UT (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-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

    Seat controls - movement

    “The auto reset memory sends the seat back to the position for a SHORT PERSON, I'm 6' 6" tall !!”

    Anonymous, AL (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

    Paint/Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Loose interior trim or moldings

    “headliner started to come loose and hang down around front doors windows and windshield”

    Anonymous, CA (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 4.8-L V8)

    Body Integrity

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

    What Owners Say

    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    “The weather stripping on the driver window is not at tight as it needs to be, has been replaced, but the door still does not shut as tight as it should. I added a strip of weather striping and it works fine. I asked the service rep, a good guy, about adjusting the door and he said replacing a door hinge would be really expensive. It works well for me”

    Craig M., CA (2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

    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.

    Engine Minor

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

    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.

    Transmission Minor

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    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.

    Exhaust

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

    Change Vehicle