2011
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Tahoe

Unlock Ratings
This revised version of the Tahoe has its good points, but the SUV remains a big hulk that handles clumsily and thirsts for gasoline. On the upside, it delivers readily available power, rides pretty well, its cavernous cabin stays quiet and it offers generous second-row seating. The six-speed automatic transmission also brings some improvement in acceleration and fuel economy. Towing heavy loads is another forte.
Alerts
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2011
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2011 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
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07*
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Show More Trouble Spots
Show Fewer Trouble Spots
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 329,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2020 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA 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.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

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

Body control module

"When in reverse the door mirrors are supposed to tilt down, called curb assist. They both failed"

Randy D., NH (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Cruise control

"Problem: Intermittent check engine light and cruise control function. Solution: Removed and replaced the brake light switch."

Anonymous, AZ (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"DAY TIME DRIVING LIGHT BURNT OUT IN FRONT BY HEADLIGHT OUT"

Rick M., ON (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)

"Right turn signals quit working because of a problem in the BCM, about 500 to fix it"

Bill M., CA (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"Daytime running lights out and these needed changing which was much more difficult due to designed (2 hours to change)"

Anonymous, FL (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"Running lights don't last long.Dealers want $800 dollars to change them but I can change them myself but it is difficult."

Anonymous, ON (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Gauges

"back lights on dash went out. problem affected reading lights and overhead light"

Anonymous, SC (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe)
Heated or cooled seats

"Driver side stopped heating. $600 repair"

Anonymous, WA (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)

"Driver seat is no longer adjustable in any way"

Anonymous, TX (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT Unsure)

"There was an electrical short causing the driver side seat heater to turn on and off while driving."

Anonymous, GA (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
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Brakes

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

What Owners Say

Normal routine brake wear

"I had to replace the rear brake pads."

Gilbert A., TX (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"Rotors need resurfacing and pads need replaced. Estimated cost for front a rear breaks is $630"

Norman P., CO (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 6.0-L V8 hybrid)

"Normal wear and tear with pads and rotors."

Anonymous, MA (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"During one of our worst storms of the year we found a half of a brake shoe behind the car that was parked in our garage. We think it broke when we got stuck in a snowdrift. When we took the tahoe to the car dealer to be fixed he said he had never heard of this happening but sure enough the rear pad was broken. The rear caliper brackets were worn out and needed replacing. the rear brake rotors and pads were also replaced. They also set the brake fluid levels."

Janet N., MT (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)
Rotors

"Flushed Differentials, replaced rear brake pads, and machined rotors"

Anonymous, MT (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)

"Normal wear and tear of rotors."

Anonymous, MA (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
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Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Exterior moldings on door have all come off"

Daniel W., CO (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"Black composite trim under front bumper fell off. This is second time in two years. Cannot replace now without replacing entire bumper system"

Anonymous, TX (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Loose interior trim or moldings

"The center console would rattle and squeak"

Richard N., AZ (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Rust

"Rust on rear hatch door. Dealer auto body tech told me poor quality metal. Chevy wouldn't do anything to remedy the problem"

Terry C., MA (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
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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

"Just needed some Freon"

Anonymous, IN (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)
Automatic climate control

"Control unit died. Had to be replaced"

Andrew F., AR (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Refrigerant leaks

"WHEN I BOUGHT TAHOE THE AIR WAS NOT WORKING THERE WAS ALEAK OR NEEDS NEW COMPRESER"

Rick M., ON (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)

"Rear lines leaking, had to block them off. New lines too expensive and parts would have had to be ordered"

Anonymous, NY (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3-L V8)
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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

Mirrors

"First passenger outside mirror stopped closing and then driver outside mirror stopped closing both are now fixed and cannot be opened or closed as required."

Travis R., TX (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Seat controls - movement

"Driver seat adjustment motor not functioning."

Bill R., TX (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 5.3-L V8)
Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Tailgate window pops open occasionally."

Bill R., TX (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 5.3-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

Ball joints

"Loose upper ball joints replaced"

Janet N., MT (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)
Electronic or air suspension

"Suspension light message will not go off. After replacing all the parts to correct the message."

Anonymous, MO (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Steering wheel vibration

"There is vibration in the wheel at highway speeds and the steering feels very loose. It takes seemingly large wheel movements to do slight adjustments while going down the road"

Marc O., CO (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

Engine Minor

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

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"oil cooler lines are leaking, replace engine oil cooler lines"

Janet N., MT (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)

"In March we noticed that the oil cooler lines were leaking, the dealer replaced the engine oil cooler lines, filled with oil and checked the leak."

Janet N., MT (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 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.

What Owners Say

Fuel injection system

"Engine Code P446, plugged up vent valve and plugged canister"

Anonymous, MT (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-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

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"The system itself does not show current routes and/or stores selected. I know that a facility exists but the GPS will not show how to get there. I must plug in my Garmin GPS to get when I want to go and find the stores i want to get to"

Anonymous, TX (2011 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

Engine Major

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

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

Drive System

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

Exhaust

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

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.

Body Integrity

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

Compare 2011 Models

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS
Feb 05, 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed beginning March 1, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V054000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1778128
Hide Recall Details
AIR BAGS
Feb 05, 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed beginning March 1, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 3, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V050000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2641272
Hide Recall Details
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Dec 02, 2016
A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit vehicles manufactured August 24, 2009, to December 1, 2013. The affected vehicles, equipped with special equipment options for police or government service, may experience corrosion of the under-hood cooling fan assembly due to fluid intrusion, which may result in an electrical short circuit.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fan motor and shroud, extend the wiring and re-orient the fan motor to reduce the risk of corrosion, free of charge. The recall began on September 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16145.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V868000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 49927
Hide Recall Details
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 30, 2014
If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V827000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 84192
Hide Recall Details
STEERING
Jun 28, 2011
THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ATTACHING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
What should you do:
GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLTS ARE TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
For more information:
GM'S SAFETY RECALL NO. 11191.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V339000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 739
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Jan 06, 2011
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
For more information:
THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN IS AN EXPANSION TO 10V-643.GM'S SAFETY RECALL NO. 10426A.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V007000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 30566
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