2016
New 2022
Used 2021 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 big SUV, which is built on a full-sized pickup chassis, seems like a throwback in a world where nearly every other SUV is now based on a carlike unibody structure. It's a virtual twin of the GMC Yukon and essentially a shorter version of the Chevrolet Suburban, with a 20-inch shorter length and about 24 cubic feet less cargo room.
Alerts
There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2016
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 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.
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.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
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.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

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
NA
2001
NA
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
NA
2007
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
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.
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
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
NA
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
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 2010. ESC standard from 2005. Head protection air bags standard from 2008. FCW and AEB standard from 2021.
Road Test

This big SUV, which is built on a full-sized pickup chassis, seems like a throwback in a world where nearly every other SUV is now based on a carlike unibody structure. It's a virtual twin of the GMC Yukon and essentially a shorter version of the Chevrolet Suburban, with a 20-inch shorter length and about 24 cubic feet less cargo room.

For 2015, the Tahoe, Suburban, and their GMC counterparts received a major update, with chiseled looks, a nicely finished interior, the latest technology, and slightly better fuel economy. At $60,000, however, our typically equipped LT test vehicle competes with many other luxury SUVs that offer a better driving experience and about the same utility.

Seating
3 front, 3 rear, 3 third
Drive Wheels
4WD, Rear
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

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
  • 6-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

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

Apple CarPlay

"Any time my iphone 11 conects to carplay the whole system restarts"

Anonymous, MO (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Backup or other camera/sensors

"Lane Assist keeps having issues. It (the camera) was finally replaced so hopefully its fixed"

Jason C., TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
CD player

"CD would not eject"

Anonymous, AL (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Display screen freezes up

"Screen controls stopped working for radio and audio functions"

Anonymous, AL (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"On freeway. Sound went to max volume. Screen frozen. No control functioned correctly. Pulled off, stopped engine. Restarted ok. System needs a reboot feature that is operator controlled. This was a dangerous issue. Max vol is painfull."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Display screen goes blank

"Display screen would go blank periodically. Then it suddenly stayed blank. Took it to the dealer. They couldn't figure it out, but ended up replacing the screen in its entirety. Due to this function not working, it also caused the following features to cease: bluetooth, radio, Apple Play."

Anonymous, PA (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"Upon starting vehicle I have a blank black screen numerous times. Only after several trips does screen come start back up"

Michael A., NC (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"Main Screen went out. dealership updated software and fixed"

Jason C., TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"Had to have a new mother board installed for the screen."

Anonymous, WI (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Very inaccurate or incorrect directions"

Michael A., NC (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"The built-in GPS antenna module stopped working. The vehicle equipment (compass) was unable to display information."

Anonymous, TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"quit working when Manufacturer's warranty expired....like magic"

Anonymous, SC (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"GPS antena failure due to water intrusion / short"

Anonymous, CT (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"When we acquired the vehicle the GPS was inaccurate, showing us in a completely different location. We had to return it to the dealer to have it repaired."

Anonymous, MN (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"cannot connect to apple iPhone"

Kathleen T., CA (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Radio

"XM antenna housing took on water causing antenna to short out. Problem occurred after 3 year warranty expired. Clearly a design flaw, but I had to pay $500 to get it fixed."

Anonymous, TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Rear entertainment system (e.g., DVD player, rear screen)

"Video failed, screen replaced"

Anonymous, IL (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
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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

"The vehicle had been in an accident & had some frame damage on the left front that was not repaired correctly. The front end could not even be aligned. The strut, wheel bearing,& control arm on the front left wheel were replaced under warranty. I had the frame damage repaired at a frame shop. The left front is starting to make the same noise again & I will take back to the dealer to repair since I purchased the GMAC extended warranty."

Anonymous, TN (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Bushings

"Upper control arm fractured"

Anonymous, FL (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Electronic or air suspension

"Rear air suspension had issues causing the back of the car to be "bouncy". Replaced and everything is great"

Anonymous, (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Shocks or struts

"Not covered by warranty and the cost to replace the two front at 30+kmi was $1800.00"

Anonymous, TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"These are the newest magnetic suspension struts. Extremely excpensive and warranty was only 36,000 miles, which indicates GM is fully aware they have an issue."

E W., TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Steering wheel vibration

"22 inch wheels with Bridgestone tires have vibrations. Dealer and GM advised Nornal . Reduced air pressure to minimize high speed vibration . Still an issue"

Anonymous, FL (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Wheel balance

"Car had vibration. Was in shop eight times and had twelve new tires installed. Finally put a set of Michelin tires on to eliminate vibration. Original tires were Bridgestone"

Anonymous, PA (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-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

"went out and was replaced under warrenty"

James M., TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"Didn't blow cool air."

Anonymous, WI (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Automatic climate control

"a/c on but hot air comes out... later, ac on and cold air comes out. sometimes hot continues and cold then starts after 5 minutes"

Randy J., SC (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Blower (fan) motor

"Front and rear fan motors make noise at various times, but not continuous"

Jack W., VA (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Condenser

"Stopped working. It has become a known problem for the tahoes and they increased the warranty on it to 60000 miles."

Anonymous, (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Never had an a/c issue with my previous Cheve. Extremely expensive and out of warranty, of course."

Anonymous, TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Chevrolet had recognized the problem with the condenser leaking and had extended the warranty for this problem. Unfortunately my Tahoe had passed this mileage before I had an issue. Fortunately I had purchased and extended warranty that covered the problem."

Anonymous, FL (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Load more

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

"car leaked water from top right side of roof"

Anonymous, SK (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3-L V8)

"This was the water leak described in previous answer regarding xm antenna leak."

Anonymous, TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Squeaks or rattles

"Ongoing rattle noticed near rear left passenger seatbelt. Had service investigate for free, nothing found, but it went away."

Anonymous, AR (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Rattle in door found to be a lose actuator missing a nut from the factory. Satisfied with the fix"

Anonymous, WI (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Unknown (Non consistent) noises toward the rear of the vehicle that started about six months ago."

Anonymous, FL (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"seats rattled when empty"

Anonymous, TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Rattles in rear tailgate area. Dealer unable to assist"

Anonymous, SC (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
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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

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"fog light bulb replacement."

Anonymous, PA (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"fog light bulbs; turn signal light bulbs; battery failed first year"

Anonymous, PA (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"left rear blinker bulb has burnt out twice. replaced under warranty."

Frederick M., OK (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3-L V8)
Gauges

"Virtually the entire electronic dashboard failed. The unit was replaced."

Charles B., FL (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Interior lights

"NOTE: I miskeyed in the year - it is a 2015 Chevy Tahoe. Rear seat ceiling light would flash periodically. It took three trips to the dealerships to get it fixed. It was quite dangerous at night especially!"

Anonymous, VA (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)
Load more

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Transmission went completely out with 450 miles on the vehicle. The dealer rebuilt it"

Cheryl M., TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3-L V8)

"The car was 3 years old, just off lease and certified by a GM dealer when I purchased it. The day I left the car lot ended with car inoperable before I made it home! The dealer gave me a free tow and repair. I like the car but don't consider it reliable for the long term (I usually try to keep cars 8 years or more. A transmission that breaks down and leaves the car inoperable at 3 years of age will not ever feel reliable to me. Also certified were the tires (that the tread was adequate) but I felt the tires had inadequate tread replaced them. I could see the value of the tires prior to purchase so that problem is on me. I don't feel certified used cars are a good value although certification saved me an expensive repair. Rather I feel the car should have been repaired prior to the sale."

Anonymous, (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"Transmission went out at 119000 miles vehicle is mostly driven on the highway"

Anonymous, TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3-L V8)

"While driving, transmission failed in all upper gears requiring a complete stop. Was able to drive in lower gears to get to dealer. It took two weeks to get parts and rebuild transmission. Was under an extended warranty."

Anonymous, UT (2016 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)

"Braking system suddenly stopped working during slow speeds. The very same week, I received a recall notice for this specific problem."

Anonymous, TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Master cylinder

"At low speed the power assist did not seem to work. Going way back this was like some vehicles I owned that the power assist went away it the motor stopped while driving."

Anonymous, WV (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Rotors

"rotors rusted; couldn't be turned; had to be replaced"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Started receiving incorrect warnings. Some of the in seat buzzers failed. After the sensors were replaced started receiving warnings that we had not experienced when the ca was new."

Roger F., NH (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

"After 20 months of ownership one of two haptic motors under drivers seat failed."

John W., CT (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-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

4WD/AWD components

"front shock absorbers leaking and front end vibrating. dealer aware and "just out of warranty...""

Anonymous, TX (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)
Electrical failure

"The electrical component that controls 4WD selection made a scrapping sound and was a know failure item that was not considered part of the drive train under warranty. A $400 fix."

Roger F., NH (2016 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.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Was told that a valve lifter failed. It was out of service for four weeks"

Anonymous, NH (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

Paint/Trim

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

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"loose and damaged luggage rack on roof"

Gary M., IL (2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3-L V8)

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.

Engine Minor

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

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

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.

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.

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