Chevrolet Tahoe Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Avoid the 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, which carry the highest Complaint Index scores (80, 93, 100, and 87) and the most recalls (5, 14, 16, and 5). The 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years score lowest (0, 13, 20, 7) and are the best choices.
Avoid 2011Avoid 2015Avoid 2021Avoid 2023Best 2014Best 2018Best 2019Best 2020
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 3,586
- Recall campaigns
- 50
- Crashes reported
- 107
- Fires reported
- 14
- Top problem area
- Engine
Tahoe Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Chevrolet Tahoe problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 60 | 314 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Airbags | 19 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 80 | 446 | 5 | 2 | 5 | Airbags | 19 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Good | 33 | 178 | 8 | 1 | 3 | Airbags | 19 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Good | 47 | 232 | 4 | 0 | 4 | Structure & Body | 19 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Best | 0 | 90 | 3 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 17 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 93 | 658 | 29 | 2 | 14 ! | Brakes | 18 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Caution | 67 | 256 | 17 | 1 | 8 ! | Brakes | 18 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Good | 27 | 173 | 3 | 1 | 4 ! | Transmission & Powertrain | 18.5 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Best | 13 | 104 | 6 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 18 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Best | 20 | 105 | 8 | 0 | 2 ! | Transmission & Powertrain | 17 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Best | 7 | 55 | 4 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 17 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Avoid | 100 | 453 | 9 | 3 | 16 | Engine | 17 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Caution | 73 | 187 | 3 | 3 | 4 | Engine | 16.5 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Avoid | 87 | 220 | 3 | 0 | 5 | Engine | 17 | 4★ |
| 2024 | Good | 40 | 67 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Engine | 17 | 4★ |
| 2025 | Caution | 53 | 48 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Engine | 17 | 5★ |
Tahoe years to avoid: what went wrong
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Index 100 · 453 complaints · 16 recalls
The 2021 Tahoe ranks worst overall, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 453 complaints across 16 recall campaigns. Engine problems make up 42% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 57,000, and Fuel System issues account for 26% at a median of 37,500 miles. Owners describe vehicles catching fire while parked and unoccupied, smoke entering the cabin with multiple warning lights illuminated, and brake failure at low speeds requiring the transmission to be shifted into park to stop. Recalls cover fuel tank inspection, engine inspection/repair, and transmission control module software.
2021 engine problems →2021 fuel system problems →2021 transmission & powertrain problems →
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe Index 93 · 658 complaints · 14 recalls
The 2015 Tahoe is the second-worst year, with 658 complaints, a Complaint Index of 93, and 14 recalls including one do-not-drive recall. Brakes lead complaints at 33% share with a median failure mileage of 75,000, followed by Electrical System issues at 26% share and 55,000 miles median. Owners report airbags failing to deploy in crashes, vehicles rolling away unexpectedly after being shifted into park, and one report of engine-area smoke and melted components. Three separate recalls targeted brake system reprogramming and seat belt pretensioners.
2015 brakes problems →2015 electrical system problems →2015 steering problems →
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe Index 87 · 220 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2023 Tahoe carries a Complaint Index of 87 with 220 complaints and 5 recalls. Engine complaints dominate at 63% share with a median failure mileage of 31,647. Owners report persistent brake pad sensor warnings that dealers cleared without repair, later linked to a frayed wire in the brake module, along with airbags failing to deploy in a rear-end collision and repeated dealer visits for steering and electrical issues within the first year of ownership. Recalls address the fuel tank, engine, and electronic brake control module software.
2023 engine problems →2023 transmission & powertrain problems →2023 electrical system problems →
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Index 80 · 446 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2011 Tahoe logged 446 complaints and a Complaint Index of 80, with 5 recalls. Airbags dominate the complaint mix at 41% share, with a median failure mileage of 66,900. Owners describe airbags failing to deploy in crashes, cracked dashboard panels near the airbag cover, and one report of a suspension failure that separated a front tire at low speed. Structure & Body issues follow at 18% share. A 2021 recall addressed front passenger airbag inflators, and an earlier 2014 recall covered ignition lock housing replacement.
2011 airbags problems →2011 structure & body problems →2011 electrical system problems →
Most common Chevrolet Tahoe problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Other917 (26%)
- Engine707 (20%)
- Electrical System518 (14%)
- Brakes515 (14%)
- Airbags511 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain440 (12%)
- Structure & Body370 (10%)
- Fuel System293 (8%)
- Steering166 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires142 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Chevrolet Tahoe should I avoid?
- Avoid the 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. These years have the highest Complaint Index scores (80, 93, 100, and 87) and the heaviest recall activity, with 2021 posting 16 recall campaigns and 2015 including a do-not-drive recall.
- What is the best year for a Chevrolet Tahoe?
- The 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2020 Tahoe are rated Best, with Complaint Index scores of 0, 13, 20, and 7 respectively, the lowest across all 16 model years covered.
- Is the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable based on complaints?
- The 2021 Tahoe has the worst Complaint Index of any year at 100, with 453 complaints and 16 recall campaigns. Engine problems make up 42% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 57,000.
- Does the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe have brake problems?
- Yes. Brakes account for 33% of 2015 Tahoe complaints, with a median failure mileage of 75,000. NHTSA recalls for the 2015 Tahoe include electronic brake control module reprogramming.
- How many complaints does the Chevrolet Tahoe have overall?
- Across model years 2010-2025, NHTSA lists 3,586 total complaints and 50 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Tahoe.