2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems & Owner Complaints

Unknown Or Other 101 1 fire 4 injury

“MY DOOR HANDLES ON THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE ARR CHROME. THE CHROME MATERIL HAS STARTED TO PEEL AWAY AND HAS CAUSED ME DEEP CUTS ON THE SIDES OF MY FINGERS AFTER OPENING THE DOOR.”
NHTSA complaint #11073596, 2018 · 2 injury(ies)

“DASH CRACKING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES AND GM NEEDS TO FIX IT. EVERY ONE I HAVE SEEN DOES THIS. THEY CRACK NEAR THE AIRBAG ORIGINALLY, WHICH MINE IS. IT IS BEGINNING TO CRACK IN OTHER PLACES. THE SHARP EDGES HAVE CUT MY FINGER BEFORE WHILE JUST WIPING THE DASH. THE SHARP EDGES COULD ALSO CUT INTO ELECTRICAL WIRES DOWN THE ROAD. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND STORED INDOORS AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE SHARP CRACKED EDGES LIKE THIS FROM NORMAL USE.”
NHTSA complaint #11416315, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“BOTH FRONT DOOR PANELS TEAR APART AT DOOR PULLS ,ARM RESTS. COULD BE REAR DOOR PULLS WILL TEAR UP IF USED VERY MUCH. I KNOW SOME FRIENDS, AND OTHERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ,PICK UP TRUCKS ALSO.”
NHTSA complaint #11400396, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

Air Bags 63 6 crash 1 fire 8 injury

“The vehicle was involved in a "T-Bone" collision where two vehicles drove into the driver side of my vehicle. I was not at fault and yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. In February of 2022 I took the vehicle to Felix Chevrolet to have the airbag recall repaired. In late January 2023, the "T-Bone" collision occurred. My elderly mother (front passenger) and my two sons (13 and 14 rear passengers) were also in the vehicle. ZERO airbags deployed in my vehicle. The vehicle has been parked at my residence since the incident. The vehicle or component has NOT been inspected…”
NHTSA complaint #11514629, 2023 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“THERE WAS A WRECK, WHERE THE OPPOSING DRIVER PULLED OUT TO TAKE A LEFT TURN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, 10 FT IN FRONT OF [XXX] (OWNER OF TAHOE). IMPACT WAS ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY EFFECTIVELY RESULTING IN [XXX] HAVE A BROKEN NECK AND BONE FUSION. AIRBAGS WERE EXPLODED OPEN. THESE EVENTS MIGHT NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF PROPER EQUIPMENT WAS THERE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11377506, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“DASH CRACKING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES AND GM NEEDS TO FIX IT. EVERY ONE I HAVE SEEN DOES THIS. THEY CRACK NEAR THE AIRBAG ORIGINALLY, WHICH MINE IS. IT IS BEGINNING TO CRACK IN OTHER PLACES. THE SHARP EDGES HAVE CUT MY FINGER BEFORE WHILE JUST WIPING THE DASH. THE SHARP EDGES COULD ALSO CUT INTO ELECTRICAL WIRES DOWN THE ROAD. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND STORED INDOORS AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE SHARP CRACKED EDGES LIKE THIS FROM NORMAL USE.”
NHTSA complaint #11416315, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 37 3 crash 2 injury

“THERE WAS A WRECK, WHERE THE OPPOSING DRIVER PULLED OUT TO TAKE A LEFT TURN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, 10 FT IN FRONT OF [XXX] (OWNER OF TAHOE). IMPACT WAS ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY EFFECTIVELY RESULTING IN [XXX] HAVE A BROKEN NECK AND BONE FUSION. AIRBAGS WERE EXPLODED OPEN. THESE EVENTS MIGHT NOT HAVE OCCURRED IF PROPER EQUIPMENT WAS THERE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11377506, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“WHILE TURNING LEFT (TAHOE) WITH A PROTECTED GREEN ARROW AT AN X-SHAPED INTERSECTION, VEHICLE (KIA SEDAN) AT FAULT FAILED TO YIELD AND ENTERED THE INTERSECTION AT SPEEDS UPWARDS OF 40 MPH FROM THE LEFT OF THE TAHOE. FRONT-IMPACT COLLISION OCCURRED; DUE TO THE SHAPE OF THE INTERSECTION AND THE VELOCITY OF THE IMPACT, TAHOE STRUCK PASSENGER SIDE OF KIA SEDAN. TRAJECTORY OF IMPACT CAUSED DIRECTIONAL CHANGES IN UPWARDS OF 90* FOR BOTH VEHICLES; THE FORCE OF THE PRIMARY ACCIDENT DESCRIBED ABOVE ALSO CAUSED MENTIONED VEHICLES TO COLLIDE WITH LEFT REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE (HONDA SEDAN), CAUSING NEAR 3…”
NHTSA complaint #10622016, 2014 · crash

“2012 CHEVROLET TAHOE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CRASH WHILE DRIVING SAFELY *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ACROSS A PARKING LOT, WHEN SUDDENLY HE STRUCK A LIGHT POLE AND CAUSED OVER $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. THE DRIVER MADE A COMMENT ABOUT THE VEHICLE HAVING A HUGE BLIND SPOT. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10461601, 2012 · crash

Electrical System 13 1 fire 1 injury

“DASH CRACKING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES AND GM NEEDS TO FIX IT. EVERY ONE I HAVE SEEN DOES THIS. THEY CRACK NEAR THE AIRBAG ORIGINALLY, WHICH MINE IS. IT IS BEGINNING TO CRACK IN OTHER PLACES. THE SHARP EDGES HAVE CUT MY FINGER BEFORE WHILE JUST WIPING THE DASH. THE SHARP EDGES COULD ALSO CUT INTO ELECTRICAL WIRES DOWN THE ROAD. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND STORED INDOORS AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE SHARP CRACKED EDGES LIKE THIS FROM NORMAL USE.”
NHTSA complaint #11416315, 2021 · 1 injury(ies)

“I BOUGHT TRUCK CERTIFIED BY CARL'S BUICK GMC. JAN 30TH 2014 WITH 40 SOMETHING THOUSAND MILES, ALSO PAID 5K FOR EXTENDED WARRANTY. ALTERNATOR WENT BAD, SERVICE DEPARTMENT SUCKS, AND ALSO HAD THEM CHECK MY DASH BC CRACKS STARTED, AND DEEMED DEFECTIVE BY SERVICE MANAGER BC TRUCK KEPT LIKE NEW, I ONLY DRIVE ON TRIP TO FAMILY AND DR'S, I'M HANDICAPPED, I PD CASH. AND CHARGED ME THRU EXTENDED WARRANTY, IF THE AIR BAGS GO OFF PC OF DASH GOING EVERYWHERE. NO WAY EVERYONE HAS SAME EXACT CRACKS AND TROUBLE WITH MY MOTOR BURNING OIL WHICH IS CHANGED BEFORE REALLY DUE, CALIPERS LOCKED UP, AND BURNT UP ABS…”
NHTSA complaint #10995013, 2015 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN ON OCCASION. INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO, DASH PANEL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. ALSO DOOR LOCKS, LOCK AND UNLOCK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. LAST YEAR I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED AFTER I WAS NEARLY HIT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THIS HAS RECENTLY THIS WEEK OCCURRED AGAIN 2 TIMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11362432, 2020

Engine 9 1 crash

“WHILE TURNING LEFT (TAHOE) WITH A PROTECTED GREEN ARROW AT AN X-SHAPED INTERSECTION, VEHICLE (KIA SEDAN) AT FAULT FAILED TO YIELD AND ENTERED THE INTERSECTION AT SPEEDS UPWARDS OF 40 MPH FROM THE LEFT OF THE TAHOE. FRONT-IMPACT COLLISION OCCURRED; DUE TO THE SHAPE OF THE INTERSECTION AND THE VELOCITY OF THE IMPACT, TAHOE STRUCK PASSENGER SIDE OF KIA SEDAN. TRAJECTORY OF IMPACT CAUSED DIRECTIONAL CHANGES IN UPWARDS OF 90* FOR BOTH VEHICLES; THE FORCE OF THE PRIMARY ACCIDENT DESCRIBED ABOVE ALSO CAUSED MENTIONED VEHICLES TO COLLIDE WITH LEFT REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE (HONDA SEDAN), CAUSING NEAR 3…”
NHTSA complaint #10622016, 2014 · crash

“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the same diagnostic information was provided. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approx…”
NHTSA complaint #11657526, 2025

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN ON OCCASION. INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO, DASH PANEL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. ALSO DOOR LOCKS, LOCK AND UNLOCK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. LAST YEAR I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED AFTER I WAS NEARLY HIT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THIS HAS RECENTLY THIS WEEK OCCURRED AGAIN 2 TIMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11362432, 2020

Power Train 7

“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to slow for a traffic light and the vehicle jerked while shifting into low gear. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal when the traffic light had changed, the vehicle hesitated before responding and was jerking and shuddering while changing gear and accelerating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure became a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed an…”
NHTSA complaint #11630320, 2024

“PERIODICLY, WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE RADIO WILL TURN OFF, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL BLINK, THE DOOR LOCKS WILL REPEATEDLY LOCK/UNLOCK, TRANSMISSION WILL FEEL LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL OR THE ENGINE WILL COMPLETELY TURN OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #11283021, 2019

“METAL SHAVINGS IN FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, MILEAGE IS 54991. TOLD WARRANTY EXPIRED 9/5/19”
NHTSA complaint #11257356, 2019

Service Brakes 6 3 crash

“AS I WAS DRIVING ON 176TH GETTING READY TO TURN ON SPANAWAY LOOP MY WOULDN'T COMPLETE THE RIGHT TURN OR STOP SO I HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER TRUCK AND MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.”
NHTSA complaint #11278797, 2018 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING WEST BOUND ON 176TH ST AND AS I APPROACHED THE LIGHT I COULD NOT BRAKE OR TURN MY CAR TO THE RIGHT IN WHICH I HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. ON IN PACKED MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE EVEN TOLD THE OFFICER HE WAS TRYING TO TURN , HIS EYES WERE AS BIG AS A COWS CLEARLY HE WAS IN DISTRESS. LUCKILY NEITHER OF US WERE INJURED.”
NHTSA complaint #11194940, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH AND APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10548433, 2013 · crash

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN ON OCCASION. INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO, DASH PANEL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. ALSO DOOR LOCKS, LOCK AND UNLOCK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. LAST YEAR I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED AFTER I WAS NEARLY HIT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THIS HAS RECENTLY THIS WEEK OCCURRED AGAIN 2 TIMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11362432, 2020

“THE STABLITRACK OFF LIGHT CAME ON. THE DOOR LOCKS RAPIDLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE ENGINE WAS SURGING WITH LOSS OF POWER. THE RADIO WAS GOING OFF AND ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11143949, 2018

“THE TRACTION AND STABILITRAK CONTROLS ARE COMING ON AND STAYING WE HAVEN'T FOUND THE PROBLEM YET BUT I NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL ON BOTH AT ONE POINT”
NHTSA complaint #11093808, 2018

Steering 4 2 crash

“AS I WAS DRIVING ON 176TH GETTING READY TO TURN ON SPANAWAY LOOP MY WOULDN'T COMPLETE THE RIGHT TURN OR STOP SO I HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER TRUCK AND MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.”
NHTSA complaint #11278797, 2018 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING WEST BOUND ON 176TH ST AND AS I APPROACHED THE LIGHT I COULD NOT BRAKE OR TURN MY CAR TO THE RIGHT IN WHICH I HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. ON IN PACKED MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE EVEN TOLD THE OFFICER HE WAS TRYING TO TURN , HIS EYES WERE AS BIG AS A COWS CLEARLY HE WAS IN DISTRESS. LUCKILY NEITHER OF US WERE INJURED.”
NHTSA complaint #11194940, 2018 · crash

“While barely moving, (about 2 mph), in a parking lot & preparing to make a sharp left turn, knuckle of driver's side wheel assembly suddenly broke, causing the wheel assembly to collapse, wheel top tilted inward and bottom tilted outward, causing major damage to upper and lower control arms, tie rod and significant body damage to two body parts at the wheel opening. Mechanic reported that there had been very excessive ‘play’ before the collapse At 86,000 miles, this is a very low-mileage for this degree of wear and complete failure, on a full-size, PPV SUV, with many heavy-duty features, desi…”
NHTSA complaint #11519776, 2023

Wheels 3

“AFTER 15 DAYS OF PURCHASING SUV REALIZE THE TWO REAR TIRES WERE RIPPED FROM THE SIDES, TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TIRES, ALSO BRAKES ARE MAKING A LOT OF NOISE, THEY SAID BRAKES WERE DIRTY AND THEY CLEANED, NOISE NEVER WENT AWAY. WE TOOK THE SUV TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 07/25/2019 WE PURCHASE 06/28/2019... DEALER OFFERED TO ONLY REPLACE ONE TIRE, WHICH WE DECLINED. ON THE 08/05/2019 ONE OF THE TIRED OPENED WHILE DRIVING AND NO LONGER WORK, HAD TO BUY TWO NEW TIRES SINCE TIRE SHOP SAID IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO USE THOSE TIRES”
NHTSA complaint #11242854, 2019

“THE TRACTION AND STABILITRAK CONTROLS ARE COMING ON AND STAYING WE HAVEN'T FOUND THE PROBLEM YET BUT I NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL ON BOTH AT ONE POINT”
NHTSA complaint #11093808, 2018

“I HAVE A CRACK DASH IN 3 OR MORE SPOT AND MY WHEELS ARE CRACKING THE CHROME AWAY”
NHTSA complaint #11373899, 2013

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side and passenger’s side doors failed to open manually or while using the power door lock button. The contact was concerned because rear-seat occupants could be trapped and injured during a crash or a vehicle fire. The dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11733627, 2026

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHEN ENTERING THROUGH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS, THE HANDLE LATCHES FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CLASSIC CHEVROLET (1101 W STATE HWY 114, GRAPEVINE, TX 76051, (817) 421-1200) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HANDLE LATCHES FRACTURED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOORS. THE HANDLES AND LATCHES WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED $100 CREDIT TOWARDS THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. *BF *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11268863, 2019

Suspension 2

“While barely moving, (about 2 mph), in a parking lot & preparing to make a sharp left turn, knuckle of driver's side wheel assembly suddenly broke, causing the wheel assembly to collapse, wheel top tilted inward and bottom tilted outward, causing major damage to upper and lower control arms, tie rod and significant body damage to two body parts at the wheel opening. Mechanic reported that there had been very excessive ‘play’ before the collapse At 86,000 miles, this is a very low-mileage for this degree of wear and complete failure, on a full-size, PPV SUV, with many heavy-duty features, desi…”
NHTSA complaint #11519776, 2023

“SUSPENSION SYSTEM MESSAGE KEEP COMING ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11098947, 2018

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“CPM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO BECOME STUCK IN FULL OPEN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND WOULD NOT STOP. COMPUTER WAS STUCK IN 100% MODE. BRAKES INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. TAHOE CONTINUED TO GAIN SPEED. RPM'S RUNNING BETWEEN 500-600 RPM. TRAFFIC WAS EVERYWHERE TURNING ONTO A 2 LANE SIDE ROAD AND NOTIFYING 911 I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. THE VEHICLE COASTED FOR ANOTHER MILE OR MORE BEFORE STOPPING. THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING AT THAT POINT.”
NHTSA complaint #11186042, 2019

“I WAS PASSING ON A TWO LANE HIGH WAY AT AN ACCELERATED SPEED AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE DIES, NO LIGHTS NO NOTHING TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. LUCKILY I HAVE ENOUGH MOMENTUM THAT I SAFELY GET AROUND THE SEMI AND CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO COAST UNTIL I FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER. I CALL MY LOCAL DEALER WHO WILL NOT COME TOW ME AS I AM APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES FROM HOME ALTHOUGH I DO HAVE GM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. I TURN OFF THE IGNITION AND IT DOES RESTART SO I MANAGE TO DRIVE TO A NEARBY DEALERSHIP AND LEAVE IT THERE. NOTHING SHOWS UP ON THE COMPUTER I REFUSE TO TAKE IT HOME. SHOULD THEY NOT BE ABLE…”
NHTSA complaint #10626334, 2014

Equipment 1

“CPSC: STOCK INTERIORS; 2012 CHEVROLET TAHOE: CONSUMER STATED THE INSTRUCTIONS WERE NOT CLEAR ON HOW TO INSTALL AUTOMOBILE CARPET. *SS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM A FLEET DISTRIBUTOR, THAT CAME FROM THE FACTORY WITH ONLY RUBBER FLOOR MATS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CARPET WAS NOT PRECUT FOR THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10898804, 2016

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. THE MECHANIC ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FUEL PUMP, ASSOCIATED WITH THE WIRING, SEAL, WIRING HARNESS, AND FUEL SYSTEM, WAS NOT GETTING POWER. THE SPARE TIRE WAS LET DOWN TO FURTHER INSPECT THE AREA AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE PINS WERE DISCONNECTED, AND THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF CORROSION TO THE SEALS AND WIRING NEAR THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHE…”
NHTSA complaint #10965856, 2017