2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems & Owner Complaints

Unknown Or Other 25 2 crash 1 injury

“I had an accident in this vehicle where the airbags deployed upon impact (as they were designed). However, once airbags deployed, my vehicle was filled with smoke (from the airbags) and all of my windows were covered and I couldn't see out. Panic set in as I tried to get out of the vehicle and my door would not open. After several moments I thought about the door locks, they were engaged of course. Once I realized and hit unlock, the door opened. This isn't an issue as far as parts being a defect or anything like that, but today I heard of a Texas DPS Trooper being in an accident in his T…”
NHTSA complaint #11552973, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmissio…”
NHTSA complaint #11753184, 2026

“WHEN IT RAINS REALLY HARD, THE ROOF IN THE B PILLAR LEAKS ABOVE THE SEAT BELT AREA INTO THE HEADLINER. MY HUSBAND WHO IS AN AUTOBODY TECHNICIAN HAS MADE SURE MY SUNROOF LINES ARE CLEAR AND THE WINDSHIELD MOLDINGS AND SEALS ARE GOOD. HE HAD ANOTHER ONE AT HIS PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND IT WAS THE ROOF WELDS, WHICH ARE DONE BY THE MANUFACTURER. I AM HEARING MORE AND MORE TAHOE OWNERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. AS MUCH AS THESE VEHICLES COSTS US, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THIS CAUSES MOLD IN THE ROOF AND RUSTING. THIS HAS TO BE LOOKED INTO BECAUSE THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR…”
NHTSA complaint #11749000, 2026

Engine 19

“Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmissio…”
NHTSA complaint #11753184, 2026

“During a road trip, we came to a stop and upon stepping on gas to proceed on the road and it wouldn't go. The engine revved and "pulled" until we were able to move. We took it to a dealership as well as private mechanic and was told it is an engine problem and running $3k or more to have it fixed. We have small children and consider this a safety hazard. Unfortunately, this is the only vehicle we have to commute.”
NHTSA complaint #11737962, 2026

“Was driving approximately 45MPH and the truck just slowly powered down and "Engine Power Reduced" and eventually cut off and wouldn't crank back up. Got it towed to the Chevrolet dealership and was told the engine has to be replaced due to the bottom of the motor and the crankshaft in cylinder one. Was told it would be 17k to repair it.”
NHTSA complaint #11726485, 2026

Power Train 19 1 crash

“Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmissio…”
NHTSA complaint #11753184, 2026

“Transmission failure at 127,000 miles. Multiple flairs in transmission resulting in total rebuild”
NHTSA complaint #11743074, 2026

“Unknown, vehicle starts to jerk when shifting gears. Jerks when breaking and when accelerating. Check engine light on. I see there is a prior recall for the same issue on same year as mine”
NHTSA complaint #11718209, 2026

Service Brakes 19 2 crash 1 injury 1 death

“OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS HARD TO PUSH AFTER THE TRUCK SITS OVER NIGHT. THE VACUUM BLEEDS OUT INDICATING A VACUUM LEAK IN THE SYSTEM. GM AND THE DEALER SAID THIS MODEL AND YEAR NOT COVERED UNDER CURRENT RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11316508, 2019 · crash · 1 death(s)

“While driving home, the the FAC, forward automatic crash, indicator light came on, I applied the brakes and watched to my dismay as my vehicle slowed down but would not stop. I applied steady hard pressure until impact with another vehicle in front of me. The FAB, forward automatic braking system never kicked in. I will contact the dealer concerning the above issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11490509, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the brake pedal had to be depressed very hard to start the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake vacuum pump was not operating correctly and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to a Special Coverage Adjustment: N182202780 (Brake Assist Decreased Due to Vac…”
NHTSA complaint #11689128, 2025

Electrical System 12

“The Body Control Module does not work. A new BCM was installed in my car in April 2025. Since then I am having multiple issues, but the safety related issue is with the trailer braking system. It is available for inspection upon request. The dealership is unwilling to try another BCM without it costing me $600 for labor. If I am unable to use my brakes, then I put myself and others on the road at risk. The problem started with a Tire Monitor System. I was told I needed a BCM to fix the problem so the car would not throw codes. Now, I am being told the problems with the brakes are not com…”
NHTSA complaint #11673393, 2025

“Purchased brand new Chevy 2018 Tahoe in April 2019. Overall good car never had any issues until 02/08/23 as I was driving a got a service alert "Trailer Brake System", It was so random since we have not hauled anything for that to even become a problem. The next day 2/09/23 the car was not drivable it wouldn't turn on it kept giving me the same alert "Trailer Brake System". I called the dealership and they said it's a defect and have to take the Tahoe in for service since only they can find the defected harness and now I have to pay out of pocket for something that I did nothing wrong, somethi…”
NHTSA complaint #11506512, 2023

“I was sold a vehicle from a dealer in Arizona that online says they only sell to government or law enforcement”
NHTSA complaint #11523949, 2022

Steering 11

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot and returning to start the vehicle, the “Power Steering Assist Fault” message was displayed, and the vehicle was difficult to turn to the right or the left. The contact left the vehicle in the parking lot and after returning to the vehicle later and starting the vehicle, the vehicle had regained power steering assist functionality. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The contact was advi…”
NHTSA complaint #11641998, 2025

“First occasion the car drove fine with no indication of an issue. Then once the car was turned off then on, the dash showed no lights or gauges and indicated that the steering assist is not working and the wheel was impossible to turn (almost like a limp mode but not driveable). Disconnected the battery to try and clear the issue and car drove home fine. Was told it could be a bad battery so replaced the battery and it worked fine for about a month. Then again with no indication did it again and this time it cleared itself after about 30 minutes. Dealer said there was a short in the negative b…”
NHTSA complaint #11599841, 2024

“Power steering went out with kids in the car when vehicle only had 76000 miles. There was a special coverage for 2018 models that my vin was not a part of. Had it been this wouldn't have happened to my family. I was without a vehicle for over 2 weeks since dealership had to reach out to GM to find the part. Apparently, this is big issue for other models and years which explains the part shortage. A few months prior there was a service power steering on my dash, and I couldn't turn my steering wheel. Took it to dealership and they brushed it off as computer issue. Again, I feel if my vehicle w…”
NHTSA complaint #11526326, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 7

“I can smell gas inside my cabin and also when parked in garage. Mechanic said my fuel injector seals are leaking and this is a known issue . The safety bulletin 18-NA-137 November 2019. This is a SAFETY ISSUE and needs to be addressed for the safety of myself and others. Please issue recall immediately so I can get fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11616828, 2024

“7-21-23 Unit stalled 3 times today. The last time was while driving. Check engine light on. 1-29-24 Today I was responding to an emergency backup for an officer that was fighting two subjects. The subjects were fleeing from a stolen vehicle and it was dispatched that these subjects were armed. I never made it to this call because my vehicle #10688 would not accelerate past 23mph and then shut off leaving me stranded in the roadway. While waiting for a tow truck I was able to get the vehicle started again and was able to drive at only 36mph to try to get to the scene and assist the office…”
NHTSA complaint #11581733, 2024

“9-19-23 Vehicle stalled and started sputtering when turned on.”
NHTSA complaint #11581718, 2023

Forward Collision Avoidance 4 1 crash 1 injury

“While driving home, the the FAC, forward automatic crash, indicator light came on, I applied the brakes and watched to my dismay as my vehicle slowed down but would not stop. I applied steady hard pressure until impact with another vehicle in front of me. The FAB, forward automatic braking system never kicked in. I will contact the dealer concerning the above issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11490509, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that in 2024 the front windshield was damaged, and the windshield was replaced. The Insurance Company was notified and requested that an aftermarket windshield be placed on the vehicle. In May of 2025 the contact noticed that the Chevrolet Assist Camera behind the rearview mirror had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that since the windshield was not an OEM windshield replacement, the part caused the camera to fail. The camera was unable to be calibrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…”
NHTSA complaint #11692071, 2025

“Caliper became stuck which produced smoke coming from tire. Had the caliper replaced. Then months later my forward collision system activated because a car in front of me stopped abruptly. After the car automatically braked to slow my car down, the brake never released and became stuck and the ABS light came on. Replace the abs sensor and two days later the brake engaged on its own while doing 60 mph on the highway. Now whenever the hill assist, collision warning, or anything else is activated, the brake engages and gets stuck. In addition, at times on the highway my brake will engage on its o…”
NHTSA complaint #11557661, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the camshaft and valve train needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileag…”
NHTSA complaint #11669195, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was restarted. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft push rods, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the crankshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8…”
NHTSA complaint #11644019, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and abruptly slowed down and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the SMR lifter and the engine failed. The contact called the local dealer who informed her that the parts were back ordered but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 104,163.”
NHTSA complaint #11493707, 2022

Structure 3

“EVERYTIME IT RAINS REALLY HARD, MY DRIVERS SIDE B PILLAR WHERE THE HANDLE AND SEAT BELT IS, IS SOAK AND WET FROM A LEAK. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. I HAVE HAD MY SUNROOF CHECKED, MY WINDSHIELD CHECKED AND DRAIN TUBES CHECKED. THERE IS NEVER ANY WATER OR WETNESS ON THE FLOOR, ITS ONLY THE HEADLINER. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATING IF THERE ARE OTHER TAHOES DOING THE SAME AND YES THERE ARE AND 1 HAD WENT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE MANUFACTURER WELDS WERE NOT WELDED CORRECTLY, WHICH CAUSES WATER TO GET INTO THE ROOF. THIS CAN CAUSE MOLD AND EVENTUALL…”
NHTSA complaint #11751098, 2026

“The clear coat has completely failed on mainly the hood and roof of the entire vehicle. Each of the sides have lost a good amount of shine too but there hood and roof are a compete different color compared to the rest of the Tahoe. The paint is the pewter/grey so it is extremely noticeable and very much an eyesore.”
NHTSA complaint #11741397, 2026

“I PURCHASED A NEW 2018 CHEVROLET TAHOE WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR THE SUNROOF STARTED LEAKING. I HAD IT REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME IN AUGUST. SECOND TIME IT WAS REPAIRED WAS IN NOVEMBER. NINE DAYS LATER, IT LEAKED AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK FOR THE THIRD REPAIR AND GOT IT BACK 6 WEEKS LATER. DECEMBER 21 I GOT IT BACK AND IT LEAKED AGAIN THE WORST EVER IN 48 HOURS. PLUS THEY DID DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. SOME OF THE DAMAGES WAS CAUSE BY TRYING TO GET THE OLD HEADLINER OUT AND THE NEW ONE PUT IN. WHEN IT RAINING AFTER THE THIRD TEMPT OF REPAIRING IT NOW WATER START DRIPPING WATER OUT OF THE SPEAKE…”
NHTSA complaint #11317261, 2018

Vehicle Speed Control 3 1 crash

“Caliper became stuck which produced smoke coming from tire. Had the caliper replaced. Then months later my forward collision system activated because a car in front of me stopped abruptly. After the car automatically braked to slow my car down, the brake never released and became stuck and the ABS light came on. Replace the abs sensor and two days later the brake engaged on its own while doing 60 mph on the highway. Now whenever the hill assist, collision warning, or anything else is activated, the brake engages and gets stuck. In addition, at times on the highway my brake will engage on its o…”
NHTSA complaint #11557661, 2023

“THE BRAKE PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE TO THE DRIVER IN RELATION TO THE GAS PEDAL. THE DISTANCE OF EACH PEDAL CANNOT BE ADJUSTED INDEPENDENTLY. A DRIVER'S FOOT CAN BE TRAPPED IN BETWEEN THE TWO PEDALS BECAUSE OF THE GAP. IN A FATAL SITUATION, IT TAKES LONGER FOR THE RIGHT FOOT TO MOVE FROM THE GAS PEDAL TO THE BRAKE PEDAL SINCE THE RIGHT FOOT CANNOT JUST MOVE LATERALLY TO THE LEFT, BUT IT NEEDS TO GO AROUND.”
NHTSA complaint #11163190, 2018

Air Bags 2 2 crash 3 injury

“We were in a severe car accident and our airbags did not deploy in our vehicle. We were going about 45 miles an hour and had windshield cracking and severe, severe damage to our vehicle. This was a front side, head on impact.”
NHTSA complaint #11744939, 2026 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AN REAR ENDED A PICKUP TRUCK AT 50 MPH CAUSING MY FRONT END TO BUCKLE AND SEPARATE THE ENGINE FROM THE MOTOR MOUNT AND MULTIPLE OTHER DAMAGES. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AND FELT THIS SHOULD BE REPORTED.”
NHTSA complaint #11316766, 2020 · crash

Exterior Lighting 2

“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM JM CHEV IN LUFKIN TX ON OCT 3 2019.DRIVING IT HOME I NOTICED MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. AFTER TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALER IWAS TOLD THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS BAD. THE DEALER ORDERED A NEW ONE. IT HAS BEEN 2 MONTHS.I CALLED GM PARTS AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO HEADLIGHTS LIKE THIS IN THE USA. NO DEALERS HAVE ANY IN STOCK. THESE ARE THE INTELLIBEAM HEADLIGHTS. IN MOTION ON STATE HIGHWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11290312, 2019

“BACK UP CAMERA HAS ZERO VIABILITY WHILE BACKING UP DURING NIGHT IN DARK AREA WITH RAIN CONDITION.”
NHTSA complaint #11142873, 2018

Suspension 2

“4100 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check for noise coming from underside of vehicle. No service was completed. 4800 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check again for noise on suspension. Service indicated it was a parking brake cable that was rubbing. 9800 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check fluttering noise coming from engine. No service was completed. 15,000 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check again for rattling noise coming from engine. Service indicated fluttering heard was exhaust pulsing through the manifold. No service was com…”
NHTSA complaint #11636801, 2025

“2018 TAHOE W/ 60,000 MILES BEGAN RIDING EXTREMELY ROUGH ANY SPEED. SO MUCH BOUNCE AND JARRING THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON ANY ROUGH ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11378433, 2020

Back Over Prevention 1

“When I started car I got service messages for side detection system, tire monitor system, safety restraint system, front camera system, trailer break system and theft deterrent system. Each one gave option to dismiss. When I would dismiss the messages would come back. When I was driving, all the things on dash, mph, oil, battery etc all stayed on zero. Super dangerous and I could have died!!!!!!. No blinker sound”
NHTSA complaint #11570581, 2024

Chest Clip 1

“My 1.5 year old daughter is able to press the button on the chest clip and release the chest clip by herself. The button barely requires any pressure to be applied before releasing. She is unbuckling herself frequently.”
NHTSA complaint #11596448, 2024

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced moderate shuddering followed by a sudden significant reduction of motive power. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that two fuel injectors and the associated electrical wiring harness, and the fuel pump had failed completely. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11743256, 2026

Lane Departure 1

“When I started car I got service messages for side detection system, tire monitor system, safety restraint system, front camera system, trailer break system and theft deterrent system. Each one gave option to dismiss. When I would dismiss the messages would come back. When I was driving, all the things on dash, mph, oil, battery etc all stayed on zero. Super dangerous and I could have died!!!!!!. No blinker sound”
NHTSA complaint #11570581, 2024

Seat Belts 1

“1- the second row center Seat Belt Receptacle stopped locking so failed, this happened while using the vehicle. 2- the seatbelt receptacle stopped latching while using the car in Seattle, I had to drive with someone in that seat unbuckled because all other seats were being used. 3- the receptacle can not be repaired, needs to be replaced; 4- I have contacted the manufacturer to have them fix this but they will not do it without compensation. 5- no warning. the vehicle is not old and in very good condition. I drive with my family in the car daily but rarely need to use the middle seat. I…”
NHTSA complaint #11461516, 2021

Seats 1

“2ND ROW AND THIRD ROW SEATS HAVE NO CENTER HEAD REST.”
NHTSA complaint #11165502, 2019

Tires 1

“LT275 65 R18 123/120 R DOT 1 BE BP AT 21 My daughter has pictures of the tires, all four tires (all bought at the same time) 05/6/23 from Discount Tire, are splitting along the side wall, originating at the tread line, we have talked with Discount tire, there are 40,000 miles approximately on the tires. They have been appropriately rotated and balanced. There have been no repairs of the tires. This is noted to be a defect, not normal wear and tear of the tire, per Discount Tire. They have offered 423.00 credit to purchase new, and have come back with 50% off new tires. Since this is a de…”
NHTSA complaint #11754056, 2026

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that in 2024 the front windshield was damaged, and the windshield was replaced. The Insurance Company was notified and requested that an aftermarket windshield be placed on the vehicle. In May of 2025 the contact noticed that the Chevrolet Assist Camera behind the rearview mirror had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that since the windshield was not an OEM windshield replacement, the part caused the camera to fail. The camera was unable to be calibrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…”
NHTSA complaint #11692071, 2025