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2020 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems & Owner Complaints

54 NHTSA owner complaints
4 crash 8 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~7.7 complaints per year on the road — ranking 14 of 15 Chevrolet Tahoe years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe, cited in 14 of 54 filed complaints (26%).

Electrical System is next (11 complaints, 20%), followed by Engine (11), Service Brakes (6), Steering (6).

Across all complaints, 4 report a crash, 8 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 8 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 54.

Power Train 14

“Transmission valve , vehicle shutter, and eventually complete loss of power and failure. Transmission had to be replaced as vehicle was out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11751999, 2026

“The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of the recall; therefore, paying for a placement water pump myself. The dealership is Musson Patout Automotive Group/GMC, 214 West Hwy 90 Frontage Road, New Iberia, LA 70560, [XXX]. I am requesting that my vehicle be added to the recall list, due to this oversite. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11748142, 2026

“My transmission failed, yes it is available for inspection. The failure occurred without warning. I was driving my truck on the highway, suddenly it began to hesitate and making a loud winding out noise. The truck was hesitate on going forward. Yes, I had the vehicle towed to Banks Chevy, I was told the torque converter blew metal shavings into the transmission and it was a common problem with these vehicles. No warning at all, I just had my oil changed at the dealership, it was running great, out of nowhere this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11747899, 2026

Electrical System 11

“Suddenly lost all power steering, then warning power steering attention, no control for steering, very dangerous, couldn't drive vehicle. Took independent car repair to fix. $5k repair to fix problem. Should not happen to vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11725362, 2026

“On multiple occasions, my car has locked my keys on the INSIDE of the vehicle. I have put things inside my vehicle before leaving and closed all the doors, upon returning, even just a few minutes later, my doors are locked and I am locked out of my vehicle. Additionally, my car is not detecting my remote. I cannot unlock my car with the buttons on the door and need to have my keys in hand for my car to detect the fob. Additionally, if someone opens the door while the car is running but in park, and then closes the door, the Car will beep as if there is no longer a remote detected. This has hap…”
NHTSA complaint #11709665, 2025

“My 2020 Tahoe stabilitrak has gone off approximately 5 times over the past 2 months April and May of 2025 in one incident my vehicle did turn off all incidents were at low speeds less than 5 MPH. Four of the incidents the stabilitrak light turned on and an audible beep, I also lost power to my steering and breaks. When I had the oil change the service Tec at the dealer stated they can not test it unless the light WAS on? Has anyone reported or experiences this issues What can be done to fix this issue. Please email me at [XXX] if you have any questions or helpful hints. Thanks [XXX] INF…”
NHTSA complaint #11665631, 2025

Engine 11

“The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of the recall; therefore, paying for a placement water pump myself. The dealership is Musson Patout Automotive Group/GMC, 214 West Hwy 90 Frontage Road, New Iberia, LA 70560, [XXX]. I am requesting that my vehicle be added to the recall list, due to this oversite. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11748142, 2026

“We have the L86 6.2L EcoTech 3 Engine. at 85,000 miles we noticed the oil pan is leaking and rear main seal is leaking. Both are common issues with the L87 engine as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11709678, 2026

“On June 17th, 2025 while driving from [XXX] back to my home state of [XXX] , I experienced an engine malfunction in Chester, Va where the 6.2 L87 engine was shaking and had severe hesitation. It was diagnosed by the Chevrolet dealership in Chester, VA as suffering severe failure of ALL 8 fuel injectors, fuel rails and connector harnesses, resulting in a 15 day repair wait and a $4,644.50 bill not including other expenses such as lodging/car rental. At this time my vehicle had 52,182 miles. After this I attempted for 3 months for GM to cover the repair as the vehicle was less than 5 years old…”
NHTSA complaint #11729748, 2025

Service Brakes 6

“I own a 2020 Tahoe, 160,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of brake assist due to a failure of the vacuum brake pump. The brake pedal became extremely hard, and the vehicle would not slow or stop as expected, requiring me to put vehicle in neutral and frantically find a way to the shoulder to force a stop (pulling the emergency brake). This created a dangerous condition and significantly increased stopping distance, posing a serious safety risk to myself, and others on the road. There was little to no warning prior to the failure. This issue appears to be consis…”
NHTSA complaint #11733810, 2026

“Tahoe transmission failed with 103,000 miles… took to Chevrolet they confirmed, took to a transmission specialist they confirmed failure but they said the computer was throwing weird codes and they believe this has a factor in transmission issue. On the way home the brake system alert went off and the car would not go above 35 miles an hour … I get this is a safety feature but it was dangerous in the location this occurred ans this car was not that old and does not have high miles to justify this type of issues”
NHTSA complaint #11737487, 2025

“While driving toward intersection, light changed to red. Applied pressure to brake pedal and pedal became extremely difficult to press. Vehicle was not slowing as expected with pedal pressure becoming very hard to press to slow vehicle. Warning on dash "Brake Assist" and Chevrolet app displays "Antilock Braking System" and text that states Schedule service now. If my wife would have been driving, this would have caused an accident. This is extremely dangerous condition that must be addressed with a corrective action taken by the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #11691929, 2025

Steering 6 1 crash 6 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT STATED THEY RENTED A 2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP TO MAKE A U-TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD CRASHING INTO A WALL ON A DRIVEWAY OF A HOME NEARBY. THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND HAD NOT BEEN DEEMED TOTALED AS OF YET. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND KNEES. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE 5 PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE, NOT INCLUDING THE CONTACT, THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT AND FOUR IN THE REAR. THE CONTACT STAT…”
NHTSA complaint #11339175, 2020 · crash · 6 injury(ies)

“Suddenly lost all power steering, then warning power steering attention, no control for steering, very dangerous, couldn't drive vehicle. Took independent car repair to fix. $5k repair to fix problem. Should not happen to vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11725362, 2026

“Creaking and groaning from rack and pinion. 60,000 miles on vehicle. no other issues. Potential steering system failure. No warning lights. Happens at all speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #11687611, 2025

Air Bags 4 3 crash 8 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT STATED THEY RENTED A 2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP TO MAKE A U-TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD CRASHING INTO A WALL ON A DRIVEWAY OF A HOME NEARBY. THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND HAD NOT BEEN DEEMED TOTALED AS OF YET. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND KNEES. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE 5 PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE, NOT INCLUDING THE CONTACT, THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT AND FOUR IN THE REAR. THE CONTACT STAT…”
NHTSA complaint #11339175, 2020 · crash · 6 injury(ies)

“The contact's brother owned a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed; however, the contact was unsure what the vehicle had crashed into. The contact stated that the crash was a single vehicle crash and there was severe damage to the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags should have deployed but failed to deploy. The contact stated that medical attention was needed, and his brother was currently in the Trauma ICU after recently having back surgery. The contact stated that a Police Report was f…”
NHTSA complaint #11701729, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, a 2016 Hyundai Sonata crashed into the front end and pushed the vehicle into other vehicles a Dodge Caravan and a 2021 Ford Expedition. The driver sustained a neck fracture and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where informed the air bag bracket was bent or broken. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnos…”
NHTSA complaint #11435384, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

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Unknown Or Other 4

“The air conditioning system fails to cool. My vehicle only has 47,000 miles on it currently and is well-kept. A professional garage inspected and advised that there was a leak in the refrigerant system. I contacted my local Chevrolet dealer Jeff Gordan Chevrolet where I purchased the vehicle new and they said the issue was not under warranty and that my warranties had expired. They would not repair the air conditioning system at no cost to me, the owner.”
NHTSA complaint #11730381, 2026

“My 2020 Tahoe stabilitrak has gone off approximately 5 times over the past 2 months April and May of 2025 in one incident my vehicle did turn off all incidents were at low speeds less than 5 MPH. Four of the incidents the stabilitrak light turned on and an audible beep, I also lost power to my steering and breaks. When I had the oil change the service Tec at the dealer stated they can not test it unless the light WAS on? Has anyone reported or experiences this issues What can be done to fix this issue. Please email me at [XXX] if you have any questions or helpful hints. Thanks [XXX] INF…”
NHTSA complaint #11665631, 2025

“When I make turns/curves my Tahoe will periodically lock the wheels on the opposite side and pull our vehicle to the other lane of travel. I’ve noticed previous recalls on other Tahoes for the same thing and the delearship claims they can’t replicate the problem and our vehicle is not included in that recall. I have had the vehicle in Auto and 2wd and it continues to happen. I can disengage the 2wd to auto and vice versa and it sometimes feels to help the problem. I have also disengaged traction control and that will seem to help as well. This has been happening on and off for over a year.”
NHTSA complaint #11515092, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“Driving long distance from Florida to New York and in VA, experienced a check engine light after fueling. Vehicle started, stalled and trembling excessively. It was taken to the Chevrolet dealership across from the gas station (total luck). It was diagnosed after 1 day in the shop that all 8 fuel injectors and the two fuel rails were corroded and had snapped upon inspection.( photos were sent to me). Vehicle could not be driven. If stall would have occurred while driving on the interstate at speed of 70 -75 mph, the potential for a major car accident with other fast moving vehicles was totally…”
NHTSA complaint #11690647, 2025

“Check engine light illuminated then went off and came back on after another drive cycle. Vehicle began to idle rough and experienced hard shifting and acceleration hesitation. I checked the oil and noticed a fuel odor smell on the dip stick and the oil appeared thin. Upon mechanic inspection they found a malfunctioning high pressure fuel pump. This part was recalled on other vehicles of the same model year due to bad welds. This could have resulted in fire if left unchecked.”
NHTSA complaint #11684913, 2025

Suspension 2

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the front passenger’s side tire detached. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted, and the driver's side ball joints also fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver's side ball joints fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11571077, 2023

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving upwards of 80 MPH, the vehicle would violently shake without warning. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11489599, 2022

Tires 2 1 crash

“Brand new set of tires. Less than 100 miles on them. During a left turn at roughly 15-25 mph the entire tire separated from the rim on the rear passenger wheel. The tire is in a secure location and can be inspected if needed. This led to an accident. There were no warning indicators such as low pressure indicators. The low pressure indicator came on after the tire came off the rim. The car went from make a 90 degree turn to making a 45 degree turn and cause my SUV to smash into a house. Tire size was 285/45/R22.”
NHTSA complaint #11586775, 2024 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: M Plus S, Tire Size: P265/65/R18, DOT Number: M3KA007X0820. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side tire was continuously losing air. While the vehicle was in for routine service, the tire was examined by the mechanic who discovered the cause of the failure was due to multiple pin holes in the tire. The contact was informed that the tire was unrepairable and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11493778, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“Chevrolet has a recall on some vehicles for a bad transmission valve body, but my vehicle isn’t a part of the recall and I’m having the exact same issues. Currently my only vehicle that I have to transport my 7 month old is a complete safety risk. My check engine light is on and the code its throwing is to replace transmission valve body assembly. My Tahoe is shifting very harshly when driving normally, it feels like it slams into gears causing the whole car to jerk. When sitting at a red light that turns green, Tahoe is slipping, barely wanting to move through an intersection with vehicles al…”
NHTSA complaint #11745868, 2026

“My engine light keeps coming on randomly. When this occurs, the dashboard lights blinks and I get a " steering assist" error message. Once this happens it is really hard for me to steer AND I lose acceleration as well. Imagine losing acceleration in the middle of an intersection. Also, I noticed my temperature gauge moves up & down as well. I have taken it to the dealership each time it happens and they are saying they haven't been able to replicate the issue. The engine light only stays on for a few hours or days and the problem goes away once the engine light is off. From my research, this…”
NHTSA complaint #11468147, 2022

Chest Clip 1

“My car seat has failed the safety test on recall and they refuse to warranty it. It loosens significantly when pulled.”
NHTSA complaint #11640917, 2025

Seats 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECOND-ROW PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT COVER MADE A LOUD CRACKING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER DEWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET (1410 SOUTH GLOSTER ST, TUPELO, MS 38801, (662)842-3611) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT COVER WAS HOLLOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,927.”
NHTSA complaint #11405374, 2021

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe draws about 7.7 complaints per year on the road, ranking 14 of 15 among the Chevrolet Tahoe model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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