2016 Chevrolet Tahoe

256 federal complaints (353 component records) · 8 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 1712 service bulletins · 11 Canadian recalls
See all 37 model years of the Chevrolet Tahoe →
Engine
5.3L 8-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
16 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
256
Recall campaigns
8
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
93
Power train
47
Other
46
Electrical system
31
Steering
20
Suspension
19
Engine & cooling
19
Fuel system
14
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 20 complaints01 years old: 16 complaints2 years old: 37 complaints3 years old: 41 complaints4 years old: 23 complaints5 years old: 20 complaints56 years old: 17 complaints7 years old: 30 complaints8 years old: 23 complaints9 years old: 23 complaints10 years old: 6 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 256 of 256 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 20 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 17 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 43 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 22 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 12 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 7 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 0 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 123 of 256 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

93 complaint records9 crash reports
"LOST POWER TO BRAKES - DIFFICULTY STOPPING AT LOW SPEEDS - NEARLY HIT CAR IN FRONT OF ME - CAR FELT LIKE IT WOULD NOT STOP..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Power train

47 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"VEHICLE HAS A ROUGH IDLE AND TRYING TO DIE WHILE IN GEAR DRIVE OR REVERSE IT IS MORE NOTICEABLE AND WORSE WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED IN GEAR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Electrical system

31 complaint records
"On 4 plus occasions, the steering wheel would lock up, I would get warnings that the stabilitrak, the park assist was disabled. The engine shut off. This happens during driving...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE18012
opened Nov 2018
closed Apr 2022Service Brakes, HydraulicBrake Vacuum Pump Failure - led to recall 19V645000
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
26V289000DO NOT DRIVEPower TrainGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel...Normally free
16V256000DO NOT DRIVESuspensionGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL...Normally free
21V245000Seat BeltsGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have received an incorrect replacement tensioner cable...Normally free
19V761000Service Brakes, HydraulicGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear...Normally free
19V645000Service Brakes, HydraulicGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles.Normally free
18V291000Seat BeltsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe Police Pursuit and Special-Service vehicles.Normally free
17V437000Seat BeltsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500...Normally free
16V651000Seat BeltsGeneral Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021212
2021-04-09
Seats And Restraints249Issue: On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the outboard side of the driver's seat may have been replaced with an incorrect part during a previous repair.
2019533
2019-10-24
Brakes37,378Issue: On certain vehicles, there may be an error in the electronic-brake control module software. This could cause the driveline-protection system to activate when a wheel-speed sensor fails.
2019420
2019-08-21
Other5,327Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered.
2019324
2019-06-28
Brakes310,121Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a reduction in power brake assist due to a decrease in output from the vacuum pump. This could cause a hard brake pedal and an increase in brake pedal effort to stop the vehicle.
2018464
2018-08-31
Brakes3,348Certain Heavy Duty and Police/Special Service vehicles may not have been repaired properly under Recall 2016-053 (GM #20760). The brake pedal pivot nut may become loose, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
Show 6 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2018233
2018-05-04
Seats And Restraints1,232On certain Police and Special Service vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the driver's seat belt to the vehicle structure at the outboard position can fatigue over time and could separate, increasing the risk of injury in a...
2017342
2017-07-10
Airbag152On certain vehicles, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which controls airbag and pretensioner deployment, contains a software defect which may prevent the deployment of frontal airbags and pretensioners in certain circumstances.
2016502
2016-10-12
Tires1,435On certain vehicles equipped with Continental P275/55R20 CrossContact LX20 tires, a manufacturing defect could cause a lack of adhesion between belts in the tire.
2016439
2016-09-09
Airbag362,263On certain vehicles, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which controls airbag and pretensioner deployment, contains a software defect which may prevent the deployment of frontal airbags and pretensioners in certain circumstances.
2016190
2016-04-28
Suspension432Certain vehicles may have been built with front upper control arms with a poor quality weld near the control arm’s bushing.
2016053
2016-02-04
Brakes47,148On certain Heavy Duty and Police Pursuit vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may become loose, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT5698F
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
PIP4902W
Sep 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT5509N
Jul 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
PIT5099J
Jul 2026
Unknown Or OtherPI to help diagnose A/C concern
PIT5509M
May 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT6247B
May 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police and Special Service Vehicles.
PIT3271Q
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIP4902V
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP6104
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
PIT6483
Feb 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
PIP4902U
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIT5984A
Dec 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged after the engine starts. Dealers are to suspect/monitor the crankshaft position sensor.
PIT5214G
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical...
13598
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherNew Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
PIT5479H
Sep 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle. The substance is actually excess assembly grease from the caliper boot and piston.
22-NA-080
Sep 2025
EngineThis technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
PIP4902T
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIC5650M
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
PIT6247A
Aug 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police and Special Service Vehicles.
PIC6086J
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis PI communicates a procedure to clean oil leaking from the rain sensor.
PIT6400
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
PIP4902S
Jun 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
25-NA-156
Jun 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
00-06-01-026R
Jun 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
PIT5074R
May 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
23-NA-153
May 2025
EngineThe service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
15-NA-010
May 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
PI0281L
Apr 2025
SteeringThis preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
07-00-89-037W
Apr 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
18-NA-315
Apr 2025
SuspensionThis service bulletin advises the tech to only replace the shock that is bad and not all shocks.
25-NA-087
Apr 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
13-08-116-001K
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThe intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
25-NA-052
Mar 2025
EngineThis bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
25-NA-065
Mar 2025
SteeringThis informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
24-NA-098
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
PIT5511F
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that some vehicles may have a dim Driver Information Center when the interior of the vehicle is hot from a sun load or extended heater operation.
08-03-10-006I
Mar 2025
WheelsThis service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
15-06-03-001F
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemThis service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
19-NA-255
Mar 2025
StructureThis service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
17-NA-073
Mar 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
05-03-07-009L
Feb 2025
SuspensionThis service bulletin provides information on Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM Vehicles.
11-00-89-005Y
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on Dealer Empowerment for Goodwill, Customer Enthusiasm and Policy (U.S. Only).
PIP5358D
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering.
05-08-51-001L
Feb 2025
StructureThis informational bulletin provides a procedure on how to remove the paint stain that may present itself under the shipping film.
16-NA-109
Feb 2025
SteeringThis service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
07-00-89-037V
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
PIT5479G
Feb 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle. The substance is actually excess assembly grease from the caliper boot and piston installation.
PIP5175F
Feb 2025
Power TrainThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the transmission is slipping when shifting into 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears.
10-08-110-001L
Jan 2025
StructureThis service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
21-NA-043
Jan 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
22-NA-074
Jan 2025
EngineThis service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
01-08-42-001Q
Jan 2025
Exterior LightingThis service bulletin provides information on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leak Information and Replacement Guidelines.
09-06-04-026Z
Jan 2025
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
20-NA-166
Jan 2025
EngineThis service bulletin advises the technician of possible coolant entering the areas of the engine, either through failed parts or defects in the castings, that may be the cause of the concerns related to the MIL or the engine running rough.
20-NA-132
Jan 2025
Electrical SystemThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
07-00-89-037U
Jan 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
18-NA-263
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis warranty administration bulletin provide policy information for variable diagnostic time allowances on select labor operations (U.S. Only).
PIT5074Q
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5962B
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
PIT6261
Dec 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps

Showing 60 of 1712 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 8 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
  6. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Tahoe →