Chevy Tahoe Years to Avoid
An American favorite, the Chevy Tahoe makes up nearly 1 in 4 SUVs sold in the U.S. Like any vehicle with a long production run, some model years are best avoided.
Written by Kerry Gibson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The Chevy Tahoe is a versatile three-row vehicle suitable for family adventures. It’s an
all-terrain
SUV that’s been on the market since 1995. While its popularity has kept the vehicle in production for nearly three decades, there are certain Chevy Tahoe years to avoid.Overall, the
Chevrolet
SUV remains a fan-favorite among Americans. It’s known for its reliability, handling, and reasonable fuel consumption. However, critics agree there are a few model years with an excessive amount of issues and consumer complaints reported.Chevy Tahoe features
This solid SUV is built atop of a truck chassis, which gives it its off-road capabilities. It can tow up to 8,600 lbs and has seating for eight passengers. The shorter wheelbase offers greater handling and flexibility.
According to
chevyguide.com
, the Chevy Tahoe is a very rugged and reliable vehicle. With regular maintenance, the SUV is capable of reaching well over 425,000 miles. Many first generation Tahoes are still on the road today, factory battery included.MORE: Redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade Is No Longer a Chevy Tahoe in Disguise
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The worst Chevy Tahoe year
The Chevy Tahoe has spanned four generations, so it’s no surprise that a few model years leave something to be desired. For this SUV, 2015 takes the cake.
MotorBiscuit
reports over 600 complaints and 15 recalls for this model.Low ratings were mostly attributed to issues with the climate system, suspension, and power equipment. This included flashing interior lights, radio outages, dashboard rattling, and faulty sensors for seat adjustment, fuel levels, or the four-wheel drive transfer case. There were also cases of failing rear window defoggers, airbags, power door lock actuators, brakes, sunroofs, and seatbelts.
HotCars
highlights AC and heater failures as a major pain point for 2015 Chevy Tahoe owners. The refrigerant hose would crack and break, leading to coolant leaks. The air conditioning would start blowing hot air and often led to the condenser or compressor breaking as well. Replacing these parts cost owners over $3,500.Other problems with the vehicle’s redesign resulted in 2015 being the worst Chevy Tahoe year. There was no adaptive suspension option, which led to a rougher ride. Base models were spared a telescoping steering wheel, much to the dismay of reviewers and owners. And braking saw a lag in responsiveness. The SUV’s predicted reliability rating had largely improved by 2017.
Other Chevy Tahoe years to avoid
Critics also recommended avoiding the 2011 model year. According to
MotorBiscuit
, the plastic of the dashboard would crack and need replacing. It was a recurring issue, even after repairs. Electrical issues and poor acceleration were other common complaints.Electrical problems also plagued the 2007 Chevy Tahoe. These included lights and radio failure, or worse yet, the SUV not wanting to start after battery and wire replacements. Excessive oil consumption and a transmission that overheated makes this one the Chevy Tahoe years to avoid.
Despite these undesirable model years, the Chevy Tahoe remains a well-liked, capable vehicle. Many government and
law enforcement
agencies, as well as families, enjoy the performance of their beloved SUV.If you’re shopping for a used Chevy Tahoe, you’re certain to find a reliable vehicle, save a few troubling years. Make sure to use the top-rated
Jerry
app to find insurance that suits your needs. Answer a handful of questions and receive quotes from carriers like Safeco, Allstate, Progressive, and Nationwide. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.Are you overpaying for car insurance?
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