2013 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 232 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 4 involved a crash. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Campaign 21V054000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.
Campaign 21V053000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemOct 1, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GMs number for this recall is 14515.
Campaign 14V614000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, column locking, anti-theft deviceJan 2, 2013
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.
Campaign 13V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
232 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Jul 8, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact intended to purchase a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the odometer reading displayed 88,000 miles; however, the Carfax history report provided by O'Reilly Auto Parts listed the mileage at 162,000.
Air bags, Aug 8, 2025
Dealer has advised that replacement of airbag will result in damage to interior parts and trim and that replacement parts are not available and that the dealer will not be responsible for replacement and repair of damage. I have refused the warranty replacement until a dealer can be located that will not damage car interior
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 25, 2025
One day I was driving normal and my engine light and two other lights came on. It dropped my speed under 30mph and I couldn't pass the gas. It said reduced engine power, service stabilitrak and service traction. I immediately took it to auto zone then placed it in the shop at the dealership. They had my truck for almost 2 months and finally said they fixed it. It ran ok for a month or so. I was so scared to drive because it does it randomly. Boom it happen again now im frustrated because what is the problem. Called shop they said bring it back they will have a new person look at it. They had it for a month again. Paid more money. Then boom a month later the same thing. So at this point im calling no one is answering they ignored me so I called the customer service on the truck to complain. I had to get rentals and everything with the same problem it is over a year later. No answer and nobody called back nothing. I parked my truck for months and yesterday June 24th the lights came on again. I have heard alot of my friends and family say they have a chevy vehicle and they did/do the same thing.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2025
I have a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. It is one of the thousands of which the plastic dash has cracked into pieces.My concern is that the loose plastic will hurt someone if the airbag is deployed. GM Should have never used such flimsy plastic on the dashes of so many vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2025
My dashboard has cracked into pieces, material used for dashboard was no good.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2024
my dash is cracked and rattles really bad when driving and sounds like pieces breaking, when i hit bumps in road you can see the dash move and bounce and poses a safety risk if in an accident and airbags go off the pressure can further break dash and send pieces of sharp plastic in the faces of passengers, there is thousands of complaints online and social media about the dashes of chevy and gmc trucks and suvs cracking and in several cases totally breaking apart into pieces due to the faulty cheap materials used to make these dashes. this is a potetial serious and lethal defect if in an a accident and these pieces of plastic go flying into people like shrapnel.
Air bags, Jun 25, 2024
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON A RECALL FOR AIR BAG SAFETY CONCERN FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. I HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMPLAINED THAT MY LOCAL DEALERS REFUSES TO REPLACE THIS ITEM. EVERY TIME I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUNAROUND REGARDING THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I KEEP GETTING NOTICES OF THE RECALL BUT WHAT GOOD IS IT WHEN GM AND THE DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG. IF YOU CONTACT THEM, YOU CAN SEE HOW MANY TIMES IV'E CALLED THEM AND COMPLAINED. DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO EXCEPT WAIT UNTIL A PASSENGER GETS INJURED OR DIES.
Air bags, May 9, 2024
The contact owned a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the Air Bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while parked at a rest stop for approximately five minutes, the vehicle was turned on, and the driver's curtain air bag and the passenger side air bags were deployed inadvertently. The contact sustained lower head and scalp injuries and was knocked unconscious. Medical attention was not needed. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown third party by the insurance company where it was deemed totalled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,251.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, May 6, 2024
Transmission, vehicle stops functioning without notice on the road while driving acceleration stops. The problem was confirmed to be a transmission failure by chevrolet. The inspection was done by chevrolet to confirm the transmission has failed. The vehicle started to jump when sitting still and the drive train for 2wheel/4whell did stop working it only allowed the vehicle to be moved in 2whell drive. This happened after the vehicle went over 100k miles and when I took it to chevrolet they said nothing was wrong with it, they said "it's an old car". When the car is driven over 35/40mph the vehicle now shakes along with it stopping to function while driving. Even with chevrolet verifying that the transmission is bad(which is the recall on Tahoe models from the same year of production) they refuse to acknowledge it is all models unless it's on a specific list of vin numbers. They refuse to replace the transmission recall at no cost according to the current recall that was done already for this year make and model. I've had all engine tune up maintenance requirements done and have not missed any vehicle scheduled maintenance this vehicle year make and model is on the recall list and I've attached the copy of it to show proof of the record. The record was provided by chevrolet, along with the record of NHTSA recalls to show this is the same year make and model but the vin isn't included, as well as the recalls they listed to show that zero apply to this vehicle when this is clearly the same exact symptoms listed on the recall but this vin isn't listed when it should be if the same exact symptoms are failing on the vehicle with maintenance kept up.
Engine, Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, an abnormal ticking sound was coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the oil pressure was low. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the uptake tube O-ring needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Jan 23, 2024
The drivers side door handle has broken on my Tahoe. In the event of having to urgently egress from my vehicle it would be very difficult to do so because of the handle. Now before you think I'm just a disgruntled owner you should look at the rate of occurrence. I've checked online nationally and locally with used auto part sellers and there are none to be found. If a Tahoe comes in that actually does have one intact every auto yard has a waiting list of buyers and the part is immediately gone. Shouldn't the high rate of failure of trigger at least questions from the NHTSA. I did not mention the passenger door but since it is of the same construction it would fail too if under the same use I feel. My claim is easy enough to substantiate, place a call to any used car part dealer of your choice and search for the driver's side door interior. If you do find one available, call that dealer and you'll find that it's already gone. Then ask the person on the phone about how many people they get calling for that same part. I've been searching for over a year for this one part. This complaint isn't made because I'm angry, I've simply just finally paid attention to the fact that this is a high failure part and should be investigated.
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2023
Cracked dashboard
Air bags, Aug 1, 2023
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, May 30, 2023
My dashboard is completely cracked, and the driver side handle on the inside broke off
Structure, Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated notice that there were cracks on the dashboard by the passenger’s side air bag. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The contact stated that over the years the crack started to expand. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Structure, Jan 21, 2023
Dash is cracking
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2022
The dash has cracked above the instrument panel in several places. Also it is cracked at the passenger side air bag. This vehicle is well kept. Owned by an older lady, also the front drivers door pull it broken in half. The dealer has informed her that neither have been recalled but, should have been. This is unacceptable being as she paid $68,000.00 dollars for this vehicle. The dealer also informed her that the airbag canister recall when done can crack the dash if it is replaced before the airbag recall is done. And that she would be responsible for the damage done to the plastic dash. Also unacceptable. She is on a fixed income. Vehicle manufacturers charge so much money for these vehicles, they should be forced to recall and replace any part damaged by completing the recall that is not done yet. The dash is not built heavy enough to keep it from cracking. It is built from cheap materials and they charge a mint for it. This is filled out by her mechanic, and it is his email.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2022
A small crack in the dash start in 2018. I always use a sunshade in the windshield. Then it cracked in other places. It's like there is nothing supporting the dash around the speaker. It's now cracked all over. Nothing has been done extra to this Tahoe. It's cleaned regularly inside and out.
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2022
Cracked dashboard
Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2022
Dash board Cracking
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2022
Dash board is falling apart around air bag and instrument cluster.
Service brakes, May 1, 2022
Have replaced all brakes, rotors, calipers, brake booster, master cylinder, and checked for leaks. Still have no pressure when applying brakes.
Air bags, Apr 4, 2022
Received recall information and have tried to have the vehicle fixed. All the Tampa dealerships in the area do not help. They hang up don't keep appointments and don't return phone calls.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Mar 23, 2022
Vehicle randomly throws Stabilitrak, Traction control and ABS codes. Engine derates to limp mode. Transmission goes to full line pressure shifts. A cycle of the ignition system will reset the system a majority of the time. There is no "recall" but the general consensus in the mechanical world is two things cause this issue. Throttle body is bad and/or the steering position sensor fails causing the stabilitrak system to be disabled (which in a 2013 Tahoe, stabilitrak cannot be turned off) I have replaced the throttle body with an OEM part and the problem still occurs with our vehicle. It is a big enough of a parts failure/equipment failure that most of my mechanic buddies I've talked to knew exactly what I was talking about and said I replaced these two parts and the problem was solved. May not be enough for a recall but a TSB really should be issued because I've found a lot of information online that a lot of people are having this same issue. Between this website's complaint section and other Chevy/GM forums, I'm estimating 5000-10000 people have had similar issues with the stabilitrak being disabled somehow while driving. Manufacturers need to be held accountable for parts failures like this, as when recalls do finally happen, it is next to impossible to get the vehicle in and repaired in a timely matter (Takata air bag inflator issue is a great example, our local dealer cannot give me an estimated date they can get the vehicle in for repairs because its a mass parts recall and the replacement parts are unavailable) Incident has happened over a dozen times in the past 6 months but the additional details will not let me select multiple dates
Air bags, Feb 15, 2022
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the airbags service light remained illuminated while driving. The contact stated she received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) or 21V053000 (Air Bags) at the time the airbag warning light started to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced under the airbag recall however, the airbag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle failure cause was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was advised of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to another dealer for diagnosis. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.