2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 257 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 17 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, transfer case (4-wheel drive)Do not drive until repairedMay 7, 2026
General 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 drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.
Campaign 26V289000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontApr 8, 2021
General 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 assembly as part of a previous recall remedy or a subsequent repair. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat belt lap pretensioner, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212330040.
Campaign 21V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, wheel speed sensor/tone ringOct 24, 2019
General 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 axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Campaign 19V761000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumSep 6, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Campaign 19V645000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, frontMay 3, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe Police Pursuit and Special-Service vehicles. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
If the pretensioner cable becomes fatigued or breaks, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pretensioner cable and seat side-shield, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18156.
Campaign 18V291000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 10, 2017
General 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 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Campaign 17V437000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalSep 8, 2016
General 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 ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Campaign 16V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control armDo not drive until repairedApr 28, 2016
General 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 vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
Campaign 16V256000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
19 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Engine, Jul 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH in sand, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off the vehicle, jiggled the steering wheel, and waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Engine, May 13, 2025
I was driving on the freeway when I lost power and the engine started to vibrate. Had to have it towed back to the dealer. They stated it was a bad lifter in cylinder six. It will cost 8K+ to repair. I have had the car less than a year and less than 90k in mileage.
Power train, Engine, Apr 30, 2025
Engine failure - lifters and cam shaft . Also, transmission had previously failed and had to be replaced as well as air conditioner condenser (pin hole leak).
Engine, Apr 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving uphill, the vehicle stalled and started rolling backwards. The contact allowed the vehicle to roll back to a stop sign. The contact depressed the brake pedal and shifted to park(P). The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump, fuel injectors, and the spark plugs had failed. The contact's husband stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the instrument gauges decreased to zero(0) and then increased. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft and the engine lifters had failed. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Engine, Apr 16, 2025
My engine is blown at only 80,000 miles. Dealer said bad lifter. I was on the freeway and with no warning I lost power and black smoke. No warning. And now $16,000 to repair. Only 80,000 miles. At 100,000 you change spark plugs. I cannot afford to fix it. I spent 6 years saving up for just the down and now it’s gone. And I could have been very hurt on the freeway and hurt other people. I hope someone can help me.
Engine, Jan 31, 2025
Lifters were stuck and ruined the cam shaft. All lifters and cam shaft replaced
Power train, Engine, Electrical system, Jan 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder. The contact stated that the odometer was moving erratically. The contact stated that the engine overheated quickly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty and there were metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at 35-45 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and overheated. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 25, 2024
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.
Engine, Apr 30, 2023
After lifters on engine failed on original engine at approximately 47K miles, engine was rebuilt. Received Tahoe back with 47,791 miles on odometer. Brand new Chevrolet lifters failed prior to odometer reaching 48,903, bending rods and requiring that the engine that was just rebuilt to be replaced or rebuilt again. While driving engine loss oil pressure with red light warning coming on telling to immediately turn off engine. Engine may have ceased while car was in motion, putting driver and passenger(s), if any, in immediate and imminent danger. it was almost 7 months to rebuild engine last time due to GMAC parts being unavailable. Brand new parts failed at roughly 1K miles, there may be a quality control and/or design issue with lifters.
Power train, Engine, Apr 30, 2023
Lifters in engine failed, bent rods, 3 of 8 cylinders scratched; engine need to be rebuilt. Engine failed at 47K miles. AC Condenser cracked at 47K miles. Engine failure is safety issue. Known issue at Chevrolet where already extended warranty from original manufacturer's warranty. Engine could have ceased while driving putting driver and passenger(s), if any, in immediate and imminent danger.
Engine, Nov 19, 2022
My 6 yr old chevy Tahoe felt like it was hesitating when driving. I called my local garage and dropped it off. They informed me after inspection that the lifters have failed and now cylinders are in deactivation made. The fix is a new Engine. 10-14k dollars. They informed me this is a known issue in this model. I called chevy customer service. I Took Tahoe to a chevy dealer. They confirmed the diagnosis. I have no recall, no engine light on and am told driving it will cause more serious damage and eventually will not run. Chevy is unresponsive to my pleas for financial assistance and I am left without a driveable car.
Engine, May 6, 2020
I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 TAHOE WHEN IT BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER. I PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE VEHICLE AND IT SHUT OFF. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CRANK THE VEHICLE UP AGAIN IT MADE A VERY LOUD SOUND AND DIED. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A LOCAL SHOP IT WAS FOUND THAT THE VALUE SPRING IN THE #2 CYLINDER WAS BROKEN AND THE PUSH ROD WAS BENT. AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE HAD 75,200 MILES ON IT. NOW, I AM EXPERIENCING A CHUGGING FEELING WHEN I STOP THE VEHICLE. PRETTY SURE I HAVE ANOTHER SPRING THAT'S ABOUT TO BREAK. *TR
Engine, Sep 6, 2018
INTERMITTEN OCCURANCE DURING ACCELERATION, BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR A "LAG" "LOW POWER" OCCURS CAUSING A LUNGE. 27,000 MILES
Power train, Engine, Jul 29, 2018
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
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 31, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PREVIOUSLY OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO COURTESY CHEVROLET (1233 E CAMELBACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85014, (602) 457-3232) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT HIGH TEMPERATURE WEATHER CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 21,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2017
WHILE DRIVING IN THE SUMMER, MY WIFE INFORMED ME THAT THE VEHICLE HAD STALLED AND ALMOST DIED--SHORTLY AFTER, THE AC WAS NOT WORKING. I LEFT WORK AND CAME TO HER--FOUND THAT THE COMPRESSOR BELT HAD SHREDDED OFF. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED COMPRESSOR. A MONTH LATER, MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED STALLING AND JERKING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. I TRAILERED THE VEHICLE TO OUR HOME A FEW MILES AWAY. I DID NOTICE THE LONG BOLT HOLDING THE NEW COMPRESSOR WAS LOOSE (1/4" SPACE BETWEEN BOLT HEAD AND WASHER). THE BOLT WAS TIGHTENED, BUT DID NOT APPEAR TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. WHEN IDLING, THE ENGINE JERKS SO HARD THAT THE ENTIRE CAR SHAKES-THE ENGINE NEARLY DIES.. FOR SOME TIME, THE VEHICLE HAS PRODUCED AN UNUSUAL PURRING/CLICKING NOISE WHILE NAVIGATING THRU A PARKING LOT OR SOMETHING AT SLOW SPEEDS--SOUNDS LIKE IN THE TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER? THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP NOW FOR THEIR DIAGNOSIS.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 30, 2017
I PURCHASED A 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE LAST YEAR FROM WALKER CHEVROLET. THE VEHICLE HAS 16,000 MILES. ISSUES I HAVE WITH THE VEHICLE. CURRENT DEALERSHIP IS JIM ELLIS CHEVROLET. 1. TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN SHIFTING. 2. TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR WHEN HILL ASSIST IS ACTIVATED. 3. NAVIGATION GOES BLANK. 4. VOLUME BUTTON QUITS WORKING AND VOLUME TURNS ALL THE WAY UP. 5. TAHOE SQUEAKS FROM V8 TO V4. 6. LOUD METAL POPPING NOISE WHEN TAKING SHARP LEFT TURNS. 7. NAVIGATION ASSISTANT WILL NOT MUTE. 8. NAVIGATION WILL NOT SHUT OFF WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND DOORS ARE LOCKED. 9. SUSPENSION MAKES AWFUL NOISES WHEN GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS AND FLEXING. 10. TAHOE HAS A VERY ROUGH IDLE IN FIRST GEAR. MY PRIMARY CONCERN IS THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. MY WIFE ALMOST WRECKED THE TAHOE AFTER THE VOLUME WOULD NOT TURN DOWN FROM BEING STUCK AT THE HIGHEST VOLUME LEVEL. A TRACTOR TRAILER ALMOST REAR-ENDED US AFTER THE HILL ASSIST ACTIVATED AND THE GEAR WENT INTO TO FIRST. I WENT TO JIM ELLIS AND TOLD THEM SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS AND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE THEY CAN'T REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. I DO NOT WANT MY FAMILY'S LIFE IN DANGER JUST BECAUSE THE ISSUE CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS ALSO TOLD THE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WAS FIXED, BUT I IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THE ISSUE PULLING OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP.THIS IS ANOTHER SAFETY CONCERN. I WAS TOLD THE NAVIGATION WAS FIXED, BUT THE NAVIGATION AND VOLUME PROBLEMS ARE HAPPENING MORE OFTEN THE LONGER I DRIVE THE VEHICLE. YET ANOTHER SAFETY CONCERN. I CALLED GM CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP.
Engine, May 11, 2017
THE VEHICLE HAS ROUGH IDLE OR SHAKE WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT IN DRIVE. HOWEVER SOMETIMES YOU CAN FEEL IT WHEN PARKED.
Engine, Oct 25, 2016
MY 2016 TAHOE LTZ HAS A ROUGH, SHAKY IDLE WHILE IN PARK. THE PIP5211E WAS PERFORMED AT DEALER ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO AND CONDITION PERSISTS. IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOTICEABLE TO ALL MY PASSENGERS WHO SIT IN THE VEHICLE WHILE ITS IDLING IN PARK! PLEASE HELP OR ADVISE ON HOW TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT THE WAY A BRAND NEW $74K VEHICLE SHOULD RUN. IT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO STALL AT TIMES. DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS NO HELP AT FIXING OR ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM. THE CONDITION IS CONSTANT WHILE IN PARK IDLING AND SLLIGHY PRESENT WHEN IN DRIVE WITH BRAKE APPLIED.