2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 104 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 22nd highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 6 involved a crash. 5 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumOct 1, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, 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 November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Campaign 20V603000 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
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
26 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2026
Vehicle was driven the day before the incident occurred. The morning of the incident, the vehicle was parked, off and not running. A notification sent to my phone indicating a critical battery low 11.1V reading. Vehicle would not start. Vehicles battery and alternator charging system was tested and passed. All systems are good. Vehicle continues to give critical low voltage over night while the vehicle is off and not running.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 27, 2026
Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmission going out, and with that causing happening causing the Fluid to Smell Burnt and Full. The auto shop test Drove and made It 30 Feet and Would Not Move. Transmission Is Failing and Causing the Concern.
Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2026
WHEN IT RAINS REALLY HARD, THE ROOF IN THE B PILLAR LEAKS ABOVE THE SEAT BELT AREA INTO THE HEADLINER. MY HUSBAND WHO IS AN AUTOBODY TECHNICIAN HAS MADE SURE MY SUNROOF LINES ARE CLEAR AND THE WINDSHIELD MOLDINGS AND SEALS ARE GOOD. HE HAD ANOTHER ONE AT HIS PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND IT WAS THE ROOF WELDS, WHICH ARE DONE BY THE MANUFACTURER. I AM HEARING MORE AND MORE TAHOE OWNERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. AS MUCH AS THESE VEHICLES COSTS US, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. THIS CAUSES MOLD IN THE ROOF AND RUSTING. THIS HAS TO BE LOOKED INTO BECAUSE THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR IF I NEED TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED AND COULD ALSO CAUSE HEALTH ISSUES IF NOT ADDRESSED WITH THE MOLD.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2026, crash
Unexpected acceleration
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2026
The rear AC evaporator located behind the paneling in the rear of the vehicle was leaking AC freon r-1234yf. This was diagnosed after a weeks long troubleshooting by my mechanic trying to find the leak in the rear AC lines causing the vehicle to fail the vacuum test. After he showed me the part and where the cracks were, he suggested I report this as a safety issue since the coolant was leaking inside the car and is highly flammable. He also said he has had many other GM vehicles with the same issue and thought a recall should be issued.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2026
The clear coat has completely failed on mainly the hood and roof of the entire vehicle. Each of the sides have lost a good amount of shine too but there hood and roof are a compete different color compared to the rest of the Tahoe. The paint is the pewter/grey so it is extremely noticeable and very much an eyesore.
Other or unspecified, Jan 14, 2026
Roof racks have deteriorated due to sun exposure and have cracked where the contact the top and started leaking. The paint on the roof and hood had also failed. I had to have the top and hood repainted prior to having it ceramic coated. The roof racks leaking have damaged the headliner in the cargo area. I have tried to reseal them with a silicone sealant since removing them or replacing them is too expensive and would require removing the entire headliner to access the connecting bolts.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 14, 2025
The Body Control Module does not work. A new BCM was installed in my car in April 2025. Since then I am having multiple issues, but the safety related issue is with the trailer braking system. It is available for inspection upon request. The dealership is unwilling to try another BCM without it costing me $600 for labor. If I am unable to use my brakes, then I put myself and others on the road at risk. The problem started with a Tire Monitor System. I was told I needed a BCM to fix the problem so the car would not throw codes. Now, I am being told the problems with the brakes are not comiing from the BCM. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY car until I took it to this dealership for a new key faub and a tire pressure monitor error. The Body Control Module in a 2018 Chevy Tahoe Premier does play a role in controlling the sunroof. More specifically, the sunroof system is supplied power through a fuse located in the driver-side fuse box which is connected to the BCM. The sunroof switches communicate with the BCM via a serial data circuit, and the BCM then commands the sunroof to open or close. Therefore, the BCM acts a central hub in the electrical system of the vehicle and communicates with the sunroof control module to operate it. I learned this from two other dealerships. One dealership in West Virginia and another dealership in Texas told me this information about the BCM controlling the sunroof and many other electrical parts of the 2018 Chevy Tahoe Premier. To make it simple, the BCM was replaced. The vehicle is now having serious issues. I consider an unintended activation of the braking on the wheel which causes the vehicle to pull to one side puts me at risk of a crash. Is this yet another failed sensor or part due to the negligence of the service department at Smith Buick when replacing the BCM and programming a key faub?
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Feb 7, 2024
When I started car I got service messages for side detection system, tire monitor system, safety restraint system, front camera system, trailer break system and theft deterrent system. Each one gave option to dismiss. When I would dismiss the messages would come back. When I was driving, all the things on dash, mph, oil, battery etc all stayed on zero. Super dangerous and I could have died!!!!!!. No blinker sound
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 29, 2024
My vehicle started announcing service trailer brake system when i purchased my vehicle about 5k miles in i took it to the dealer they couldn't find anything wrong now that message started to get worse not only is it a safety concern due to the annoying beeping. Sound on the dashboard indicating something is wrong. It makes me take my eyes off the road it Constantly distracts me every time it goes off. Also, feel every time that message appears. My truck slows down. As well, a safety concern when pulling a trailer. The brake system could fail on the trailer due to trailer brake assist malfunctioning.
Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2023, crash
I had an accident in this vehicle where the airbags deployed upon impact (as they were designed). However, once airbags deployed, my vehicle was filled with smoke (from the airbags) and all of my windows were covered and I couldn't see out. Panic set in as I tried to get out of the vehicle and my door would not open. After several moments I thought about the door locks, they were engaged of course. Once I realized and hit unlock, the door opened. This isn't an issue as far as parts being a defect or anything like that, but today I heard of a Texas DPS Trooper being in an accident in his Tahoe. His took a front impact as well, and the person trying to help him couldn't get him out of the vehicle. It made me wonder if his locks were engaged too, and him being more severely injured may not have thought about the door locks. This could be a potential safety risk, especially if the vehicle is on fire. What if vehicle manufacturers were able to install a safety mechanism that would automatically release the door locks if an impact was detected, or air bags were deployed? Just merely a suggestion as none of the parts on my car failed, they all did their job, but not being able to get out of your car is terrifying. I'm not sure if I am in the right place to pass on this suggestion, so if not, please advise where I might leave one. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2023
A/C condenser replacement. GM previously admitted problems with 2014-2017 AC condenser in certain model years of trucks and suv. The recalls should be extended to later years. I recently replaced AC condenser on 2018 employer owned Tahoe with typical crack and weld areas. Today, having same part replaced on my personally owned 2018 Chevy Tahoe. GM obviously has a defective part thousands nationwide are complaining about. The is obviously a defect GM should recall and replace at their expense.
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2023
The Trailer Brake System Service light and ding constantly go off while doing standard driving without any type of towing involved. I have never used a trailer on the vehicle; however, the ding and service light are a distraction and cannot be turned off.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 26, 2023
I was sold a vehicle from a dealer in Arizona that online says they only sell to government or law enforcement
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2023
Just driving down the freeway and my sunroof just shattered. We were not driving under anything for something to be thrown or fall on the sunroof and nothing was thrown up from the road.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2022
I have a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. Today, while I was pulling out of the Sam's Club parking lot I heard a huge thud, the car jerked forward and completely stopped. The drive line / drive shaft had broken clean off. I'm awaiting official diagnosis from Riverton Chevrolet's service dept., but it was a very scary situation. I'm thankful that I was not rear ended or hurt. I see that welding issues are part of a NHTSA safety issue on later model Chevy Tahoe vehicles. I'm wondering if my 2018 is a victim of a similar problem. I do not drive at high speeds or go off-roading. I get my car serviced regularly. This could have been catastrophic if I'd been on the freeway. Repair invoice pending.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 17, 2020
WHEN ACCELERATING IT SOUNDS LIKE MY VEHICLE IS STUCK IN BRAKE DEGRADING OR IS MAKING THAT DISTINGUISHING NOISE. MY VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP FOR THE SECOND TIME TO FIX THE SAME ISSUE OF PARK ASSIST, SIDE DETECTION AND FRONT CAMERA SERVICE. WHEN EXPRESSING MY CONCERN FOR THIS PROBLEM OF THE SOUND THE DEALERSHIP SAID LET'S FIX THE SERVICE ISSUES FIRST AS EVERYTHING IS ELECTRONIC. I HOPE MY VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2020
I PURCHASED A NEW 2018 CHEVROLET TAHOE WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR THE SUNROOF STARTED LEAKING. I HAD IT REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME IN AUGUST. SECOND TIME IT WAS REPAIRED WAS IN NOVEMBER. NINE DAYS LATER, IT LEAKED AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK FOR THE THIRD REPAIR AND GOT IT BACK 6 WEEKS LATER. DECEMBER 21 I GOT IT BACK AND IT LEAKED AGAIN THE WORST EVER IN 48 HOURS. PLUS THEY DID DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE OF MY CAR. SOME OF THE DAMAGES WAS CAUSE BY TRYING TO GET THE OLD HEADLINER OUT AND THE NEW ONE PUT IN. WHEN IT RAINING AFTER THE THIRD TEMPT OF REPAIRING IT NOW WATER START DRIPPING WATER OUT OF THE SPEAKER ON TO MY DRIVERS SEAT AND DOWN MY STEERING WHEEL ON TO MY HAND. EVERYTIME IT RAINS THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE HEADLINER GETS WET. I AM WORRIED ABOUT MOLD AND MILDEW. MOISTURE BEING INSIDE THE CAR. PLUS THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE WITH IT HOLDING WATER IN THE HEADLINER.
Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2020
AC CONDENSER LEAK. APPEARS TO BE THE SAME PROBLEM AS 2015-2017 ISSUE THAT REQUIRED GM TO PROVIDE A SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT. REPAIR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF CONDENSER AND NEW REFRIGERANT.
Other or unspecified, Jan 5, 2020
MY TAHOE DOES NOT START! THEN IT WILL HOURS LATER, IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN 2 DAYS I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A LOCAL DEALER AND THE SAID IT KEEPS STARTING FOR THEM, WE ASKED THEM TO DRIVE IT THEN TRY AGAIN. WAITING TO HEAR! I ALSO HAVE HAD MY RADIO SHUT OFF THEN AFTER 10 MIN WILL TURN BACK ON? I LOVE MY TRUCK, BUT NOT IF I CAN'T DRIVE IT
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2019
AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHTTHE CAR SEEMS TO NOT WANT TO GO AFTER YOUR FOOT IS TAKEN OFF THE BRAKE AND PLACED ON THE ACCELERATOR TO NEED TO GO. THE VEHICLE WILL THEN HESITATE TO GO AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN JERK REAL HARD AS IF BEING HIT FROM BEHIND RIGHT BEFORE IT DECIDES TO ACCELERATE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2018
BACK UP CAMERA HAS ZERO VISIBILITY WHILE BACKING UP DURING NIGHT IN DARK AREA WITH RAIN CONDITION. THE REAR BACK UP LIGHTS DO NO ILLUMINATE ENOUGH LIGHT TO GUIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CAMERA IMAGE IS TOO GRAINY, DISTORTED AND PIXELATED.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2018
BACK UP CAMERA HAS ZERO VIABILITY WHILE BACKING UP DURING NIGHT IN DARK AREA WITH RAIN CONDITION.
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2018
I OWN A 2018 CHEVROLET TAHOE PREMIERE WITH THE RST 6.2L PERFORMANCE PACKAGE. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE OPTIONAL PERFORMANCE FRONT BRAKE UPGRADE SYSTEM. I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING RECALL: GM PROGRAM # N182155600, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM #18119 - SPARE TIRE DOES NOT FIT OVER PERFORMANCE FRONT BRAKE KIT. THE VEHICLE HAS A 17 INCH SPARE TIRE WHICH WILL NOT FIT OVER THE FRONT BRAKES WHEN EQUIPPED WITH THE PERFORMANCE BRAKE KIT. THE SOLUTION PROPOSED BY CHEVROLET FOR A FLAT FRONT TIRE IS A DUAL TIRE CHANGE (REPLACE A REAR TIRE WITH THE SPARE AND MOVE THE REAR TIRE TO THE FRONT). THE CHEVROLET DEALER IS TO PRINT AND INSTALL AN INSERT TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL DESCRIBING THIS DUAL TIRE CHANGE. THIS SOLUTION COMPROMISES SAFETY, ESPECIALLY IF THE DUAL TIRE CHANGE HAS TO OCCUR ON THE SIDE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY. IT DOES NOT MEET MY EXPECTATIONS FOR A PREMIUM SUV. CHEVROLET SHOULD PROVIDE A SPARE TIRE (FREE OF CHARGE) THAT WILL FIT OVER THE PERFORMANCE FRONT BRAKE KIT. AN APPROPRIATE SPARE TIRE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED WITH THE FRONT BRAKE UPGRADE OPTION. I CALLED THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THEIR REPRESENTATIVE WAS RUDE AND NO HELP AT ALL. HIS ONLY REPLY WAS THAT I NEEDED TO TAKE THIS MATTER UP WITH MY CHEVROLET DEALER. SO I DID THAT AND THE DEALER CHECKED WITH THEIR CHAIN-OF-COMMAND WITHIN CHEVROLET. THEIR ZONE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO OTHER THAN PROVIDE THE OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT. MY COMPLAINT IS NOT WITH THE DEALER. I DO NOT EXPECT THEM TO PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATE SPARE TIRE AT THEIR COST. A RIM AND TIRE FOR THIS VEHICLE (THAT WILL FIT OVER THE PERFORMANCE FRONT BRAKE KIT) IS VERY EXPENSIVE. MY COMPLAINT IS AGAINST GM AND CHEVROLET CORPORATE REGARDING THEIR UNACCEPTABLE RESPONSE TO THIS PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Feb 23, 2018
COLLISION ALERT SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION WITH ENOUGH WARNING DISTANCE ON THE SEAT VIBRATION AND RED FLASH PROJECTION ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER ESSENTIALLY MUST NEAR COLLIDE WITH AN OBJECT OR VEHICLE FOR THIS FEATURE TO WORK. THE YELLOW CAUTION INDICATOR IN THE DASH DISPLAY WILL LIGHT-UP BUT THE SEAT VIBRATION AND RED FLASH ON THE WINDSHIELD DOES NOT FUNCTION. CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP INSISTS IT WORKS PROPERLY, I CONTEND IT DOES NOT BASED THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE PREVIOUS MODEL I OWNED, A 2015 TAHOE. THIS SAFETY FUNCTION ADVERTISED BY CHEVROLET DOES NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED.