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
104 reports, newest first.
Engine, May 6, 2025
Manufacturing problem, but not listed under recent GMC recall of April - May 2025 - 2018 Chevy Tahoe Problem: Transmission Issue - slippage
Power train, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake excessively, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Apr 5, 2025
Transmission is overheating and forcing the truck into limp mode
Engine, Mar 31, 2025
Transmission suddenly locked up while driving. Took to dealership and was advised it was a chronic issue with my vehicle. Once inspected by dealer, was advised that engine lifters also went out. My car was just out of warranty with 55k miles. Dealer did not want to honor warranty and charged me 15k in repairs. I reached out to Chevy and they provided me with some assistance by knocking off 3k. I did not get any warning lights indicating that there’s an issue with the engine or transmission. It happened suddenly. I feel that there is an engineering issue with the transmission and engine. The mechanic checked in my vehicle and said to me that this was a persistent issue with Tahoes like mines. I feel cheated by Chevrolet.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was restarted. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft push rods, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the crankshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Steering, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot and returning to start the vehicle, the “Power Steering Assist Fault” message was displayed, and the vehicle was difficult to turn to the right or the left. The contact left the vehicle in the parking lot and after returning to the vehicle later and starting the vehicle, the vehicle had regained power steering assist functionality. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic that due to the weak battery, the power steering assist failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that several weeks later the power steering assist failure recurred. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V455000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Engine, Jan 22, 2025
Vehicle stopped accelerating while coming up to speed from an on ramp to the interstate while traveling from Indiana to Florida. Vehicle was towed to the nearest Chevy dealership where we were told the engine had blow and would need replaced. Vehicle has been sitting on the same dealership in Florida since early July. My families lives were put at risk as we were traveling at a low rate of speed on the interstate. As well as, sitting on the side of the interstate in a remote area waiting for a tow truck and cab. The dealer has confirmed what happened via inspection. There were not warning lamps until we lost the engine.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jan 18, 2025
4100 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check for noise coming from underside of vehicle. No service was completed. 4800 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check again for noise on suspension. Service indicated it was a parking brake cable that was rubbing. 9800 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check fluttering noise coming from engine. No service was completed. 15,000 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check again for rattling noise coming from engine. Service indicated fluttering heard was exhaust pulsing through the manifold. No service was completed. 21,000 Miles- Service Dept at dealership provided multi point inspection and given clear inspection. No service was completed even though I stated there was still engine noises. 24,000- Asked service dept. at dealership to check hard shifting from transmission and poor performance. In addition, mentioned the noises again. No service was completed, service stated it was due to colder temperatures. 25,000- Asked service dept. at dealership to check hard shifting from transmission and poor performance. In addition, mentioned the noises again. Engine cooler lines were replaced. Scanned and verified clutch learn values all normal. Activated TCC and disabled TCC and found normal operation. No service completed. Now, after warranty has expired, service at dealership is telling me my camshaft and lifters need to be replaced, struts are leaking, transmission needs attention and should be flushed, and that I should NOT be driving my vehicle due to safety concerns. Although, I had taken the vehicle in multiple times during warranty period with complaints about these very items, no service was ever completed to correct them. Since then, I have read multiple articles documenting GM issues with L87 6.2L engines and transmissions. I'm filing a formal complaint with GM, as these issues should have been communicated to consumers or fixed through recalls.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2024
I can smell gas inside my cabin and also when parked in garage. Mechanic said my fuel injector seals are leaking and this is a known issue . The safety bulletin 18-NA-137 November 2019. This is a SAFETY ISSUE and needs to be addressed for the safety of myself and others. Please issue recall immediately so I can get fixed.
Power train, Sep 12, 2024
Like every other GM vehicle from 2014 to 2021, the tongue converter has failed and ruined the crappy transmission.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed with the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,104.
Power train, Service brakes, Aug 5, 2024
Brakes failed pedal went to the floor when getting off the interstate. Kept pressing pedal and came back but vehicle pulls to the left hard when Brake pedal is also very hard to press. Very unsafe afraid to drive the vehicle. Dealer has recalls for same model vehicle show under my vin . Vehicle is available for inspection at anytime.
Steering, Jul 7, 2024
First occasion the car drove fine with no indication of an issue. Then once the car was turned off then on, the dash showed no lights or gauges and indicated that the steering assist is not working and the wheel was impossible to turn (almost like a limp mode but not driveable). Disconnected the battery to try and clear the issue and car drove home fine. Was told it could be a bad battery so replaced the battery and it worked fine for about a month. Then again with no indication did it again and this time it cleared itself after about 30 minutes. Dealer said there was a short in the negative battery ground cable and an open circuit in the rack and pinion mechanism but that the rack and pinion part was not available and they weren’t sure when it would be (probably due to excessive failures). Replaced the negative battery ground part and everything was fine for about 3 months until today when the car did the same thing again. We will have to keep looking for the unavailable part or I will basically have a $30k paper weight. Very concerned at the possibility that the steering will go out while I am driving as others have mentioned in previous posts. Seems as though something tragic will have to happen before they issue a recall of a part that appears to be a common failure.
Chest clip, Buckle, Harness, Jun 25, 2024
My 1.5 year old daughter is able to press the button on the chest clip and release the chest clip by herself. The button barely requires any pressure to be applied before releasing. She is unbuckling herself frequently.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2024
7-21-23 Unit stalled 3 times today. The last time was while driving. Check engine light on. 1-29-24 Today I was responding to an emergency backup for an officer that was fighting two subjects. The subjects were fleeing from a stolen vehicle and it was dispatched that these subjects were armed. I never made it to this call because my vehicle #10688 would not accelerate past 23mph and then shut off leaving me stranded in the roadway. While waiting for a tow truck I was able to get the vehicle started again and was able to drive at only 36mph to try to get to the scene and assist the officer. I ultimately was able to make it to the police station. I wrote up the vehicle and left the keys in the training building.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2024
12-11-23 Vehicle was not accelerating when pressing gas pedal then began violently shaking and shut off in middle of roadway.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2024
9-19-23 Vehicle stalled and started sputtering when turned on.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 19, 2024
The repeated failure of the fuel pumps, despite replacement three times, poses a significant safety concern as the vehicle may not start immediately, potentially leading to issues while on the road. This delay in starting could result in the vehicle not running properly, potentially shutting off unexpectedly, which poses a danger to the safety of the driver and others on the road. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding the effects of using E85 fuel, despite the vehicle being sold as flex fuel, raises concerns about the long-term viability of the motor and overall vehicle performance. It's imperative to address this issue promptly to ensure the safety of all road users and preserve the longevity of the vehicle's components.
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.
Engine, Dec 5, 2023
AC stopped blowing cold air due to a broken condenser weld issue commonly found in previous recalls 2014-2017
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 30, 2023
Caliper became stuck which produced smoke coming from tire. Had the caliper replaced. Then months later my forward collision system activated because a car in front of me stopped abruptly. After the car automatically braked to slow my car down, the brake never released and became stuck and the ABS light came on. Replace the abs sensor and two days later the brake engaged on its own while doing 60 mph on the highway. Now whenever the hill assist, collision warning, or anything else is activated, the brake engages and gets stuck. In addition, at times on the highway my brake will engage on its own.
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.
Power train, Aug 29, 2023
On 7/27/2023, the transmission in my 2018 Chevy Tahoe failed. There was no warning, noise or lights I dicating a problem. I was trying to excelerate after turning at a stop light. There was a slight hesitation when shifting so I let off the gas. When I tried again, it didn’t do anything and I began losing speed. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Upon their inspection the tech determined internal failure inside transmission. I was told I was 3,000 miles out of warranty.
Service brakes, Aug 13, 2023
As we are doing a three hour drive our vehicle keeps distracting me from driving. Trailer brake system message pops up in the dash board constantly. Like the whole system electric turns off while driving. Few times it turnoff completely while me still driving my vehicle.