2020 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 55 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 25th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 4 involved a crash. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
TiresFeb 25, 2021
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Campaign 21V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 21, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
Campaign 19V837000 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
Representative owner complaints
55 reports, newest first.
Engine, Feb 1, 2025
We are concerned that the transmission recall should be including ALL 2020 Tahoe’s. We were driving at 55 MPH and our RPM suddenly excelled and the vehicle felt like it was in neutral. This happened several times in a short distance. When we arrived home and tried to put in reverse it hesitated to move and then finally engaged. Getting it into dealership this week.
Engine, Jan 25, 2025
this year vehicle is also part of the engine problem GM is experiencing with the V8 Engines. I purchased this vehicle in January 2024. With less than 40k miles on it. I drove it for approx 2 months and the entire engine seized up. I was told by the Chevy Dealership that GM is aware of the engine problems on these V8 Engines and did not issue a recall. It took GM over 9 weeks to send me a new engine. In which 6 weeks they had me rent a vehicle and then finally allowed the dealership to give me a rental from their lot. I had to wait several weeks to be reimbursed for the rental, and pay my high car payment during this time, without having my vehicle in my possession. I have asked for reimbursement on my car payments, and they denied it. My car seized up while doing 35 MPH on a road near my house thankfully, but it is a danger that they knew about, and did not recall these motors. I could have been driving over 65 miles on the highway and this could have happened, causing extreme danger to me and my children.
Power train, Engine, Jan 8, 2025
I was at a red light and when I tried to take off the RPMs reeved up and my car would not move so I turned it off, opened and shut my door, restarted my car and it would move 100yds if that, then the RPMs shot up again (acted like it couldn’t shift out of first gear). Car has 101,647 miles, was serviced on time, no issues before and no warning lights on the dash came on before or after the issue happened. Car has not been repaired yet and still no lights on the dash.
Power train, Nov 21, 2024
While driving, the vehicle's RPM's accelerated quickly and then the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road and would not move. I could not even get it to the side of the road to be out of traffic. All regular maintenance has been performed. The mileage is almost 100,000, but not there yet. This could have been a very dangerous situation as I was heading to an interstate highway. No warning lamps ever lit up and no strange sounds or vibrations ever came from the vehicle. This happened suddenly. No warning whatsoever. The vehicle is being repaired today. The transmission is being replaced at a cost of $5500.00.
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2024
Trailer brake system warning comes on an alarms tones begin. Distracted driving situation and faulting wiring issue. Has occurred on multiple occassions in addition to this time.
Electrical system, Jul 5, 2024
Trailer brake warning message, making car un drive able
Electrical system, May 22, 2024
I writing to complain about the "Trailer Brake" warning light that suddenly appeared on my 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. After visiting the internet I then saw other complaints about the module on the dash for the trailer brake adjustment having repeated complaints. I have never used the 2020 Chevy Tahoe to tow a trailer that had its own braking system. The only thing I have towed was a small U-Haul Trailer. All the complaints about this module is the same: Warning light on the dash display. If so many other Chevy Tahoe owners have complained ... what hasn't there been a recall for this repeated electrical malfunction?
Engine, May 4, 2024
I was driving with my kids on the expressway about 55mph , when all of a sudden the truck went to 30's mph stayed on the 1st gear and did not want to go further from there, and another vehicle almost struck me from the back but was able to swerve me the check engine light also popped out of nowhere. The truck kept staying there on 1st gear, So i had call someone to come pick it up where I was at. I was concerned being struck from the back where the vehicle all of a sudden went to 1st gear and did not want to move from there and i had just gotten the vehicle 3-4 months ago from the gillman dealership.
Tires, May 3, 2024, crash
Brand new set of tires. Less than 100 miles on them. During a left turn at roughly 15-25 mph the entire tire separated from the rim on the rear passenger wheel. The tire is in a secure location and can be inspected if needed. This led to an accident. There were no warning indicators such as low pressure indicators. The low pressure indicator came on after the tire came off the rim. The car went from make a 90 degree turn to making a 45 degree turn and cause my SUV to smash into a house. Tire size was 285/45/R22.
Suspension, Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the front passenger’s side tire detached. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted, and the driver's side ball joints also fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver's side ball joints fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Feb 6, 2024
High pitched whine between 2nd and 3rd gear, dealership states fluid and filter full of metal shavings transmission needed replaced
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 8, 2023
Fuel pump
Steering, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 4 MPH, the steering wheel became firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the electronic rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
Service brakes, Sep 3, 2023
Both front rotors are flaking off in large chunks only on the inside. 35,500 miles . Outside smooth as butter. I don't know if it's a factory issue with the rotors,factory Brembo calipers or both . I included pictures.
Power train, Aug 2, 2023
While driving making left and right turns a clicking noise was noticed. Vehicle also felt like it was engaged in 4wd when making turns on loose pavement by skipping, vehicle confirmed to be in 2wd mode. Vehicle has less than 10,000 miles. Dealership was able to determine that the noise was coming from the front hubs and saw metal shavings.Chevy Dealership suggested to have both front hubs replaced.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2023
When I make turns/curves my Tahoe will periodically lock the wheels on the opposite side and pull our vehicle to the other lane of travel. I’ve noticed previous recalls on other Tahoes for the same thing and the delearship claims they can’t replicate the problem and our vehicle is not included in that recall. I have had the vehicle in Auto and 2wd and it continues to happen. I can disengage the 2wd to auto and vice versa and it sometimes feels to help the problem. I have also disengaged traction control and that will seem to help as well. This has been happening on and off for over a year.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2023
Rear view camera goes off starts with striped blurry lines then goes to blue screen says “service rear vision system”. Took to dealer battery tests low. They recommend replacing battery, positive and negative cables to the tune of $1000. They aren’t positive this will fix it they say this is what they start with there are several errors codes with that system message. Not covered under extended warranty because they say it’s wear and tear/maintenance. Haven’t had issues with the battery just the rear view camera system. 2020 Tahoe LS 3 yeas old. Battery shouldn’t be bad this soon. Chevrolet needs to recall this rear camera system.
Electrical system, Feb 17, 2023
Back up camera does not work. Quick google search shows this is a common issue in GM vehicles with no real identifiable fix. Starts with blurred lines and within weeks it turns to just a blue screen. Backup camera is a safety feature and therefore should be investigated by NHTSA.
Tires, Nov 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: M Plus S, Tire Size: P265/65/R18, DOT Number: M3KA007X0820. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side tire was continuously losing air. While the vehicle was in for routine service, the tire was examined by the mechanic who discovered the cause of the failure was due to multiple pin holes in the tire. The contact was informed that the tire was unrepairable and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Suspension, Power train, Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving upwards of 80 MPH, the vehicle would violently shake without warning. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2022
My engine light keeps coming on randomly. When this occurs, the dashboard lights blinks and I get a " steering assist" error message. Once this happens it is really hard for me to steer AND I lose acceleration as well. Imagine losing acceleration in the middle of an intersection. Also, I noticed my temperature gauge moves up & down as well. I have taken it to the dealership each time it happens and they are saying they haven't been able to replicate the issue. The engine light only stays on for a few hours or days and the problem goes away once the engine light is off. From my research, this was the same exact problems the 2015 Chevy Tahoes had as well. I don't understand why they cannot figure why I am having this issue. The engine light errors code listed alot of issues yet they still can't diagnose a problem. They have updated the system and checked all wire connections per the dealership. This is my third or fourth time complaining about this issue and this is the dealership's third or fourth time trying to diagnose the problem but they keep telling me they can't.
Electrical system, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the service trailer brake system warning light illuminated intermittently. The recurrence of the warning light being illuminated had increased mostly while driving at highway speeds. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Electrical system, Feb 17, 2022
Auxiliary battery exploded while vehicle was in operation. Explosion caused damage to front driver side headlight, hood insulation, windshield washer reservoir, terminal covers and battery. See attached images. Later learned of GM service bulletin (19-NA-099) regarding overheating of relay causing melted terminals on auxiliary battery
Air bags, Nov 5, 2021
In August 2021 I got a system light for a Saftey Restraint System, aka airbag issue. This system was going on and off sometimes as little as 5 seconds apart and then sometimes would go off for a bit then back on. I live on an Island and there is no dealer here I had to buy somewhere else. There is a mechanic here that does work on vehicles and per the dealership, I bought the car from I was told if the mechanic there can do a software update which is what he thought the problem was, then I should do that. I took this advice and did it. When we drove off the light was off and fixed for about 30 minutes, then the light and safety restrain error came back on. This time remaining on. I took it back to the mechanic and got two error codes. I have since tried to contact GM and been dealing with them for 3 weeks with no assurances if I pay to get my car to a dealship to fix I would get my money back for their error. I also came across and article about investigations into 750k 2020 & 2021 GM models including 2020 Chevy Tahoe for airbags not working. As a consumer, I should have the right to be able to be reimbursed for costs accruded to me to get my vehicle where I'm forced to get it fixed.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 9, 2021
Stopped at a traffic light my power steering warning light on the dash came on. After that I had no power steering, and the vehicle is very difficult to steer. I drove back to my location turn the vehicle off and who won out about an hour later started and the power steering was working. Upon looking the issue up online I found that other models of my Tahoe have had a recall but no particular model has not.