2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    transmission automatic

    1 stranded, 8 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "High pitched whine between 2nd and 3rd gear, dealership states fluid and filter full of metal shavings transmission needed replaced"complaint #1964916
    • "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…"complaint #2042225
    • "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 firs…"complaint #2054377
    • "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 t…"complaint #2061865
    • "I was starting to accelerate to a higher level of speed onto the highway; 55 mph going up a hill. I was unable to accelerate much as I pushed on the gas, however the RPM's would get higher. while I was at 45 mpg the RPM's were at 3.5. All of sudden my servic…"complaint #2148306
  2. #2

    engine internal

    5 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 Chev…"complaint #2059485
    • "There is an unusual lifter/ticking noise coming from the valve covers on my vehicle. The vehicle is scheduled to go to the Chevrolet dealership on the 15th of this month but it sounds like the numerous other GM motors that have the failing lifters."complaint #2081997
    • "Zero warnings. Driving one day and the vehicle started shaking and running very hard even when just in idle. Dealership has determined engine failure, due to piston one failing and braking off into engine. Car has had routine oil changes and maintenance. Has n…"complaint #2082387
    • "I was driving in traffic with 8 kids from my football team on a busy street and my truck start jerking and wouldn’t accelerate much. I was going 35 mph and the truck just slows down in the middle of driving. Then as I pulled over thick white smoke comes from t…"complaint #2139587
    • "Lifter failed on my Chevy Tahoe 6.2L engine at ~75K miles in September 2025. One lifter bank was replaced. No reason for lifter failure was given. Less than 5 months later the other lifter bank has failed and damaged the cam shaft. Again, no reason for failu…"complaint #2178024
  3. #3

    airbag system

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT STATED THEY RENTED A 2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP TO MAKE A U-TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD CRASHING INTO A WALL ON A DRIVEWAY OF A HOME NEARBY. THE…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1676638
    • "The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, a 2016 Hyundai Sonata crashed into the front end and pushed the vehicle into other vehicles a Dodge Caravan and a 2021 Ford Expedition. The driver sustained a…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1771611
  4. #4

    steering electric assist

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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…"complaint #1772636
    • "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…"complaint #1817640
    • "Suddenly lost all power steering, then warning power steering attention, no control for steering, very dangerous, couldn't drive vehicle. Took independent car repair to fix. $5k repair to fix problem. Should not happen to vehicle. "complaint #2187881
  5. #5

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "STRONG SMELL TO FUMES WHEN TURNING ON AC OR VENT SYSTEM."complaint #1693277
    • "The air conditioning system fails to cool. My vehicle only has 47,000 miles on it currently and is well-kept. A professional garage inspected and advised that there was a leak in the refrigerant system. I contacted my local Chevrolet dealer Jeff Gordan Chevrol…"complaint #2195510
  6. #6

    backup camera

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 in…"complaint #1874237
    • "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 positi…"complaint #1877476
  7. #7

    control module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1813319
  8. #8

    fuel injector

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Driving long distance from Florida to New York and in VA, experienced a check engine light after fueling. Vehicle started, stalled and trembling excessively. It was taken to the Chevrolet dealership across from the gas station (total luck). It was diagnosed af…"complaint #2135334
    • "On June 17th, 2025 while driving from [XXX] back to my home state of [XXX] , I experienced an engine malfunction in Chester, Va where the 6.2 L87 engine was shaking and had severe hesitation. It was diagnosed by the Chevrolet dealership in Chester, VA as suff…"complaint #2194565
  9. #9

    stability and traction control

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 probl…"complaint #1884833
    • "My 2020 Tahoe stabilitrak has gone off approximately 5 times over the past 2 months April and May of 2025 in one incident my vehicle did turn off all incidents were at low speeds less than 5 MPH. Four of the incidents the stabilitrak light turned on and an au…"complaint #2098719
  10. #10

    steering rack mechanical

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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 ra…"~43,000 mi, complaint #1942999
  11. #11

    abs module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While driving toward intersection, light changed to red. Applied pressure to brake pedal and pedal became extremely difficult to press. Vehicle was not slowing as expected with pedal pressure becoming very hard to press to slow vehicle. Warning on dash "Brake…"complaint #2137267
  12. #12

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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…"complaint #1988998
  13. #13

    battery and charging

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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)…"complaint #1795297
  14. #14

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I own a 2020 Tahoe, 160,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of brake assist due to a failure of the vacuum brake pump. The brake pedal became extremely hard, and the vehicle would not slow or stop as expected, requiring me to put ve…"complaint #2200535
  15. #15

    brake hydraulics

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Trailer brake warning message, making car un drive able "complaint #2005007
  16. #16

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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. "complaint #1924641
  17. #17

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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…"complaint #1915469
  18. #18

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that sam…"complaint #2222175
  19. #19

    engine oil consumption

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "We have the L86 6.2L EcoTech 3 Engine. at 85,000 miles we noticed the oil pan is leaking and rear main seal is leaking. Both are common issues with the L87 engine as well. "complaint #2164392
  20. #20

    fuel pump

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Check engine light illuminated then went off and came back on after another drive cycle. Vehicle began to idle rough and experienced hard shifting and acceleration hesitation. I checked the oil and noticed a fuel odor smell on the dip stick and the oil appea…"complaint #2126865
  21. #21

    interior trim

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECOND-ROW PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT COVER MADE A LOUD CRACKING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINA…"~16,927 mi, complaint #1737198
  22. #22

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On multiple occasions, my car has locked my keys on the INSIDE of the vehicle. I have put things inside my vehicle before leaving and closed all the doors, upon returning, even just a few minutes later, my doors are locked and I am locked out of my vehicle. Ad…"complaint #2164376
  23. #23

    other

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My car seat has failed the safety test on recall and they refuse to warranty it. It loosens significantly when pulled."complaint #2063009
  24. #24

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 con…"complaint #1966199
  25. #25

    suspension struts shocks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "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 fa…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1848010
  26. #26

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY NEW 2020 TAHOE HAS AUTO/POWER PEDAL HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT. IT ALLOWS BOTH PEDALS IN UNISON TO BE LOWERED OR RAISED FOR COMFORT AND DEXTERITY OF USE. THE HEIGHT DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL IS EXTREME. THERE IS A INHERENT DANGER OF HITTING THE SIDE…"complaint #1670036
  27. #27

    tire failure

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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 routin…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1854063
  28. #28

    torque converter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My transmission failed, yes it is available for inspection. The failure occurred without warning. I was driving my truck on the highway, suddenly it began to hesitate and making a loud winding out noise. The truck was hesitate on going forward. Yes, I had…"complaint #2221814
  29. #29

    wheel or rim

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 wer…"complaint #1988790
  30. #30

    wiring harness

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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."complaint #2007094

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for CHEVROLET TAHOE directly.