Last updated: 2026-03-04

Chevrolet Tahoe

1 Chevrolet Tahoe Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Chevrolet Tahoe average of 71/100

The Chevrolet Tahoe years to avoid are 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 58/100. The best Chevrolet Tahoe year to buy is 2025 80/100.

Verdict

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe scores significantly below the model average of 71/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 58/100 due to engine (84) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 72/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Chevrolet Tahoe Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Tahoe average of 71/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202158/100Mixed16368Engine (84)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

58
MixedReliability score: 58 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has mixed reliability. There are 16 recalls and 368 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (84), Power Train (56), Fuel Propulsion System (52).

16 recalls368 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (84), Power Train (56), Fuel Propulsion System (52), Electrical System (39), Unknown Or Other (24), Fuel System, Gasoline (18)

View full 2021 reliability report →

What Are Common Chevrolet Tahoe Problems?

Top reported issues across all Chevrolet Tahoe model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

231 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

164 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

134 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

67 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

54 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

45 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Chevrolet Tahoe Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 88 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (14), Unknown Or Other (14), Electrical System (11).

Score: 72/100 (Good)3 recalls88 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All Chevrolet Tahoe Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Chevrolet Tahoe Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Chevrolet Tahoe years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Chevrolet Tahoe years: 2021 (score: 58/100). These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Tahoe average of 71/100.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Tahoe?
The best year for the Chevrolet Tahoe is 2025, with a reliability score of 80/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 14 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Tahoe have?
Across all years in our database, the Chevrolet Tahoe has a total of 34 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Chevrolet Tahoe worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 80/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 71/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Chevrolet Tahoe problems?
The most common Chevrolet Tahoe problems are engine (231 complaints), power train (164 complaints), electrical system (134 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Chevrolet Tahoe reliable long-term?
The Chevrolet Tahoe has an average reliability score of 71/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet Tahoe?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Chevrolet Tahoe is $744 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 80/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 14 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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