1996 Chevrolet Tahoe Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 13%of 283 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,194miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe, 13% of the 283 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,194 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My problem is with the transmission,I have had two transmission installed in my chevy Tahoe.I have a number of friends that either have the chevy Tahoe ,or the suburban . We all had the same problem(transmission).I spoke with one of the service advisor at one of the local chevy dealers and he spoke of many problems that they had with the 60o series. Thanks and please help me and my freinds.”
NHTSA complaint #10070722, filed 2004-01, 86,454 miles“My 3 year old daughter was able to shift the vehicle from park into neutral without the key in the ignition and without depressing the brake causing the vehicle to roll backward into the street. No accident or injuries occurred as my father was able to reach over and hit the brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10137369, filed 2005-09, 120,000 miles“Transmission failed 4 times at approximately. 80000, 98000,119000, and 153000 miles. Although truck has high mileage, it is mostly hi-way. Light towing use - 5,000lb boat, 5,000 horse trailer. Little 4x4 use. All replacements done by GM dealer. Did not work correctly after last transmission replacement - had to put back in shop. They changed an electrical harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10010779, filed 2003-03, 80,000 miles“My 3 year old nephew was able to get into his parents 1996 chevy Tahoe and was able to turn the key to the first click (before the click to turn on the radio and power windows, etc.). Then without touching the brake, the toddler was able to pull the shifter into neutral and the vehicle was able to move. The toddler either was thrown from the vehicle or was scared and jumped and was run over by the vehicle and killed. All models and makes of vehicles can do this with the exception of honda, toyota and 2001 or newer dodge vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10118263, filed 2005-04, 100,000 miles“Consumer stated while traveling at highway speed and without any indication that vehicle would not shift into second gear. Vehicle was serviced, transmission needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10040479, filed 2003-09, 100,388 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013572Apr 21, 20054wd models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 11% |
| 2025 | 5 | 10% |
| 2024 | 7 | 10% |
| 2023 | 47 | 20% |
| 2022 | 40 | 20% |
| 2021 | 90 | 19% |
| 2020 | 14 | 25% |
| 2019 | 39 | 36% |
| 2018 | 20 | 19% |
| 2017 | 53 | 30% |
| 2016 | 47 | 18% |
| 2015 | 55 | 8% |
| 2014 | 5 | 6% |
| 2013 | 9 | 4% |
| 2012 | 7 | 4% |
| 2011 | 5 | 1% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 12 | 4% |
| 2008 | 9 | 2% |
| 2007 | 50 | 4% |
| 2006 | 8 | 7% |
| 2005 | 24 | 8% |
| 2004 | 26 | 6% |
| 2003 | 19 | 4% |
| 2002 | 37 | 8% |
| 2001 | 27 | 5% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 45 | 8% |
| 1998 | 21 | 8% |
| 1997 | 58 | 14% |
| 1996 | 37 | 13% |
| 1995 | 13 | 5% |
| 1993 | 1 | 13% |
| 1992 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
78 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsEngine cooling
25 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsSeats
14 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
9 complaintsEquipment
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology