2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 7%of 256 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, 7% of the 256 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving in the summer, my wife informed me that the vehicle had stalled and almost died--shortly after, the AC was not working. I left work and came to her--found that the compressor belt had shredded off. Took the vehicle to dealer and they replaced compressor. A month later, my wife was driving home on the interstate and the vehicle started stalling and jerking. The check engine light started blinking and traction control light also illuminated. I trailered the vehicle to our home a few miles away. …”
NHTSA complaint #11020045, filed 2017-08, 23,000 miles“I was driving my 2016 Tahoe when it began to shake violently, the check engine light and the traction light came on then the vehicle began to loose power. I pulled over and parked the vehicle and it shut off. When attempting to crank the vehicle up again it made a very loud sound and died. After having it towed to a local shop it was found that the value spring in the #2 cylinder was broken and the push rod was bent. At the time the vehicle had 75,200 miles on it. Now, I am experiencing a chugging feeling when I stop the vehicle. Pretty sure I have another spring that's about to break.”
NHTSA complaint #11323512, filed 2020-05, 75,200 miles“I purchased a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe last year from walker Chevrolet. The vehicle has 16,000 miles. Issues I have with the vehicle. Current dealership is jim ellis Chevrolet. 1. Transmission jerks when shifting. 2. Transmission will shift into first gear when hill assist is activated. 3. Navigation goes blank. 4. Volume button quits working and volume turns all the way up. 5. Tahoe squeaks from v8 to v4. 6. Loud metal popping noise when taking sharp left turns. 7. Navigation assistant will not mute. 8. Navigation will not shut off when the car is off and doors are locked. 9. …”
NHTSA complaint #11002542, filed 2017-06, 12,000 miles“My 2016 Tahoe ltz has a rough, shaky idle while in park. The pip5211e was performed at dealer about one month ago and condition persists. It is absolutely noticeable to all my passengers who sit in the vehicle while its idling in park! Please help or advise on how to correct this problem. This is not the way a brand new $74k vehicle should run. It feels like the vehicle is going to stall at times. Dealer service department is no help at fixing or addressing the problem. The condition is constant while in park idling and sllighy present when in drive with brake applied.”
NHTSA complaint #10918711, filed 2016-10, 2,500 miles“My engine is blown at only 80,000 miles. Dealer said bad lifter. I was on the freeway and with no warning I lost power and black smoke. No warning. And now $16,000 to repair. Only 80,000 miles. At 100,000 you change spark plugs. I cannot afford to fix it. I spent 6 years saving up for just the down and now it’s gone. And I could have been very hurt on the freeway and hurt other people. I hope someone can help me.”
NHTSA complaint #11655116, filed 2025-04Related service bulletins
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11013070Jan 8, 2025This service bulletin advises the technician of possible coolant entering the areas of the engine, either through failed parts or defects in the castings, that may be the cause…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 64% |
| 2025 | 31 | 60% |
| 2024 | 24 | 35% |
| 2023 | 127 | 55% |
| 2022 | 75 | 38% |
| 2021 | 169 | 37% |
| 2020 | 14 | 25% |
| 2019 | 32 | 29% |
| 2018 | 20 | 19% |
| 2017 | 26 | 15% |
| 2016 | 19 | 7% |
| 2015 | 46 | 7% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2013 | 13 | 6% |
| 2012 | 9 | 5% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% |
| 2010 | 11 | 4% |
| 2009 | 14 | 5% |
| 2008 | 27 | 5% |
| 2007 | 58 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 13 | 4% |
| 2004 | 26 | 6% |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
92 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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