2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 18%of 256 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, 18% of the 256 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Purchased car with 120 miles, about 25k miles I noticed small delay in acceleration when going from complete stop. Mentioned to dealer they stated all was ok. At 50k miles the delay in acceleration was far more noticeable. I would accelerate and RPM would go up to 4,5 or6 before car would move start to move. Brought back to dealer, did road test with tech and he acknowledged that something didn't feel right stated he would have transmission specialist look it over. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311298, filed 2020-02, 150 miles“Went thru the car wash and the car filed up with gas fumes on my way home sitting at a stoplight the fumes came thru the vents.eyes were burning it was so strong I also had to put a new transmission at 90,000”
NHTSA complaint #11387584, filed 2021-01, 98,720 miles“I put our Tahoe into park and went into a convenience store. Unfortunately, when I came back my Tahoe was gone. It had rolled down and out of the parking lot into an electric pole guide wire. But, after much research, video replay and trying to duplicate the problem, I think I might understand happened. You can actually put the gear shift lever in a position where it thinks its in park, without the transmission being in park. …”
NHTSA complaint #11035957, filed 2017-10, 13,000 miles“Tahoe feels like it wants to shift gears when it's not going above 25mph. It's happened on city streets. It happens as soon as the Tahoe is put into gear. It does not happen all of the time though. It goes away after I drive it for a couple of miles. It has not happened on the highway. Other times it feels like there's no power to the engine even when its in motion. At first I thought it was the brakes because it feels like its stuttering, like its misfiring, but I've had the brakes checked and they're fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11414221, filed 2021-04, 50,000 miles“On 3 separate occasions, the 2016 Tahoe I am driving has jumped from drive to neutral while driving down the road at speeds between 45-60 MPH. On one occasion, I was fortunate to avoid a major accident while merging on the interstate. I have since turned the vehicle in. Gm dealerships in baton rouge, la refuse to fix the vehicle. I have seen quite a few complaints on this same issue and hope that GM steps up to the plate before someone dies. …”
NHTSA complaint #10893352, filed 2016-08, 700 milesRelated recalls
- 26V289000May 7, 2026DO NOT DRIVEGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500…Covers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2016–2017, 2019, 2026, Suburban 2015, 2017–2020, GMC Yukon XL 2018–2019, 2026 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11008966Sep 9, 2024This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear…
- 11006473Jul 30, 2024This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
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 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe
92 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsEngine
19 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 31, 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