2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Tahoe years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
24/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.5× that of a typical Chevrolet Tahoe year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 28 of its 105 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Engine or transmission failure with sudden loss of power (29 complaints, median 80,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 105filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles, 38 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl RWD · 16 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2018 Tahoe most often describe abrupt loss of motive power traced to engine or transmission failure, and intermittent loss of power steering assist. A recurring cluster of complaints also covers a hard brake pedal, trailer-brake warnings, and water leaking into the headliner near the B-pillar. Many reports involve failures while driving with little or no advance warning.
- Engine
Engine or transmission failure with sudden loss of power
- 29 complaints (28%)
- median 80,000 mi at 5.6 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2026
Complaints describe the vehicle stalling, losing power on the highway, or shuddering and jerking under acceleration, often with the check engine light on. Dealers diagnosed internal transmission failure, collapsed lifters, damaged camshafts, or crankshaft damage, with repairs ranging from a replacement transmission to a new engine. Several owners say the failure came without any warning light or prior symptom. Mostly between roughly 55,000 and 110,000 miles, with a few reported earlier in the 20,000 to 80,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether lifters, camshaft, or transmission work has already been done, and listen for rattling on a cold start. Have a pre-purchase inspection read stored engine and transmission codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission issues on 2018 Chevy Tahoe. The vehicle stopped on the Hwy. Dealership says the transmission needs to be replaced. Is uncertain why the transmission has gone out on the vehicle since it’s only 4 years old. Error message came on my vehicle and I called the dealership. From my research it appears Chevrolet is continuing to have problems with the transmission on its Tahoes. This is unexceptionable. The consumer has to pay the price not the manufacturer. Please assist.”
NHTSA complaint #11462462, filed 2022-04“On 7/27/2023, the transmission in my 2018 Chevy Tahoe failed. There was no warning, noise or lights I dicating a problem. I was trying to excelerate after turning at a stop light. There was a slight hesitation when shifting so I let off the gas. When I tried again, it didn’t do anything and I began losing speed. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Upon their inspection the tech determined internal failure inside transmission. I was told I was 3,000 miles out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11541497, filed 2023-08 - Steering
Power steering assist fails (hard to turn)
- 10 complaints (10%)
- median 52,900 mi at 2.9 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2025
Owners describe a service power steering message, after which the wheel becomes very hard to turn, sometimes right after starting the vehicle. Some report it clearing after a restart or a battery replacement, while others say it recurred and required a steering part. Several mention the condition was intermittent and that the dealer could not reproduce it. Reported from about 22,000 to 120,000 miles, often at start-up or parking speeds.
What to check: On a test drive, start the vehicle several times and confirm the wheel turns freely at low speed; ask whether the power steering module or the battery has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When stationary and turning on vehicle I had difficulty turning steering wheel. I received a notification that power assist was not active. This happened once before and I took to dealer. They claimed it was the battery and replaced. I see there have been prior recalls on Tahoe for steering assist issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11377606, filed 2020-12, 38,000 miles“Thank god my wife or someone wasn't driving at this time : got in the vehicle, started and a service vehicle came on.. It said ' power steering drive with care '. I could not even turn the steering wheel. I guess a steering module or a software update is needed. Called local chevy dealer and they said call back monday. Bought Tahoe brand new in 2018, only has 22k miles. I'm stuck not driving the vehicle till monday.”
NHTSA complaint #11324804, filed 2020-05, 22,000 miles - Brakes
Hard brake pedal / weak brake assist
- 18 complaints (17%)
- median 41,500 mi at 2.7 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2025
Complaints describe a brake pedal that becomes hard to press, especially after the vehicle sits overnight, or pedal travel down to the floor with reduced braking. Dealers attributed it to a failing vacuum pump or a vacuum leak, and owners note their vehicle was not covered by the campaigns they had read about. A few also describe a stuck caliper or a brake that stayed applied after automatic braking. Spread from very low mileage to about 92,000 miles, often noticed on the first start after sitting.
Recall 20V603000Recall 19V761000Recall 19V6450001 related service bulletin
What to check: Press the brake after an overnight sit and note whether the pedal is firm or hard to push; ask whether the vacuum pump has been replaced and whether any brake recall applies to the VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Sitting in traffic on I 95 and had total brake failure and began rolling back in traffic and had use emergency brake to stop the car twice. Cannot believe that GM is allowed to sale a vehicle that they now has serious problems and is allowed to put my families life and others at risk of death.”
NHTSA complaint #11166370, filed 2019-01, 6,300 miles“Service brake assist message on dash board. This year make and model has a recall but my VIN# is not showing an issue though my vehicle ia having braking problems. Dealer says no recall for my vehicle. Why not my vehicle? It is definitely the issue under the 2018 Tahoe recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11307711, filed 2020-02, 38,000 miles - Electrical system
Trailer brake system warnings while driving
- 7 complaints (7%)
- typically at 5.4 yrs old
- filed 2022–2025
Owners report a service trailer brake system message and chime appearing repeatedly during normal driving, even when nothing is being towed. Some say the truck slows or that the message cannot be dismissed, and one report links it to a replacement body control module. Reported at a range of mileages, often within a few thousand miles of purchase or after electrical work.
What to check: During the test drive, watch the driver display for trailer brake messages and ask whether the body control module or brake module has been replaced or reprogrammed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As we are doing a three hour drive our vehicle keeps distracting me from driving. Trailer brake system message pops up in the dash board constantly. Like the whole system electric turns off while driving. Few times it turnoff completely while me still driving my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11538203, filed 2023-08“My vehicle started announcing service trailer brake system when i purchased my vehicle about 5k miles in i took it to the dealer they couldn't find anything wrong now that message started to get worse not only is it a safety concern due to the annoying beeping. Sound on the dashboard indicating something is wrong. It makes me take my eyes off the road it Constantly distracts me every time it goes off. Also, feel every time that message appears. My truck slows down. As well, a safety concern when pulling a trailer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11568511, filed 2024-01
Buying note. This model year shows a broad spread of complaint types, so a pre-purchase inspection that reads engine and transmission codes and checks brake assist and steering is worth the cost. Confirm which open recalls apply to the specific VIN and ask for repair records before deciding.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 105 consumer complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. 38 of the complaints include a mileage, and 53% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 42,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 5 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,273 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Tahoe model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 24 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown28 27%
- Engine20 19%
- Brakes19 18%
- Electrical system13 12%
- Steering11 10%
- Fuel system8 7.6%
- Engine cooling3 2.9%
- Body and structure3 2.9%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (3), Air bags (2), Exterior lighting (2), Suspension (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “My Tahoe does not start! Then it will hours later, it has happened 3 times in 2 days I have taken it to a local dealer and the said it keeps starting for them, we asked them to drive it then try again. Waiting to hear! I also have had my radio shut off then after 10 min will turn back on? I love my truck, but not if I can't drive it”
NHTSA complaint #11297190, filed 2020-01, 22,000 milesEngine: “When accelerating it sounds like my vehicle is stuck in brake degrading or is making that distinguishing noise. My vehicle is in the shop for the second time to fix the same issue of park assist, side detection and front camera service. When expressing my concern for this problem of the sound the dealership said let's fix the service issues first as everything is electronic. I hope my vehicle is safe to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11339970, filed 2020-07, 41,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “We just had to spend $1,000 to have the radiator replaced on our 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe because it was leaking which only has 32,050 miles on it. The Tahoe had a 3 year 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, but we were two (2) days past the 3 year mark so they would not cover it. The Tahoe also has a 5 year 60,000 powertrain warranty, but the dealership said that the radiator is not considered to be part of the power train only the hoses going from the radiator to the engine were covered under the powertrain warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11375701, filed 2020-11, 32,050 milesBrakes: “Over the last 6 months the brake pedal is hard to push after the truck sits over night. The vacuum bleeds out indicating a vacuum leak in the system. Gm and the dealer said this model and year not covered under current recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11316508, filed 2020-03, 50,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
53% of the 38 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10,200 and 82,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.2% risk |
| Tahoe · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe C1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Tahoe C1500 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Tahoe K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tahoe K1500 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 22 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Tahoe C1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Tahoe K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 20V603000Oct 1, 2020Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › VacuumCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2018, GMC Sierra 1500 2018, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2018 +2 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time…
- 19V761000Oct 24, 2019Service brakesCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2015–2020, GMC Yukon 2015–2020, Chevrolet Suburban 2015–2020 +2 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a…
- 19V645000Sep 6, 2019Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › VacuumCovers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2015–2018, Silverado 1500 2014–2018, GMC Sierra 1500 2014–2018 +3 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Recall details for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,273 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11035308Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11032777May 14, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11032577May 4, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police and Special Service Vehicles.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11028700Feb 5, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Tahoe
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 3,783 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 52 | — | 1 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 69 | 14,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 233 | 33,253 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 197 | 49,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 463 | 41,500 | 16 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 57 | 16,000 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 22 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 109 | 28,000 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 105 | 42,000 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 24 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 175 | 50,000 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 49 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 256 | 48,000 | 8 | 4 | 19 | 94 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 659 | 62,000 | 14 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 90 | 56,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 4 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 233 | 60,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 178 | 70,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 447 | 66,801 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 65 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 314 | 74,000 | 3 | — | 17 | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 284 | 77,756 | 5 | — | 16 | 51 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 528 | 72,750 | 4 | — | 16 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 1,177 | 77,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 114 | 75,122 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 293 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 467 | 72,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 507 | 74,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 449 | 80,500 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 512 | 69,551 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 282 | 79,300 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 552 | 91,794 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 263 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 410 | 91,475 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 283 | 110,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 246 | 117,500 | 6 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 19 | 115,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 8 | 159,745 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 6 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Tahoe model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Owners of the 2018 Tahoe most often describe abrupt loss of motive power traced to engine or transmission failure, and intermittent loss of power steering assist. The issues reported most often: Engine or transmission failure with sudden loss of power; Power steering assist fails (hard to turn); Hard brake pedal / weak brake assist.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
NHTSA recorded 105 consumer complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 28 complaints (27% of the total), followed by engine with 20.
Has the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe (Tahoe C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe reported?
Among the 38 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 42,000 miles and the middle half falls between 10,200 and 82,000 miles; 53% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.