2019 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Tahoe years
Typical for this model
42/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× 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.
- 27 of its 109 complaints were filed by the end of 2021.
- Most reported problem: Transmission shudder, slipping and failure (22 complaints, median 64,950 mi).
- 1 recall with a do-not-drive warning, 2 in total. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018, 2020
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
- 109filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 28,000miles, 33 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 21 do-not-drive
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2019 Tahoe most often describe transmission trouble — shuddering, slipping, overheating fluid messages and, in some cases, complete transmission failure — usually past 50,000 miles. Engine complaints center on collapsed lifters and misfires that can lead to major engine work, and a group of complaints describes fuel pump failures that left the vehicle stalled. Electrical glitches, including instrument cluster and infotainment malfunctions after moisture, also come up.
- Engine
Engine lifter failure and misfire
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a ticking or knocking noise from the engine that worsens over time, along with rough running, shaking and a flashing or steady check engine light. Complaints report collapsed lifters, bent push rods or camshaft damage, with dealers sometimes recommending the engine be rebuilt or replaced. Some describe the problem returning after a rebuild. Reported from about 80,000 to 130,000 miles in most sample complaints, with a few at much lower mileage.
What to check: Listen for ticking or knocking at idle and on start-up, and scan for stored misfire codes. Ask whether lifters, camshaft or the engine itself have been repaired, and keep records of oil changes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I also had this issue with my prior gmc 2017 yukon until i traded it in.. My currently 2019 chevy tahoe premier has always had services done when required with milage needed. My issue While driving viechle on freeway knocking with shaking sound in engine. Engine light would turn on. Even though with tune-ups oil changes done this problem still continued. Now my car is sitting on driveway and cant drive it”
NHTSA complaint #11706229, filed 2025-12“Ticking sound started from the motor and the check engine light came on. We took it to the dealership and was informed the vehicle had bad lifters with a bent push rod needing a full motor replacement. The vehicle has 92k miles and was purchased a year and a half ago from that same dealership. The vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting costly repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #11712073, filed 2026-01 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, slipping and failure
- 22 complaints (20%)
- median 64,950 mi at 6.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Complaints describe shuddering or vibration under light load, hard or delayed shifts, and RPMs rising without the vehicle moving. Some owners report a transmission fluid overheating message followed by the vehicle becoming inoperable, and mechanics finding burnt fluid or metal shavings requiring replacement. Several say maintenance was up to date and that the dealer either could not duplicate the concern or quoted a full transmission replacement. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 130,000 miles, often after several years of use.
What to check: On a test drive, feel for shudder or vibration at steady light-throttle speeds and check for delayed or harsh shifts. Ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced and whether any transmission repairs or replacements have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My transmission completely went out at 130,000 miles. We had to buy a whole new transmission. It has had regular maintenance on it. Rpm would skyrocket the car wouldn’t move. Then it would finally go but not very fat or will. It also was making a terrible grinding noise”
NHTSA complaint #11756859, filed 2026-08“90k miles on my 2019 Tahoe. Mechanic said I need a new transmission?? What are my options. My VIN isn’t showing a recall. How can GM get away with this issue and not replace???”
NHTSA complaint #11665171, filed 2025-06 - Fuel system
Fuel pump failure causing stalls
- 16 complaints (15%)
- typically at 5.0 yrs old
- filed 2024–2026
Complaints describe the engine sputtering, stumbling at stop lights or stalling outright while driving, sometimes with a check engine light. Diagnostics in the complaints point to low fuel pump pressure or flow, and in several cases the pump was replaced, at times more than once on the same vehicle. Reported across a wide mileage range, from low-mileage vehicles to units well past 100,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump has been replaced and keep the receipt. Note any hesitation on acceleration or stumbling at idle during a test drive, and have fuel pressure checked if symptoms appear.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This vehicle is owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. We are submitting complaints for multiple Tahoe's that have stopped during operation causing extreme danger to our staff and other drivers in the city. The cause is always bad fuel pumps and our units have had to have the pumps replaced in some cases multiple times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11601488, filed 2024-07“This vehicle is owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. We are submitting complaints for multiple Tahoe's that have stopped during operation causing extreme danger to our staff and other drivers in the city. The cause is always bad fuel pumps and our units have had to have the pumps replaced in some cases multiple times. Unit stumbles at red lights Check engine light is on”
NHTSA complaint #11591748, filed 2024-05 - Air bags
Airbags not deploying in collisions
- 7 complaints (6%)
- median 29,900 mi at 2.3 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2025
Complaints describe front, side and rear impacts at moderate speeds in which the airbags did not deploy, while occupants struck the steering wheel or interior and reported injuries. In one case every airbag deployed from a low-speed contact with a fence post. Owners say the cause was not determined by the dealer or manufacturer in most reports. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to well over 100,000 miles.
What to check: Have the airbag warning light checked — it should come on briefly at start-up and then go out. Ask for a history of any crash repairs and whether the restraint system has been diagnosed since.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was hit I entered an intersection by a large semi/gravel truck that I did not see because there was a semi on the other side closer to me and going slower. It hit my left front driver side hard enough to spin my car across 2 lanes with a lot of damage. My airbags did not deploy. I hit my head along with other bruising. I am worried that the airbags did not deploy and do not want this to happen to someone else. I am worried that if it had been closer to the cab I would not be alive.”
NHTSA complaint #11328403, filed 2020-06, 35,000 miles“I had pulled away from back door of store after dropping off a donation. I drove about 30 feet when my passenger side rear door popped open and tapped a fence post. Every airbag went off in the vehicle, except for the steering wheel. I could not have been going more than 5mph. It sounded like an explosion went off and frightened me terribly as I am claustrophobic and was trapped in the vehicle. The insurance agent, and tow service said that that door hitting a fence post should not have blown every airbag in the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11378504, filed 2020-12, 19,437 miles - Electrical system
Instrument cluster and infotainment glitches
- 10 complaints (9%)
- median 44,670 mi at 4.6 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2025
Owners report flickering or dimming instrument panel lighting, the cluster resetting or showing wrong information, radio and temperature displays behaving oddly, and phantom touch-screen inputs. Several complaints tie the symptoms to wet weather or a car wash, and some mention a communication trouble code for the instrument cluster. Dealers were sometimes unable to identify a cause, and in one case a software update did not resolve the problem. Reported from about 40,000 to 50,000 miles in the sample, often after rain or washing the vehicle.
What to check: With the engine running, watch the cluster and center screen for flicker, resetting or ghost touches, and check that PRNDL and temperature readouts display correctly. Ask whether any cluster or infotainment software updates or repairs have been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The instrument cluster. I found a bulletin that describes my problem word for word along with multiple complaints online with the same issue. The PRNDL does not indicate the transmission position Multiple service messages on the Driver Information Center and multiple MILs illuminated The radio does not display the temperature No audible feedback or IPC indicator when the turn signals are operating DTC U0155 (Lost Communication with Instrument Cluster)”
NHTSA complaint #11514326, filed 2023-03“When rain of moisture in around the vehicle, the safety restraint system warning light turns on. The transmission pump vibration on load in low speeds, afm sytem does not allow availble power when accelerating upon downshifts. The electrical usb outlets short making device projection feature, at time while using carcharger/cigarette lighter dc outlet.”
NHTSA complaint #11489334, filed 2022-10
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent shop is worthwhile on this model year, with attention to transmission behavior, engine noise and fuel pressure. Ask for service records covering transmission fluid, oil changes and any engine or fuel pump repairs 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 109 consumer complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe. 33 of the complaints include a mileage, and 73% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 28,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 965 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 42 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Engine32 29%
- Fuel system25 23%
- Electrical system16 15%
- Other or unknown10 9.2%
- Air bags8 7.3%
- Brakes8 7.3%
- Steering8 7.3%
- Seat belts3 2.8%
- Body and structure3 2.8%
Also reported: Suspension (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (3), Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Lane departure (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle has a tremor idle problem, resulting in improper motor mounts per dealership motor mounts replaced, now bolts and shims added problem not resolved”
NHTSA complaint #11414993, filed 2021-05, 4,500 milesEngine: “My 2019 chevy Tahoe has given me carbon monoxide poisoning in the cabin of the car while driving. I had a portable co detector pick up co and I had co in my blood at the hospital multiple times and received treatment.”
NHTSA complaint #11363798, filed 2020-10, 28,000 milesFuel system: “The exhaust blows white smoke out when just turned on and continues when driving and parked. When in motion I feel shaking and nudges in the vehicles motion when going a consistent speed. The engine line flashes and traction control light turns on while in motion when not need to too.”
NHTSA complaint #11240191, filed 2019-07, 22,450 milesElectrical system: “I was turning left from the freeway feeder light that was already green upon approach. Assk I passed the intersection, I colided from on directly at the front passenger side, impacting the rear driver side of a smaller vw atals. My vehicle spun out of control stopping at the opposite side of the intersection at the median. My airbags never deployed. The other car involved we hit at the rear driver side and all his airbags deployed. I hit my chin, head, and arms and feel naseau since the accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #11407022, filed 2021-04, 38,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
73% of the 33 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,000 and 50,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 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 | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
| Tahoe · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating; 2020: 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 2019 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 | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| 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 | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| 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 | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tahoe K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
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
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)Covers: Chevrolet Tahoe 2016–2017, 2019, 2026, Suburban 2015, 2017–2020, GMC Yukon XL 2018–2019, 2026 +6 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020…
- 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…
Recall details for the 2019 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. 965 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.
- 11029950Mar 2, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
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 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Owners of the 2019 Tahoe most often describe transmission trouble — shuddering, slipping, overheating fluid messages and, in some cases, complete transmission failure — usually past 50,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Engine lifter failure and misfire; Transmission shudder, slipping and failure; Fuel pump failure causing stalls.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
NHTSA recorded 109 consumer complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 39 complaints (36% of the total), followed by engine with 32.
Has the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe (Tahoe C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe reported?
Among the 33 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 28,000 miles and the middle half falls between 5,000 and 50,000 miles; 73% 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.