Skip to main content

Hold the gas! Multiple Chevrolet Tahoe models are experiencing transmission problems very early on. Some are requiring expensive repairs before they even hit 70k miles. Lifelong Chevy fans might start to reconsider their choices after dealing with jerky shifts, burning oil, and more with the new Chevy Tahoe

Does the Chevy Tahoe have transmission problems? 

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 driving down dirty road
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 | Chevrolet

The Chevy Tahoe is a notorious SUV that’s loved for having power, a comfortable ride, and impressive towing abilities. However, when going for the 2015 and 2016 Chevy Tahoe models, people are discovering transmission and engine issues very early on. 

One driver got their 2015 Chevy Tahoe with 479 miles on it and enjoyed a week with it before strange noises started to occur while accelerating. Then the transmission started getting stuck in park and drive. Also, it was becoming difficult to get their Chevrolet Tahoe to change gears. 

Their Chevy Tahoe model was serviced for about a week in the shop and rode for three days before problems returned. The electrical system started going nuts.

The navigation system and radio started randomly turning off, and the transmission started squealing while accelerating. Then the Tahoe has to be serviced for another two weeks. 

More Chevy Tahoe Engine Problems 

Another driver got their Chevy Tahoe with 6,844 miles on it. The first time their Tahoe needed work, technicians couldn’t figure out the issue because no check engine light ever came on. Then a week later, the Chevy Tahoe went into neutral and shut down on the highway. 

So, then the Chevy Tahoe returned to the shop for another two weeks. It had the transmission valve replaced, which is the brain of the transmission. Then after another three weeks, the same issues started to flare up again. 

Other drivers noticed that their Chevy Tahoe has a loud vibration that even the passengers can notice. When driving at low speeds, the engine also seemed to have a delay and poor acceleration. Other drivers experienced their Chevy Tahoe models cutting off and stalling at red lights and stop signs. 

GM Transmission Problems 

2021 Chevy Tahoe on stage at auto show
2021 Chevy Tahoe

Similar transmission issues have been reported for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 Yukon, Camaro, GMC Canyon, Chevy Silverado, and GMC Suburban models. So many problems have been reported that GM is facing a class-action lawsuit claiming that their 8L90 and 8L45 transmissions are defective. 

The investigation, which includes 104 complaints, has been closed. While GM offered 13 technical service bulletins related to the issue, none of the solutions seemed to work. The problem could be due to the torque converter causing too much friction, causing the hydraulic systems and gears to improperly function. 

These issues are hazardous as the risk of an accident or injury significantly increases as vehicles suddenly stall. Also, some drivers experienced shifts so hard that they thought they were hit by other vehicles. 

If this class action lawsuit finds that GM at-fault drivers will receive payment for their repair costs, cover compensation for the lost value of the vehicles, GM will be held accountable for their issues and will be forced to fix them.