1999 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes25240.6%
- Electrical477.6%
- Steering467.4%
- Visibility396.3%
- Engine284.5%
- Fuel system274.3%
- Suspension264.2%
- Transmission264.2%
- Tires & wheels233.7%
- Airbags203.2%
- Powertrain (other)203.2%
- Seat belts152.4%
- Body & structure142.3%
- Driver assistance111.8%
- Interior & seats101.6%
- Exterior lighting81.3%
- Other / unspecified50.8%
- Heating & air conditioning40.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's wife owns a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at a low rate of speed, an abnormal, grinding noise began to emit from the brake pedal upon depression without warning. The contact had to pump the brake pedal as the pedal depressed to the floorboard before coming to a complete stop. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed him that the failure was a known issue with this model vehicle. The mechanic informed him that the vehicle might be under recall. The contact then called a local dealer where he was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKES WOULD SEIZE AND RELEASE WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC UNDER THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS MELTING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WIRES BEGAN TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 218,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE SECURITY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE PASS KEY THAT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS PITMAN ARM WAS RECENTLY REPLACED AND THE CLOCKSPRING WAS FRACTURED AND ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE THE PITMAN ARM WAS REPLACED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MAXIE PRICE CHEVROLET ATLANTA (3600 US-78, LOGANVILLE, GA 30052, 770466-7000) AND NASH CHEVROLET (630 SCENIC HWY S, LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30046, 678-369-3889) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS TO REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING WERE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. THE CONTACT'S ONLY OPTION WAS TO FIND A JUNK YARD THAT MAY CARRY THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,000.
MY 1999 CHEVY TAHOE BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SNATCHING THE WHEEL TO ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD I HAVE LIKED TO WRECKED TWICE BECAUSE OF THIS I HAD MY TIRES CHANGED THOUGHT IT WAS THAT HAD THE TRUCK LINED UP STILL DOING IT I THINK THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMBODY GETS HURT WHEN THE TRUCK SNATCHES IT PULLS LIKE IT OUT OF LIMIT BAD BUT THEN GO'S BACK TO ITS SELF I NOTICED IT MOSTLY DOES IT IN A TURN AROUND A CURVE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR VIEW MIRROR DISCONNECTED FROM GLASS. *TR
DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN THE ROAD IN THE RAIN TRY TO TURN ON WINDSHIELD WIPER AN NOTHING HAPPENED SO I HAD TO PULL OVER UNTIL I COULD SEE GOOD ENOUGH TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD TO DRIVE AN THAT'S ALWAYS HAPPENS TO ME. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUSPECTED DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH AND/OR IGNITION SWITCH PASSLOCK SECURITY ON OR ABOUT JAN 17 2014 I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. AFTER 10-15 MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE AS NORMAL. FOR SEVERAL YEARS AFTER DRIVING THE IGNITION KEY WAS WARM OR HOT WHEN REMOVED FROM THE SWITCH. IN EARLY 2013 THE ENGINE WOULD OCCASIONALLY STALL IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING BUT WOULD RESTART AFTER WAITING 5 TO 10 MINUTES. ON JAN 14 WHEN AT A GAS STATION THE ENGINE STALLED BUT I WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR TO THE CURB. AFTER 10-15 MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE NORMAL. * PASSLOCK IGNITION SECURITY FEATURE IS WIDELY REPORTED TO BE A CAUSE OF THESE SYMPTOMS. *TR
CONTINUOUSLY HAVING TO FILL WITH COOLANT DUE TO LEAK. NO LEAK FROM HOSES ETC. THE PROBLEM COMES FROM A DEFECT IN HEADS THAT ARE PRODUCED BY CASTECH. WENT ON LINE TO RESEARCH THIS AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND GM/CHEVROLET WILL NOT FIX. EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANIES WILL NOT FIX BECAUSE IT IS A DEFECTIVE PART. DEALERSHIPS WILL NOT TALK ABOUT IT BUT IF YOU TALK TO AN MECHANIC AT A DEALERSHIP AND DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM THEY ARE QUICK TO TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT IT IS AND THAT IT IS A DEFECT. THE COOLANT SEEPS THROUGH THE POORLY MANUFACTURED CASTECH HEADS. CALLED SOME OF THE LOCAL MECHANICS AND THEY ARE SAYING THE SAME THING-DEFECTIVE PART. NOW LIKE I SAID I HAVE CHECKED ON LINE AND HUNDREDS OR MORE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND ARE HAVING TO HAVE THE HEADS REPLACED AND ENGINES AT OUT OF POCKET. I DID NOT SEE WHERE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ON THIS SITE BECAUSE LIKE ME THEY DID NOT KNOW WHERE TO GO. I FOUND OUT FROM A LAWYER WHO ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM TO COMPLAIN ON THIS SITE. HE JUST SIMPLY GOT RID OF HIS TAHOE. ONE SAID THEY WERE STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE WITH YOUNG KIDS AND NO PHONE AND NO WAY OF AFFORDING TO GETTING HOME FROM OUT OF TOWN. NOW THAT IS BAD. *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
FUEL LINE LEAKS .POURING GAS OUT OF PRESSURE SIDE .PICS BELOW.VEHICLE 130000 MILES.2.BRAKE LINES ROTTING AWAY .REAR MOUNT TO DIFFERENTIAL LINES.MUST BE REPLACED.HOW CAN THIS BE ALLOWED? 560 DOLLARS IN JUST PARTS ALONE.3.GAS FILL NECK ROTTED AND LEAKS DURING FUELING.HAD TO REPLACE
FUEL PUMP WIRING FAILED CAUSING FUEL PUMP TO BURN UP. OBVIOUS ISSUE AS GM NOW INCLUDES REPLACEMENT WIRING WITH REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMPS. SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS, ANY WIRING FAILURE IN PROXIMITY TO THE FUEL TANK COULD CAUSE A FIRE, FAILURE OF THE WIRING RESULTING IN FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP LEAVES THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STRANDED, WHETHER ON A HIGH SPEED FREEWAY, IN LOCAL TRAFFIC, IN A AN UNSAFE AREA OR SITTING IN YOUR DRIVEWAY. THERE IS NO SYMPTOM SO THAT PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE CAN BE PERFORMED. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FRAME HAS GOTTEN VERY RUSTY AND THE REAR AXLE U BOLTS HAVE RUSTED SO MUCH THAT THEY BEEN REPLACED.
EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST, WHICH TO DATE THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 73,000 MILES. THE RUST IS SO BAD I WILL PROBABLY STOP DRIVING, UNTIL I CAN FIND A GOOD FRAME. LARGE LAYERS ARE COMING OFF, AND CAN BE JUST CRUMBLED. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS MINT, THE UNDER BODY STILL LOOKS NEW, THE FRAME IS OUCH!, NOT JUST LOCAL AREAS, THE WHOLE FRAME STRUCTURE.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
JUST DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND CAR JUST STOPPED GOING AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS I GOT THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO GEAR AND DROVE TO DEALER THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING FINE AND THE WAS NO INDICATION OF PENDING TRANSMISSION FAILURE. HAVE TO PUT IN NEW TRANSMISSION THIS IS THE SECOND ONE IN THIS VEHICLE THAT HAS 119,900 ON IT. *TR
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION IN MY '99 TAHOE. THE FIRST INCIDENT LEFT ME STRANDED AT 50K MILES. LUCKY I HAD AND EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE REPAIR SHOP HAD TO DO A FULL ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE WHICH HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH A WEAK RINGREVERSE GEAR? THIS TIME IT APPEARS THE SAME PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AGAIN, ONLY NOW I HAVE 170K MILES. I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THE ENGINE TO GO FIRST. THE REPAIR SHOP SAID SOMETHING SIMILAR HAS HAPPENED THIS TIME AS WELL.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's son owns a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with Mickey Thompson Deegan 38 All-Terrain TIRES, TIRE SIZES 265/65/18. The contact stated that while his son was traveling at 25 MPH, the left rear driver side tire blew out without warning. The contact's son was not injured. The contact stated that the entire sidewall had blown out from the tire. The contact's son was able to replace the tire with a spare. The contact had reached out to the tire manufacturer where they informed him that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21T002000 (TIRES). The tire had yet to be replaced. The failure mileage was unknown. Vin was unavailable
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE EQUIPPED WITH COOPER TIRES, SIZE: 235/75R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, HE HEARD A LOUD FLAPPING NOISE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE TIRES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THEM INSPECTED WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT ALL FOUR OF THE TIRES WERE SEPARATING FROM THE INTERNAL WIRING. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS PITMAN ARM WAS RECENTLY REPLACED AND THE CLOCKSPRING WAS FRACTURED AND ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE THE PITMAN ARM WAS REPLACED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MAXIE PRICE CHEVROLET ATLANTA (3600 US-78, LOGANVILLE, GA 30052, 770466-7000) AND NASH CHEVROLET (630 SCENIC HWY S, LAWRENCEVILLE, GA 30046, 678-369-3889) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS TO REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING WERE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. THE CONTACT'S ONLY OPTION WAS TO FIND A JUNK YARD THAT MAY CARRY THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A LIGHT POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR STOPPED MOVING. IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION IT WAS AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. THIS WAS TERRIFYING, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT FELT LIKE I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND THE CAR POPPED INTO GEAR AND SHOT FORWARD. I NOW HAVE NO REVERSE AND UNSURE WHICH GEARS MIGHT WORK, AS I IMMEDIATELY GOT IT HOME. I AM A DISABLED VETERAN ON A LIMITED INCOME AND NO AM FACING POSSIBLY HUGE EXPENSES FOR TRANSMISSION REPAIRS THAT I NOW HAVE READ HAVE BEEN COMPLAINTS ON MY CAR FOR YEARS! I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW GM/CHEVROLET DOESN'T SEE TRANSMISSION ISSUES AS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THIS TRANSMISSION HAS HAD WAY TOO MANY COMPLAINTS. HAVING NO WARNING AND THE INABILITY TO BE ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR IN AN INTERSECTION COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC!! ALOS WHEN CALLING A LOCAL DEALERSHIP THEY SHOULD BE BETTER INFORMED ABOUT ANY TSB'S AS TO INFORM CONSUMERS. I JUST THANK GOD MY FAMILY IS SAFE, HOWEVER AM NOW OUT OF A CAR. THANKS GENERAL MOTORS/CHEVROLET, LOOKS LIKE YOURE LOSING ANOTHER LOYAL CUSTOMER.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP, THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. THIS OCCURRED ON A NORMAL ROAD DURING NORMAL BRAKING. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED HOWEVER NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. UPDATED 3/17/2006 - THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED INT HE ABS RECALL. THE CONSUMER HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE IN THE DRIVELINE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR UNIVERSAL JOINT IN THE DRIVESHAFT. *NM
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
driver side seat belt unbuckles randomly for no apparent reason forcing you to re-buckle. to confirm belt was buckled properly i pulled on strap and it would not release. yet driving down road it will unbuckle randomly
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V122000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS SINCE 2003 FOR OTHER REPAIRS AFTER THE TECHNICIAN WAS ASKED TO REPAIR ANY OUTSTANDING RECALLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ORDER THE PARTS AND THEY WOULD ARRIVE IN APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST, WHICH TO DATE THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 73,000 MILES. THE RUST IS SO BAD I WILL PROBABLY STOP DRIVING, UNTIL I CAN FIND A GOOD FRAME. LARGE LAYERS ARE COMING OFF, AND CAN BE JUST CRUMBLED. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS MINT, THE UNDER BODY STILL LOOKS NEW, THE FRAME IS OUCH!, NOT JUST LOCAL AREAS, THE WHOLE FRAME STRUCTURE.
THE SWAY BAR IN THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE BROKE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE RIGHT ARM OF THE SWAY BAR TO HANG BY ITSELF WHILE THE REST OF THE SWAY BAR IS STILL CONNECTED THROUGH THE FRONT AND ACROSS TO THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE IDIOTS ON THIS SITE HAS INJURED MY BRAIN AN THERE'S A SPEED CONTROL ISSUE NOT STOPPING THESE PEOPLE FROM MAKING STUPID COMPLAINTS GET A GRIP PEOPLE 90 PRECENT OF YOUR COMPLAINTS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR FIX IT FOR GOD SAKES IF NOT BUY A NEW VEHICLE BUT GUESS WHAT ITS GONNA BREAK DOWN TO. *TR
I PURCHASED MY 1999 CHEVY TAHOE IN 2004 WITH 87,000 MILES FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. I RECEIVED ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS FROM ORIGINAL OWNER, AS WELL AS ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP PRICE/OPTION STICKER. I NOTICED ONCE OVER 100,000 MILES THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION OR PROBLEM, LIKE A POWER SURGE ANYTIME THE POWER WINDOW BUTTONS ARE DEPRESSED AND WHEN I ACCELERATE, THERE IS A SURGE AND WHEN TRUCK SLOWS DOWN OR IS IN PARK, THERE IS N SURGE. THERE IS SUDDEN ENERGY! THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE DASHBOARD/RADIO AND SWITCH BUTTONS BELOW LIGHTS WORKING. THEY HAVE FAILED! ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CAN CAUSE FIRES AND I HAVE NOTICED IT IS NOT MY TAHOE ONLY WITH THE SAME EXISTING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, AS I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A SECOND VEHICLE, AS I HAVE MY KIDS BOTH OF DRIVING AGE AND MY 1999 TAHOE LS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE. I FEEL SAFE ON THE ROAD IN MY TAHOE. I LOVE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE OPTION, AS I LIVE IN MINNESOTA AND I COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT IT OVER THE WINTER MONTHS! I AM ALSO VERY PROUD TO POINT OUT, MY TAHOE HAS 343,000+ MILES ON IT AND STILL GOING STRONG!!!! I CAN NOT AFFORD A NEW TAHOE, AS I AM ON A FIXED DISABILITY INCOME NOW, SO I AM SHOPPING FOR A 1999 OR NEWER AT A REASONABLE PRICE. I AM SATISFIED WITH ALL THE YEARS I HAVE DRIVEN MINE AND HOPE TO GET MANY MORE YEARS OUT OF IT. PEOPLE ARE AMAZED WHEN I TELL THEM HOW MANY MILES ARE ACTUAL MILES ON MY TAHOE. I AM AMAZED, AS WELL. :) [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEATED SEAT CONTROL MODULE WAS ACTIVATED WHILE AN OCCUPANT WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THERE WAS UNEXPECTED AND EXCESSIVE HEAT PENETRATING FROM THE SEAT, WHICH CAUSED THE OCCUPANT TO SUSTAIN SECOND DEGREE BURNS ON HIS RIGHT THIGH. THE HEATED SEAT MODULE HARNESS CONNECTOR WAS DISCONNECTED DUE TO THE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 168,000.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATER FAN SWITCH, CONNECTOR PLUG AND ATTACHED INSULATION TO THE WIRING OVERHEATED AND MELTED, WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND APPLYING THE BRAKES BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL FAILED, CONSUMER REPLACED THE CIRCUIT BOARD SWITCH AT CONSUMER'S OF $125.00. *AK
ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS REPLACED, THESE INCLUDED:ALTERNATOR REPLACED TWICED, BATTERY REPLACED, INJECTORS PLUGGING TREATED THREE TIMES, TAIL SHAFT LEAKING - REPLACED, INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACED, STEREO REPLACED, TALL LAMP CIRCUIT BOARD REPLACED (BOTH, INTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACED TWICE - UNSURE IN CURRENT MILEAGE READINGS ARE CORRECT, HEAD LAMPS CONTINUE TO FLICKER WHIL EDRIVING REPLACED THREE TIMES, WATER PUMP REPLACED, BALL JOINTS REPLACED, AND STERRING COMPONENTS REPLACED. CONTINUAL PROBLEMS AND NO ANSWERS.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
LOOSING AIR PRESSURE FROM ALL 4 TIRES. TIRES IN GOOD SHAPE. COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY LOOSING PRESSURE. CAUSED VEHICLE TO PULL IN WHATEVER DIRECTION OF TIRE PRESSURE LOSS. SOMETIMES PULLING REALLY HARD AND MAKING VEHICLE HARD TO HANDLE. COULD NOT LET MY TEEN LEARNING TO DRIVE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THIS. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TIRE DEALER AND ACCORDING TO THEM THEY HAVE SEEN THIS A LOT WITH CHEVROLET AND THE CHROME DIPPED RIMS. WHAT IS GOING ON IS THE INSIDE OF THE CHROME RIMS IS RUSTING AND FLAKING AND CAUSING THE AIR TO SEEP OUT. THE RIMS HAVE TO BE SANDED DOWN AND PAINTED WITH A SPECIAL PAIN IN THE INSIDE AND ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THIS IS NOT A LONG TERM FIX AND THE RIMS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THOUGH THEY LOOK GOOD THESE CHROME DIPPED RIMS COULD CAUSE A BIG PROBLEM FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE CLUELESS TO WATCHING AIR PRESSURE IN THEIR TIRES. I WATCH AROUND AND OFTEN SEE THESE TAHOE WITH LOW AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES. I HAPPEN TO WORK ON CARS MYSELF AND HAVE GOOD MAINTENANCE HABITS AND CAN SPOT THINGS SUCH AS LOW AIR PRESSURES. HAD I NOT I MAY BEEN IN A ACCIDENT BY NOW. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED BUT HAD ORIGINAL RIMS. ALSO WHEN WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THE DEALER HAD TO PUT AIR IN ONE TIRE AND HAD IT CHECK BEFORE WE LEFT AND ALL LOOKED GOOD AND IT WAS JUST ASSUMED IT WAS FROM SITTING OR SOMETHING. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WAS NOT CONNECTED AFTER CHECKING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT THE TIRE MAY HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE HOIST THAT HOLDS THE SPARE IN PLACE. HE HAD NO IDEA WHEN THE SPARE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED HIS VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE HOIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000. UPDATED 02/03/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SPARE TIRE WEIGHT IS 75- 100 POUNDS AT 70 MPH. THE TIRE CAN BOUNCE IRREGULARLY AFTER RELEASED FROM THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 03/18/11
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
OUR SEAT WARMER BURNED THRU OUR FRONT DRIVERS SEAT. THERE IS A LARGE HOLE IN OUR SEAT. I AM NOT SURE OF THE EXACT DAY THAT THIS HAPPENED...WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON THIS SUMMER WITH MY HUSBAND HAVING OPEN HEART SURGERY AND I THEN HAVING SURGERY SO I AM JUST GETTING THIS TO YOU NOW. I AM NOT SURE IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS OR NOT BUT I DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO GET HURT.
DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .