RoadVitals

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
528
Latest Apr 19, 2026
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
11
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
5
Reports on file since Jun 2, 2008

What this page shows

Our database holds 528 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 528 · page 1 of 22

Electrical
Filed Apr 19, 2026
Fire reported

The battery energy control module GM Part # 84442220 located inside the HV battery assembly caught fire. The harness that was most affected was the battery cell voltage sense wires. The way the battery voltage sense circuit is manufactured seems dangerous as there is no fusible link between the battery cell and the module. If a short circuit occurs the full current of the cell will be induced on a very thin gauge wire going to the module which will result in a fire.

NHTSA ID
11732170
Incident
Apr 15, 2026
Filed Feb 9, 2026
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while stopped by the school to pick up one of his children, the vehicle was parked. The contact then noticed smoke emanating from the driver's front seat. The contact safely removed his occupant, who was his autistic child, seated in the front passenger seat. The vehicle was engulfed in flames.  The fire department was called, and the fire was extinguished. The contact and his children did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local towing yard. The insurance company was notified and towed the vehicle to a facility used by the insurance company. The insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact believes the fire to be related to an electrical failure due to the hood of the vehicle not being damaged. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

NHTSA ID
11716859
Incident
Jan 22, 2026
Mileage
134,000 mi
AirbagsDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Nov 30, 2025

We were sitting in a parking lot with the engine running and heard an explosion in the vehicle. Later we discovered that the left rear, side curtain air bag had deployed. Horn has been inoperable for months cruise control hasn't worked in years steering wheel radio controls don't work. No appointment reason for any of it. Pass air bag off warning light red Air bag light is usually on but not always.

NHTSA ID
11702074
Incident
Nov 15, 2025
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 19, 2025

Was Delivered. Took for a test drive. Stalled at stop sign. Restarted went down the road stalled and slammed into park. Contacted company was told to take to local GMC/Chevy, (said they did a bunch of research and this part should work) basically guessing had my vehicle for 9 months replaced some sensor. Had my boyfriend Drove to red light, not even half a block, stall (stable track sensor) but lost all electric but v8 still ran took to another ( had towed) to another local shop they had for 4+ months couldn't figure out said it was running 18+ codes and would cost too much to go through. Contacted company the gentleman politely laughed and said ur kidding me right it's been years I tried to explain how long it was taking due to both repairs company had it over a year n half. No sympathy he knew exactly what he sold.

NHTSA ID
11700456
Incident
Nov 1, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 27, 2025

I had bought the 08 Tahoe hybrid. The day it was delivered, it stalled I called the dealership out of Minnesota and was told oh it could be this it could be that went to two local shops and a private shop all had different specifications as to what was wrong with the car due to so many codes being thrown out. You would try to take off from a stop sign or a red light car would completely lose all power, almost had multiple people slam into me because it always happened, caused so much anxiety because my only wheels to get my children around. Once again was told to take it in GM had it for over a year and could not figure the issue out. I was told by the dealer multiple times it was not their issue and they knew the position I was in an said it was inspected but refused to send me the paperwork.

NHTSA ID
11690098
Incident
Dec 1, 2023
Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 9, 2024

Cooper Discoverer All-Terrain LT265/70R17 123S All-Terrain Tire. Just purchased from Walmart Oct 31, 2024. This is the email I sent to Walmart Claims Service, Inc. First of all, the tires were installed in the wrong manner. The Tire Pressure Sensor Monitor (TPMS) was installed on all four tires. I was fraudulently told that the car battery was bad and that the TPMS were unable to be reset. My auto battery was only purchased 3 months ago and the best battery that can be purchased from NAPA for my vehicle. When I returned to the indicated store, I was given the same BS story about my car battery being bad without proof of defect. This was an obvious attempt to get me to purchase a replacement battery. Fortunately, I have my own device to reprogram the TPMS devises. I was able to reprogram the TPMS devices on all 4 tires without problem on the first try. This is clear evidence of bad faith dealing on the part of Walmart. The tire pressure is 80psi. at the maximum load rating of the tire. At the recommended pressure of 44psi the tires are too soft. The tire squishes and rolls when driving around moderate curves at the posted speed limit of the roadway. This causes an unsafe condition and very dangerous to trailer a pull along vehicle. These tires are UNSAFE!!!! And that is a fact that cannot be disproven. Walmart is totally responsible for any product liability as a result of any death or damage sustained. I am not interested in entertaining any comments about, "if you feel they are unsafe, then don't drive the vehicle". I didn't purchase new tires for my vehicle to sit in the driveway. These tires need to be replaced ASAP with an alternate viable option. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ At the recommended operating tire pressure of 44psi the sidewalls are not supportive enough to prevent the rear end from pulling to the side, slipping, and sliding. This is more prominent when going around moderate curves.

NHTSA ID
11624372
Incident
Nov 1, 2024
Body & structureElectricalSteering
Filed Jun 2, 2024

a few thing is on my car I have got new battery, right hub Barrier and to get left repaired! Light on in care say contraction something has to do by power steering

NHTSA ID
11591989
Incident
Apr 1, 2024
Brakes
Filed May 10, 2024

Vehicle was fine until the front calipers, pads, rotors were replaced. Then randomly started loosing braking power. brakes are fine , new. Randomly when using brakes brakes will work , then loose pressure. No stopping power, petal goes to the floor and all the warning li come 9n. Have to reset code to get brakes again. Then at random they quit working again Code c12fe abs pressure pump loss

NHTSA ID
11588152
Incident
Apr 23, 2024
Body & structureBrakesEngine
Filed Apr 16, 2024

Ncfjj HD el n m a de no jabón

NHTSA ID
11583292
Incident
Apr 16, 2024
AirbagsDriver assistanceSteering
Filed Aug 19, 2023
Crash reported

I was involved in an accident last year where I took out a gaurd rail next to a building. My air bags never deployed and now my car will not run.

NHTSA ID
11539569
Incident
Oct 5, 2022
ElectricalSuspension
Filed Apr 21, 2023

The air ride control module under the spare tire in the rear of the vehicle has deteriorated and the connections melted so I had to disconnect the module I noticed smoke from underneath the rear of my vehicle I believe if I did not disconnect the module there would have been a fire i have the module that I can send pictures to you of the plug the connection and the deteriorating module these vehicles are supposed to be made to be used in the upstate weather and to leave a important piece of electrical equipment out like that is nonsense and to replace the module is approximately 500 without me going to the dealership.

NHTSA ID
11518364
Incident
Mar 22, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 13, 2022

A number of warning lights came on including ABS, Stability control, and engine light, car lost power and shut off

NHTSA ID
11464566
Incident
May 6, 2022
Body & structureBrakesSeat belts
Filed Mar 4, 2022

Front passenger seatbelt is stuck won’t expand to buckle up, when turning on right blinker the high beam lights turn on. Which is unsafe for other drivers being blinded by the bright lights. Back hatch does not operate at all, could potentially be life threatening if that was an only exit due to unexpected Circumstances

NHTSA ID
11455219
Incident
Sep 28, 2021
Steering
Filed Feb 19, 2022
1 injury reported

Sudden Loss of power steering & Complete Loss of Steering control movement.. It caused a minor injury to my hand... Friction burn to both palms and sore finger joints Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Have not taken it in for service yet.. While Performing a LEFT turn The wheel suddenly & unexpectedly BY IT SELF, jerked and changed direction from 80-90% left turning angle to 50-70% right turning in a quarter of a second , this almost caused the vehicle to smash into two other vehicles present in the area the other person had to slam on their brakes as the SUV by it self cut them off... Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No......... Service Power Steering message was shown on the Driver information Center (DIC) when the incident occurred ... nothing prior This incident was caught on dash camera.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lUqZUsOLEk

NHTSA ID
11453032
Incident
Jan 4, 2022
Airbags
Filed Sep 14, 2021

I was sent a notification in February 2021 to notify of a recall for the airbags on my Tahoe. I have received no further information from General Motors, Chevrolet or the local dealer. The notice says a severe injury or death could result from the malfunction. Seven months is not timely. I checked the General Motors website and it states no parts or repairs are available. I will contact them also so see if this can be escalated. Dangerous.

NHTSA ID
11432848
Incident
Sep 13, 2021
Airbags
Filed Sep 7, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. While the contact's daughter was entering traffic at 65 MPH, the vehicle in front made an abrupt stop. As a result, the contact's daughter was unable to stop the vehicle in time and crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The contact was concerned that no air bags deployed during the impact. In addition, the contact stated that the OnStar feature failed to activate and it was concluded that it was due to the sensors. During the impact, the contact's daughter's head hit the steering wheel and caused an injury in which physical therapy was required on the weekly basis. The vehicle was towed and a police report was filed. The contact also wanted to advise that vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number 21V52000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.

NHTSA ID
11431989
Incident
Aug 24, 2021
Mileage
139,000 mi
Filed Jun 14, 2021

DASH BOARD IS BROKEN

NHTSA ID
11420882
Incident
Jan 17, 2018
Body & structure
Filed Apr 20, 2021

2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO RUSTED FRAME. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT RIGHT STABILIZER BRACKET BROKE OFF THE FRAME. *JS

NHTSA ID
11412734
Incident
Apr 20, 2021
Filed Apr 14, 2021

MY DASH HAS CRACKED WITHOUT ANY FORCE BEING APPLIED TO IT DUE TO CHEAP MATERIAL USED IN MANUFACTURING ITEM. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH MAY CAUSE PARTS OF DASH TO PROPEL TO DRIVER AND PASSENGER CAUSING INJURIES.

NHTSA ID
11408109
Incident
Apr 1, 2018
Filed Mar 25, 2021

I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING IN MY POWER, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF MY CRACKED DASHBOARD/PAD. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO DOZENS UPON DOZENS OF OTHER TAHOE/YUKON OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AND HAVE REACHED OUT TO GM FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE TO ONLY HAVE BEEN TURNED AWAY.

NHTSA ID
11404772
Incident
Mar 2, 2015
Mileage
80,000 mi
ElectricalSeat belts
Filed Mar 16, 2021

WHEN DRIVING I HEAR A WINDING SOUND IN MY SPEAKERS WHEN I ACCELERATE. MY RADIO IS OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENS. ALSO MY DRIVERS SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY LATCHED. KEEPS COMING UPDONE WHEN CORRECTLY FASTENED.

NHTSA ID
11403319
Incident
Mar 15, 2021
Mileage
20 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 15, 2021

RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE GM RECALL: N212328760. MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK COMPLETED WITH SIMPSON CHEVROLET IN IRVINE CA. WHEN WE LEFT THE CAR WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAVE TO GO UNDER THE DASH TO DO THE WORK, AND IF THEY BREAK OR CRACK THE DASHBOARD, WE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. WE DID NOT HAVE THE WORK COMPLETED AS THE NOTICE SAYS THE SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FOR YOU AT NO CHARGE. THEY ALSO INFLATED THE MILEAGE BY 9,000 MILES.

NHTSA ID
11403080
Incident
Mar 15, 2021
Mileage
160,000 mi
Filed Mar 11, 2021

DASH BOARD CRACKS ON THE PASSAGES SIDE BESIDE THE AIRBAG COVER. ALSO CRACKS ON THE DRIVER SIDE FROM NEAR THE WINDSHIELD RUNNING TOWARD THE ODOMETER AREA. CRACKS APPEARED OVER TIME THAT I OWNED THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11400401
Incident
Mar 11, 2021
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Feb 28, 2021

SAFETY RECALL ON AIR BAGS THAT THEY CAN'T FIX AND COULD CAUSE DEATH

NHTSA ID
11398312
Incident
Feb 5, 2021
Airbags
Filed Feb 9, 2021

RECEIVED NOTICE OF FAULTY AIR BAGS ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE

NHTSA ID
11395347
Incident
Feb 9, 2021

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.

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