2012 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 2012 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
- Airbags6139.9%
- Body & structure3522.9%
- Electrical138.5%
- Engine95.9%
- Powertrain (other)74.6%
- Driver assistance74.6%
- Brakes63.9%
- Interior & seats42.6%
- Other / unspecified42.6%
- Steering42.6%
- Suspension21.3%
- Fuel system10.7%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2012 Chevy Tahoe Dashboard is completely cracked up. This seems to be a very common issue as I read online. I am very concerned about the Safety with the Dashboard being cracked in multiple areas. What do I need to do to get Chevy to replace this at no cost to me?
I was rear ended while stopped by another truck that was going 60+ mph. None of the airbags in my 2012 Chevy Tahoe deployed. The backside of the driver and passenger seats fell off - unsure if that is airbag related but nothing deployed. My car was totaled my insurance.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The AC in the front stopped working on and off but the AC in the back continues to work that's one warning a situation. The second is the oil light constantly shows low oil even when you get an oil change. The park tire pressure always moves back and forth to 40% to all the way down to 30.
Developed cracks in dash starting in 2018 and progressively got worse. Rattles when you drive. Driver door pull has also broken in several places and has pinched my hand multiple times. Dealer is aware this is a common problem but will need to replace whole door panel and dash at my expense. Transmission went at 81,000. Chevy, you can do better. I was warned not to buy this, but I took my chances. It feels very lemony sour now.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DASH CRACKING. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES AND GM NEEDS TO FIX IT. EVERY ONE I HAVE SEEN DOES THIS. THEY CRACK NEAR THE AIRBAG ORIGINALLY, WHICH MINE IS. IT IS BEGINNING TO CRACK IN OTHER PLACES. THE SHARP EDGES HAVE CUT MY FINGER BEFORE WHILE JUST WIPING THE DASH. THE SHARP EDGES COULD ALSO CUT INTO ELECTRICAL WIRES DOWN THE ROAD. THIS VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND STORED INDOORS AND THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE SHARP CRACKED EDGES LIKE THIS FROM NORMAL USE.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN ON OCCASION. INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO, DASH PANEL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. ALSO DOOR LOCKS, LOCK AND UNLOCK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. LAST YEAR I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED AFTER I WAS NEARLY HIT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THIS HAS RECENTLY THIS WEEK OCCURRED AGAIN 2 TIMES.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the same diagnostic information was provided. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN ON OCCASION. INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO, DASH PANEL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. ALSO DOOR LOCKS, LOCK AND UNLOCK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. LAST YEAR I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED AFTER I WAS NEARLY HIT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THIS HAS RECENTLY THIS WEEK OCCURRED AGAIN 2 TIMES.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to slow for a traffic light and the vehicle jerked while shifting into low gear. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal when the traffic light had changed, the vehicle hesitated before responding and was jerking and shuddering while changing gear and accelerating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure became a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and had referred the contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
PERIODICLY, WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE RADIO WILL TURN OFF, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WILL BLINK, THE DOOR LOCKS WILL REPEATEDLY LOCK/UNLOCK, TRANSMISSION WILL FEEL LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL OR THE ENGINE WILL COMPLETELY TURN OFF.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN ON OCCASION. INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO, DASH PANEL, TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. ALSO DOOR LOCKS, LOCK AND UNLOCK. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. LAST YEAR I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED AFTER I WAS NEARLY HIT AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THIS HAS RECENTLY THIS WEEK OCCURRED AGAIN 2 TIMES.
CPM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO BECOME STUCK IN FULL OPEN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND WOULD NOT STOP. COMPUTER WAS STUCK IN 100% MODE. BRAKES INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. TAHOE CONTINUED TO GAIN SPEED. RPM'S RUNNING BETWEEN 500-600 RPM. TRAFFIC WAS EVERYWHERE TURNING ONTO A 2 LANE SIDE ROAD AND NOTIFYING 911 I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. THE VEHICLE COASTED FOR ANOTHER MILE OR MORE BEFORE STOPPING. THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING AT THAT POINT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Warning light for break trailer system.
WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 TAHOE MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND I WENT TO HIT MY BRAKES TO STOP I HAD NO BRAKES SO AS I WAS COMING TO A CURVE I COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL , LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING AT A FAST SPEED . I WAS GOING 30 SO I HAD TO WAIT FOR VEHICLE TO STOP AND PUT IN PARK AND RESTARTED VEHICLE , IT DID START BACK UP BUT NOW MY SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side and passenger’s side doors failed to open manually or while using the power door lock button. The contact was concerned because rear-seat occupants could be trapped and injured during a crash or a vehicle fire. The dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that there were two cracks on the dashboard located near the passenger’s side front air bag housing and near the steering column. There was no impact that could have caused the cracks. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall for the dashboard and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A CRACK DASH IN 3 OR MORE SPOT AND MY WHEELS ARE CRACKING THE CHROME AWAY
AFTER 15 DAYS OF PURCHASING SUV REALIZE THE TWO REAR TIRES WERE RIPPED FROM THE SIDES, TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TIRES, ALSO BRAKES ARE MAKING A LOT OF NOISE, THEY SAID BRAKES WERE DIRTY AND THEY CLEANED, NOISE NEVER WENT AWAY. WE TOOK THE SUV TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 07/25/2019 WE PURCHASE 06/28/2019... DEALER OFFERED TO ONLY REPLACE ONE TIRE, WHICH WE DECLINED. ON THE 08/05/2019 ONE OF THE TIRED OPENED WHILE DRIVING AND NO LONGER WORK, HAD TO BUY TWO NEW TIRES SINCE TIRE SHOP SAID IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO USE THOSE TIRES
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While barely moving, (about 2 mph), in a parking lot & preparing to make a sharp left turn, knuckle of driver's side wheel assembly suddenly broke, causing the wheel assembly to collapse, wheel top tilted inward and bottom tilted outward, causing major damage to upper and lower control arms, tie rod and significant body damage to two body parts at the wheel opening. Mechanic reported that there had been very excessive ‘play’ before the collapse At 86,000 miles, this is a very low-mileage for this degree of wear and complete failure, on a full-size, PPV SUV, with many heavy-duty features, designed to tolerate high stress usage. FORTUATELY, the car was barely rolling. If this had happened 5 minutes later, I would have been driving 65 mph and this would have caused a catastrophic wreck, could have involved several other cars, and could have injured or even killed many people. I am now very concerned about the condition of the knuckle on the passenger side. It could be developing microscopic cracks that would only be observable with X-ray. ESPECIALLY with this defect being on a very popular police model, Highway Patrol PPV vehicle, more failures will endanger many people.
DASHBOARD CRACKED IN TWO DIFFERENT PLACES. FIRST NEAR AIR BAG AND SECOND NEAR STEERING WHEEL. MY STEERING WHEEL MAKES A SQUEAKING NOISE EVER SO OFTEN. TOOK IT IN TO CHEVROLET SHOP AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
While barely moving, (about 2 mph), in a parking lot & preparing to make a sharp left turn, knuckle of driver's side wheel assembly suddenly broke, causing the wheel assembly to collapse, wheel top tilted inward and bottom tilted outward, causing major damage to upper and lower control arms, tie rod and significant body damage to two body parts at the wheel opening. Mechanic reported that there had been very excessive ‘play’ before the collapse At 86,000 miles, this is a very low-mileage for this degree of wear and complete failure, on a full-size, PPV SUV, with many heavy-duty features, designed to tolerate high stress usage. FORTUATELY, the car was barely rolling. If this had happened 5 minutes later, I would have been driving 65 mph and this would have caused a catastrophic wreck, could have involved several other cars, and could have injured or even killed many people. I am now very concerned about the condition of the knuckle on the passenger side. It could be developing microscopic cracks that would only be observable with X-ray. ESPECIALLY with this defect being on a very popular police model, Highway Patrol PPV vehicle, more failures will endanger many people.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM MESSAGE KEEP COMING ON.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. THE MECHANIC ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FUEL PUMP, ASSOCIATED WITH THE WIRING, SEAL, WIRING HARNESS, AND FUEL SYSTEM, WAS NOT GETTING POWER. THE SPARE TIRE WAS LET DOWN TO FURTHER INSPECT THE AREA AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE PINS WERE DISCONNECTED, AND THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF CORROSION TO THE SEALS AND WIRING NEAR THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAL AND SEVEN OF THE WIRES, ASSOCIATED WITH THE WIRING HARNESS, WERE PREMATURELY CORRODED. IT WAS ALSO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V145000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
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 .