2015 Chevrolet Tahoe Engine Problems

Had to have motor replaced due to faulty lifters which in turn damaged the motor. No, I didn’t check with dealers, independent service centers. However, it was inspected by an independent individual who handles these type of issues on Tahoes, Suburbans, etc. Lifter issues happened in November of 2025. My vehicle is still in the shop at this writing having a new motor installed. I have never been notified of any recall for this type of issue for my particular vehicle which seems to be a common issue. Also had issues with sensors and a/c.

NHTSA ID

11725977

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and the temperature gauge failed to function as needed, with an abnormally loud sound coming from the cooling fans. The check engine warning light illuminated, and a message about the battery was displayed, and a warning light about the battery was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the thermostat housing had failed and the wiring to the fan had failed. The vehicle was repaired. Several days later, the contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the same day the vehicle was picked up from the independent mechanic, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,880.

NHTSA ID

11705149

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

Mileage

165,880 mi

i got my oil changed and got a new air filter and my tahoe started acting like it was chugging put it on a machine said it was a spark in 7 cylinder got new plugs and wires and a new thermostat didnt fix it got a nee crank shaft was driving perfectly went to pass a driving doing 35 m an hr on a 55 m hr and when i did it acted like it was going to die i took it easy the two mikes home had it towed to dealership they said it was my lifter and would codt my 16000$ to fix it! i talked to 3 other mechanics and they informed me this particular engine has a recall for doing just this when it runs at 5.4 and swittchrs to 8 it sometimes blows a lifters , which is exactly what has happened if i hadnt been any cliser to home or was on the interstate this could of neen a really bad accident!

NHTSA ID

11688773

Incident

Sep 11, 2025

While driving multiple times the vehicle has completely lost power or almost died in the middle of the roadway. It has been taken to the dealership multiple times and they are reporting transmission and catalytic converter issues, however these issues were present at 20,000 miles and taken back to the dealership to be fixed. This is now a reoccurrence of issue and the dealership refused to warranty or fix the reoccurring issue. Loss of power while driving and random acceleration have occurred and almost caused accidents on multiple occasions

NHTSA ID

11644304

Incident

Dec 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was replaced. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle from the dealer while driving 10-15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but was significantly firm and failed to respond. The contact drove into a curb and struck a parking sign pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the failure exacerbated pre-existing injuries. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to restart the vehicle and depress the brake pedal to verify whether the brake pedal was operable. The contact followed the dealer's instructions, and the brake pedal responded as needed; however, the vehicle was towed to the residence because the contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the vacuum pump; however, the failure recurred while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Midway Chevrolet Plainwell Auto Dealer (381 12th St, Plainwell, MI 49080), where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump wires, the transfer case oil and seal, the engine oil coolant hose, the valve cover gasket, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer determined that the ball joints needed to be replaced, and an alignment needed to be performed. The dealer also determined that the air ride compressor was noisy. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a third dealer, Heritage Chevrolet, Inc. (350 W Dickman Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49037), where it was diagnosed with an oil leak.

NHTSA ID

11630563

Incident

May 21, 2021

Mileage

5,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while stopped and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle started jerking, failed to accelerate as intended, and lost motive power. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was restarted, and the warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the #7 valve lifter had collapsed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11626783

Incident

Nov 14, 2024

Mileage

85,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a high-pressure fuel pump leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V837000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the model year was not included in the recall. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and also confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11596167

Incident

May 15, 2024

Mileage

65,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 30-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that he opened the hood and moved the battery cables around, and the vehicle was able to restart. The contact stated that the vehicle would temporarily lose electrical power while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was advised to add a fuel additive in the vehicle. The contact followed the recommendation, and the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated; however, the failure later recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

NHTSA ID

11580049

Incident

Jan 29, 2024

Mileage

149,000 mi

I was constantly smelling a strong odor of gas coming from the inside/outside of my 2015 Chevy Tahoe. When I purchased the vehicle in 10/23 everything appeared fine. I researched the internet to determine what the problem could be & found dozens of similar situations. People saying the fuel line rubs the undercarriage of the vehicle causing a pin hole size in the fuel line causing it to leak gas. Currently my vehicle is in the shop and the problem is TBD.

NHTSA ID

11560484

Incident

Nov 27, 2023

In approximately December of 2015, we purchased a 2015 Chevy Tahoe LT from CARR Chevrolet. We chose GM for the reputation, under the belief if we took care of our vehicle and had it maintained by the dealer, it would last 12-15 years. This was NOT our experience.Three years after we purchased the vehicle, the engine died. We were assured this was an anomaly and GM replaced at "no cost", as it was a "manufacturing error". CARR service convinced me it was “great”, as now my vehicle would last even longer. I did not question and blindly trusted those I viewed as trained, skilled professionals. Fast forward to present time, my vehicle is 7 years old (90,000 mi) and never missed a single service. Out of the blue, the transmission dies. I was initially told this is “normal" and “happens” to a tune of $8400 plus maintenance and other wear and tear for a total of $10,000+. This did not sit well with me and I questioned the validity. I requested that CARR give me a quote to buy back the car and they initially refused to give decent price. I contacted GM to complain. After many more days, I was contacted and offered that GM and CARR would carry 70% of the cost of the transmission. I agreed with intent to sell/trade on my own. After many weeks, I picked up my Tahoe and paid $3,400 and headed back to Lake Oswego. As I entered downtown Lake Oswego on a slight hill, coming to a 4 way stop, my brakes completely failed…. I barely missed careening into the back of a car, as they naturally moved forward. I contacted CARR service supervisor, sobbing and shaking after the events and he immediately arranged for a tow. I then contacted the investigator. After many days, the GM investigator response, “it’s fixed free of charge”. I was told it was “known” that these cars “could” have a problem with the brakes, which is why there was an unlimited warranty should it occur. I expressed that I had zero trust in GM, CARR or the vehicle and expected to be compensated. The contact stated her understanding was that the GM re

NHTSA ID

11536098

Incident

Jun 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to sputter and misfire before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the #1 lifter had collapsed and was stuck in position. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11534607

Incident

Mar 15, 2023

Mileage

125,000 mi

The car was bucking on the highway it was losing power without notice. There was no prior notice from Onstar system either of any mechanical issues . There was No prior indications or check engine light before this instance. I was coming home in the dark on the highway which was a dangerous position to be in. The car's transmission Failed out of no where! I have had the car 22 months and was purchased from the Chevrolet Dealer.

NHTSA ID

11515252

Incident

Mar 23, 2023

I own this 2015 Tahoe, it has 80,000 miles on it. While I was driving to work, the vehicle lost power as I was in the middle of major intersection. I was almost rear ended by another car. A few seconds later the car began going again. I had no service lights, no warning lights and no check engine light come on. It was running rough, lacking acceleration. I immediately brought it to my mechanic. They did they're testing and found Cylinder# 6 has collapsed. I was told that I will need a new engine at costs of over $8000.00. I have always maintained my vehicle and it's had regular oil changes every 4000 miles. In fact I'm still making car payments, and now I have to absorb this major cost of replacing an engine. When I looked on line to find some information of this Lifter problem, I found thousands of complaints of premature engine failures on these very expensive vehicles. I believe GM or Chevrolet needs to have a solution to this. How can they expect us consumers to afford this costly repair on such low mileage vehicles. Please look into this Manufacturers problem

NHTSA ID

11514830

Incident

Mar 29, 2023

This 2015 Chevy Tahoe stopped without warning or warning failure indicators and continue to stop without warning, while driving on highway. Managed to drive the car slowly home. Following day the engine warning light came on after the fact. Had the car inspected by mechanic who indicated that the transmission/torque converter had failed. This mechanic has reported seeing the same issue with other Chevy Tahoes in same and similar years. Chevy has not addressed the safety hazard this transmission poses to both the driver and drivers behind the vehicle when it abruptly comes to a stop on a busy road. The car was just serviced at dealer in past month without any recommended repairs. The engine warning indicator did not work the entire time the car was whistling, stopping and jerking. Chevy should have issued a recall for this failure.

NHTSA ID

11510381

Incident

Mar 4, 2023

The truck vibrates violently when truck I accelerate and feel like I'm losing control of the truck. The transmission is said to have issues with the hydraulic system.

NHTSA ID

11509351

Incident

Jan 29, 2023

My 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe with 90,000 miles needs a new camshaft and all 16 lifters need to be replaced. There was no forewarning about this huge problem. Literally, one day I was out in my car, and the accelerator suddenly stopped working for a while. Then, all of a sudden there was a hard jerk, and it sped up on its own. When I finally found a safe spot to pull over I went to push on the brakes and the entire car just started shaking. My poor children were terrified as this could’ve turned into a terrible accident for me and the other drivers around me. I immediately called my local mechanic and was told to bring it in immediately. On my way there the service indicator lamp came on. Upon inspection by my mechanic I was told I need a whole new engine. I have not had it repaired because I cannot afford to do so. I would be more than happy to allow someone to come and inspect it upon request. Apparently this is a huge problem with GM vehicles that GM is completely choosing to ignore.

NHTSA ID

11507464

Incident

Feb 14, 2023

Check engine light came on after vehicle starting losing power in steering column. Speedometer was moving up and down with some other gauges doing the same simultaneously. The vehicle provided warning of stabilitrak after dismissed, it gave another warning stating, “Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care.” It became harder to accelerate and very distracting as the stabilitrak error continued to pop up with the speedometer and other gauges, such as RPM, going up and down continuously. These gauges would then stop working altogether then start to work briefly. Then, the gauges would continue to malfunction by going up and down with the stabilitrak error on screen. I got off the interstate and I have having issues with acceleration from first gear. Vehicle was hesitating which was terrifying. It was failing to engage. Transmission fluid rose from 187 to 208 degrees during a brief time period on the screen. Could not use the M gear at all.

NHTSA ID

11506712

Incident

Feb 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to approximately 50 MPH. The contact pulled over and the steering wheel locked. The contact stated that the check engine, Reduced Engine Power, Stabili-trac, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, the steering was still locked. The vehicle was shifted into drive(D) and failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 157,503.

NHTSA ID

11484611

Incident

Sep 15, 2021

Mileage

157,503 mi

I was driving down the road at 65mph, when My transmission blew. I believe the correct term is that my torque converter went out. I basically came to a dead stop in traffic, endangering my life and my children's. My understanding is that this is a common issue with this type of transmission. Chevrolet should be ashamed of themselves for not recalling this item.

NHTSA ID

11459126

Incident

Mar 20, 2022

Vehicle has shut down twice while turning. When action happens the stability controls are turned off, parking assistance is turned off. All lights on dash flash. With this vehicle having electronic steering, I have no control of this vehicle when it shuts down while driving. Dealer could not reproduce actions to diagnose, but informed me to return if it was to happen again.

NHTSA ID

11442531

Incident

Nov 29, 2021

I was driving at 55 mph when the entire car shuddered and very loud babgihg and knocking occurred. Immediately the car slowed way down and lost power. Luckily I was able to sagely move it out of the lane before getting rear ended but that was only because I was in the right lane. The check engine light came on and started blinking and the traction control failure and safety radar system failure light came on. The vehicle was towed to a Chevy dealer and found out the lifters had failed and these damaged the crankshaft. The truck has 91000 miles. After researching there seems to be a very large problem with these engines failing due to the AFM system that chevy uses

NHTSA ID

11435494

Incident

Sep 22, 2021

Problem with air Condenser leaking from poorly manufactured part.

NHTSA ID

11431510

Incident

Sep 2, 2021

Engine service light came on May 7th during a trip which made the vehicle run sporadically and missing which then caused the traction control light to come on as well. When we took the vehicle to the dealership they said that a lifter had stuck and it had ruined the camshaft. Repairs would be 5800.00. We took the vehicle to another dealership and they gave us a better price and said that two other vehicles were in the shop in front of our vehicle for the same issue and some were newer 2019 or later vehicles and that this was a common problem because of defective parts. They said that the new parts were better and should work without the same problem. We do not have our vehicle back yet, I expect it back in a couple days because they had to order the parts. If this is a common problem, the dealerships know what is wrong and how to fix the problem, why is Chevrolet not letting owners know and take care of the problem before they fail and we end up with a large invoice. I had a 2007 Tahoe that had an oil consumption problem that everyone knew about and no one tried to get the problem fixed. This Tahoe was purchased to take on trips. The vehicle stays in a garage full time, only has 38700 miles on the engine and I have had nothing but problems since it was purchased. During one trip two spark plugs were dead, had to be replaced. One trip the battery was dead so I had to get a battery maintainer and keep on the engine battery. Trip to Florida the front window leaked and after that one stationary side window leaked. One trip the rear air conditioner did not work the first time it was used because it was not grounded. I have already decided to never buy another Chevrolet product in the future even though i have not used anything else since getting out of college in 1973. Enough is enough.

NHTSA ID

11417477

Incident

May 7, 2021

I PURCHASED A USED 2015 CHEVROLET TAHOE WITH ABOUT 140000 MILES. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A MONTH I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE RADIO. IT HAD AN ISSUE PLAYING CLEARLY. THEN THE DISPLAY SCREEN STARTED JUMPING AND MOVING THROUGH DIFFERENT COMMANDS ON ITS OWN. JUST RECENTLY, TWO MONTHS AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE, IT HAS STARTED TO CUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE I AM DRIVING IT. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED IS WHEN I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE SECOND TIME IT OCCURRED, I WAS BACKING INTO MY DRIVE WAY. THIS TIME IT CUT OFF COMPLETELY THREE TIMES IN A ROW. I THINK I PURCHASED A BAD CAR AND NOW I'M STUCK WITH IT UNTIL I CAN GET ENOUGH MONEY TO SELL IT OR TRADE IT FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11413736

Incident

Apr 12, 2021

Mileage

146,243 mi

DURING A LOW SPEED LEFT TURN ACROSS ONCOMING LANES OF TRAFFIC, MY 2015 TAHOE HAD A COMPLETE LOSS OF ALL POWER AND STOPPED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS AT A DISTANCE THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO NOTICE MY TAHOE HAD DIED BLOCKING THEIR LANES, AND THEY CORRECTED THEIR PATH TO GO AROUND. WE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED AT THE LEAST IF ONCOMING TRAFFIC HAD NOT NOTICED THAT OUR VEHICLE DIED. I PURCHASED THIS TAHOE USED 3 WEEKS AGO AND THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES SINCE. AFTER INVESTIGATING ON THE INTERNET I LOCATED POST SAYING THIS ISSUE HAS AFFECTED OVER 1 MILLION OTHER 2015 TAHOES.

NHTSA ID

11337479

Incident

Jul 4, 2020

Mileage

96,500 mi