2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Powertrain (other) Problems

Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Mileage at failure: 96,700 miles Component: Powertrain – Transmission While driving on the highway returning home from Columbus, OH, my 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe experienced a sudden transmission failure without any warning. We were traveling in the third lane at approximately 70–74 mph when the vehicle abruptly lost power and rapidly slowed down to approximately 15–25 mph. This occurred in active traffic and created an immediate and severe safety hazard. The sudden loss of speed nearly caused a collision with surrounding vehicles traveling at highway speeds. There were five occupants in the vehicle, including three children. Due to traffic conditions, other drivers were braking, honking, and swerving. I was only able to avoid a crash by immediately maneuvering across lanes to reach the shoulder. The vehicle was disabled and had to be towed. The transmission required full replacement. Total repair cost exceeded $6,000, and the vehicle was out of service for approximately two weeks. I am submitting the repair receipt from the transmission shop with this complaint. After the failure, I learned that sudden transmission failure is a commonly reported issue with Chevrolet vehicles, including the Tahoe. This failure occurred without warning and represents a serious safety defect that put my family and other motorists at risk.

NHTSA ID

11714416

Incident

May 15, 2024

At first it started with my brakes. I was at DQ and all of a sudden the brake peddle was hard and would barely go down. I then put my car in park. Now I have all new brakes, rotors, etc. Then now the car after 139,000 miles and only owning it for 3 years has this hesitation to go. It stumbles and once would go at all. I had to park right where I was, and restart the car. I have 5 kids, one at which is always with me whom is only 3 years old. This vehicle is not safe. Why it it that so many of us are having the same issue, but no recall has been done? I go this weekend to take the car in. Praying for some sort of miracle. And no other warning signs. Just starting acting crazy. Lights just came on this week.

NHTSA ID

11713361

Incident

Dec 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently lost motive power. The messages "Service Power Train", "Roll Down Driver Side/ Passenger Side Windows", along with several other unknown messages, were displayed on the instrument panel. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions, which required the codriver to wait several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

NHTSA ID

11707556

Incident

Oct 29, 2025

Mileage

97,000 mi

At 155,000 miles transmission shudders and slips gears. Torque, converter went out and started slipping more and whining and making a grinding sound. Transmission had to be completely rebuilt, with all six clutches, and a brand new torque converter had to be installed.

NHTSA ID

11699351

Incident

Nov 2, 2025

Gear slip and shutter when accelerating loss power from taking off

NHTSA ID

11685495

Incident

Sep 2, 2025

The vehicle shudders and shakes going down the road causing a safety hazard when failing. The transmission fluid has been changed multiple times and yet the transmission remains unstable with no errors or check lights appearing. When taken to the repair shop it seems there is a large number of failures for this transmission type.

NHTSA ID

11670952

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Shuttering started with transmission which ultimately lead to the transmission failing at 140,900 miles. Costly repair for a vehicle that was serviced regularly.

NHTSA ID

11660033

Incident

May 8, 2025

Engine failure - lifters and cam shaft . Also, transmission had previously failed and had to be replaced as well as air conditioner condenser (pin hole leak).

NHTSA ID

11657896

Incident

Apr 11, 2025

Transmission fell to metal shavings being found in the pan and oil filter when checked

NHTSA ID

11639928

Incident

Jun 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle started to shudder. The contact stated that the odometer was moving erratically. The contact stated that the engine overheated quickly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty and there were metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at 35-45 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and overheated. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ID

11639392

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

Mileage

112,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle downshifted to first gear and the failure persisted. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and coasted to the nearest dealer. A diagnostic test was performed by the dealer, and it was discovered that the clutch plates were damaged. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,481.

NHTSA ID

11638332

Incident

Jan 13, 2025

Mileage

110,481 mi

I bought my Tahoe from Dan Vaden Chevrolet in Savannah, GA with approx 58k miles. At around 88k miles I noticed the transmission hesitated when putting into reverse or drive from the park position. I had my transmission fluid changed at 70k and 100k miles. Now, at 112k miles, it has significantly gotten worse with shuddering between gears 1-3 and jerking when in reverse. Major hesitation when accelerating at any speed and high pitched whining noises that randomly happen, even after putting it in park and turning it off. Also, my ABS and Stabilitrak lights will illuminate and then go off every few days. As well as another random icon that randomly comes and goes. This Tahoe is now unsafe to drive but it’s the only transportation I have. I already missed a radiator replacement recall by 1,500 miles and had to pay for that out of pocket. Now Chevrolet isn’t recalling this transmission when it has over 190 complaints on this website alone, and thousands of others on other online forums. What will it take for the manufacturer to do the right thing? Will someone have to die in order for this to become an issue they stop ignoring? We have all spent money we worked hard to earn and deserve a vehicle that’s safe for our families.

NHTSA ID

11630258

Incident

Dec 11, 2024

Transmission down shifts into gears,causing vehicle to stall out in traffic

NHTSA ID

11625000

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

I was driving to drop 3 out of my 4 children off at school when the transmission failed and started slipping and completely died in the middle of the road. The road is an extremely busy highway in our town. I turned the car off and back on and it went into forward gear just enough for me to get onto the shoulder. My children and myself were put into danger due to the transmission failing on a busy highway. I have had the car inspected by a mechanic. There is metal shavings all in the bottom of the transmission pan. There were no signs, and no warning lamps on the dash.

NHTSA ID

11615103

Incident

Jun 14, 2024

Feeling of significant shudder and shake, especially at highway speeds. This is caused by a defective torque converter manufactured by Chevrolet. Shuddering can be felt when apply light throttle between 20-80MPH. Chevrolet dealership is asking for $8000 to fix their defective Torque Converter (GM 6l80). From all the vehicles that i have owned in the past, I have never received a bill this high for a part that has been proven to have failed in many vehicles manufactured by GM. I appreciate any action that can be taken to issue a recall and prevent any accidents due to this. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11567109

Incident

Jan 22, 2024

Vehicle purchased new from Chevy dealer October 2016. Recurring vibration/shuddering in drive train with noticeable surge in engine rpms, most noticeable at approximately 30-45 mph. Dealer diagnosed as defective transmission, with following service performed: April 2017 -16,835 miles - Dealer rebuilt some internal parts inside transmission; February 2022 - 86,700 miles - Dealer flushed and replaced ATF fluid; October 2023 - 104,218 miles - Dealer advised defective transmission, replaced transmission; January 2024 - 105,537 miles - Dealer advised no repair needed however manufacturer was well aware of recurring shudder/vibration problem with no resolution

NHTSA ID

11566308

Incident

Jan 3, 2024

2016 Tahoe Fuel problems/ transmission jerking mostly going up an incline/hill. Warning ⛔️ lights/ check engine light flashed only 3 or 4 times, I stopped the vehicle, about 5 minutes then I started back to drive . I took it to Edward Chevrolet in Bham Al , I told them I may have pumped some bad gas, because it was spudding & jerking especially when I when up an incline/ hill. But they told me that the gears going out in the transmission & I need a transmission. I took it to them because the truck was spudding when driving. So when I got my vehicle back now the truck making a winding noise, it’s changing out correctly but when I go up incline/ hill , it hesitates, spudding, jerking. I have two other vehicles, I haven’t drove the vehicle enough to have a transmission problem. I asked other people that have Tahoes, even mechanics, said they been having problems with the transmission in 2016 Tahoe & Chevrolet trucks that carry that particular transmission, having the same problems. I think it need to be a replacement of transmission or recall established on the 2016 Tahoes & pickups!!! Sign please help, I don’t have no 6,200 for no transmission & haven’t even driven my truck enough to have a transmission problem! I have 3 more payments on my 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, I haven’t enjoyed my vehicle it only have 148,000 miles, and the transmission going out , and that’s not right. You all need to check into this and do a Recall!!! [XXX]!! Sign please help INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11563686

Incident

Dec 27, 2023

WHILE DRIVING ONE EVENING I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY HESITANT WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND I NEARLY HAD SOMEONE REAR END ME BECAUSE I COULDN'T GAIN SPEED QUICKLY. THE NEXT DAY I GOT A DIAGNOSTIC AND WAS GIVEN 2 CODES: P0741 AND P0872 - NEVER HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON OR ANY OTHER WARNING THAT I WAS HAVING AN ISSUE. I ALSO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM AND THEY ALSO DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND GOT THE SAME 2 CODES ( tORQU CONVERTER FAULTY) SAID I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR $6800!!! I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD MY TRUCK FOR 3 YEARS AND BEING TOLD THIS IS OUTRAGOUS! I'M SEEING THIS SAME COMPLAINT LISTED OVER AND OVER SO WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP VEHICLE OWNERS LIKE ME?

NHTSA ID

11546983

Incident

Sep 8, 2023

Fuel started leaking from top side of fuel tank. Seems to only leak while vehicle is running. My wife and family where all in the tahoe when this occurred. Also tahoe would shut down while driving just out of nowhere. Total loss off power and control. After a couple minutes it would start right back up. My family and kids were also in the car when this has happened.

NHTSA ID

11543142

Incident

Aug 31, 2023

I noticed out of the blue that the Tahoe was down-shifting hard and making a slight whining noise. I brought the vehicle to Supreme Chevrolet in Gonzales for them to diagnose the problem. I was absolutely shocked when they told me that my transmission would need to be replaced. This 2017 Tahoe has only one owner and has not been used for towing, I bring the vehicle to the dealership for regular maintenance. the vehicle only has 127,612 miles. This problem is a huge safety concern because the vehicle could just stop and will not be drivable while driving. This is very dangerous! I have seen hundreds of complaints regarding this same problem on the same make, model, and year. Something needs to be done fast to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.

NHTSA ID

11539855

Incident

Aug 14, 2023

Vehicle is not even 10 years old and has only 105,000 miles and the transmission failed while I was on the highway. Needed a complete rebuild.

NHTSA ID

11528817

Incident

May 27, 2023

I bought this vehicle brand new crossed over into the 133,000 range and the transmission just goes out and upon reading up on this it’s happening a lot with the 2016 Chevy Tahoe the ball was dropped on a recall regarding this vehicle it’s funny how it’s happening a lot to people

NHTSA ID

11524990

Incident

May 26, 2023

While traveling a major highway (70 mph) over the holiday weekend, I experienced a loss of engine power. The RPM's went up to 5 while I decreased speed. I had gone from 75 MPH down to 35 while trying to maintain speed up a hill. I pulled over to the break down lane to let traffic pass and when it was safe, I tried to engage the vehicle to speed. It would slip gears and continue to lose momentum. The check engine light came on so I pulled it into a rest area and called for a tow. When the tow truck arrived and I needed to turn the car on to put it in neutral, the check engine light had turned off. After having it towed and a mechanic diagnose the issue, it was found that the transmission was blown. The transmission fluid is black and contains metal slivers. I had just had my transmission fluid checked during a tune-up. The fluid was changed at 70,000 miles. I have 113,000 miles on it now. The only warning I got just prior was a vibration similar to needing a front end alignment. There were no other warnings. Like I said, the fluid was checked a month prior to this incident.

NHTSA ID

11524650

Incident

May 27, 2023

Lifters in engine failed, bent rods, 3 of 8 cylinders scratched; engine need to be rebuilt. Engine failed at 47K miles. AC Condenser cracked at 47K miles. Engine failure is safety issue. Known issue at Chevrolet where already extended warranty from original manufacturer's warranty. Engine could have ceased while driving putting driver and passenger(s), if any, in immediate and imminent danger.

NHTSA ID

11519682

Incident

Jun 29, 2022

My 2016 Tahoe just shut off on me and my daughter inside of the tunnel with heavy traffic. When I placed the gear in drive the vehicle roll back instead of moving forward. I was afraid because the traffic was steady moving. The emergency wrecker pushed my Tahoe to safety out of the tunnel. I had it towed to my mechanic he said it’s the transmission . The engine light came on afterwards. The dealer refused the acknowledgment of the vehicle. I purchased as is. I purchase the vehicle 11-09-2022 it shut off 12-20-2022

NHTSA ID

11501934

Incident

Dec 20, 2022