2018 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 2018 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
- Engine2118.9%
- Powertrain (other)1917.1%
- Brakes1917.1%
- Electrical1210.8%
- Steering119.9%
- Fuel system87.2%
- Driver assistance76.3%
- Body & structure32.7%
- Airbags21.8%
- Exterior lighting21.8%
- Suspension21.8%
- Seat belts10.9%
- Interior & seats10.9%
- Visibility10.9%
- Tires & wheels10.9%
- Other / unspecified10.9%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmission going out, and with that causing happening causing the Fluid to Smell Burnt and Full. The auto shop test Drove and made It 30 Feet and Would Not Move. Transmission Is Failing and Causing the Concern.
During a road trip, we came to a stop and upon stepping on gas to proceed on the road and it wouldn't go. The engine revved and "pulled" until we were able to move. We took it to a dealership as well as private mechanic and was told it is an engine problem and running $3k or more to have it fixed. We have small children and consider this a safety hazard. Unfortunately, this is the only vehicle we have to commute.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmission going out, and with that causing happening causing the Fluid to Smell Burnt and Full. The auto shop test Drove and made It 30 Feet and Would Not Move. Transmission Is Failing and Causing the Concern.
Unexpected acceleration
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the brake pedal had to be depressed very hard to start the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake vacuum pump was not operating correctly and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to a Special Coverage Adjustment: N182202780 (Brake Assist Decreased Due to Vacuum Loss); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
The Body Control Module does not work. A new BCM was installed in my car in April 2025. Since then I am having multiple issues, but the safety related issue is with the trailer braking system. It is available for inspection upon request. The dealership is unwilling to try another BCM without it costing me $600 for labor. If I am unable to use my brakes, then I put myself and others on the road at risk. The problem started with a Tire Monitor System. I was told I needed a BCM to fix the problem so the car would not throw codes. Now, I am being told the problems with the brakes are not comiing from the BCM. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY car until I took it to this dealership for a new key faub and a tire pressure monitor error. The Body Control Module in a 2018 Chevy Tahoe Premier does play a role in controlling the sunroof. More specifically, the sunroof system is supplied power through a fuse located in the driver-side fuse box which is connected to the BCM. The sunroof switches communicate with the BCM via a serial data circuit, and the BCM then commands the sunroof to open or close. Therefore, the BCM acts a central hub in the electrical system of the vehicle and communicates with the sunroof control module to operate it. I learned this from two other dealerships. One dealership in West Virginia and another dealership in Texas told me this information about the BCM controlling the sunroof and many other electrical parts of the 2018 Chevy Tahoe Premier. To make it simple, the BCM was replaced. The vehicle is now having serious issues. I consider an unintended activation of the braking on the wheel which causes the vehicle to pull to one side puts me at risk of a crash. Is this yet another failed sensor or part due to the negligence of the service department at Smith Buick when replacing the BCM and programming a key faub?
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The Body Control Module does not work. A new BCM was installed in my car in April 2025. Since then I am having multiple issues, but the safety related issue is with the trailer braking system. It is available for inspection upon request. The dealership is unwilling to try another BCM without it costing me $600 for labor. If I am unable to use my brakes, then I put myself and others on the road at risk. The problem started with a Tire Monitor System. I was told I needed a BCM to fix the problem so the car would not throw codes. Now, I am being told the problems with the brakes are not comiing from the BCM. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY car until I took it to this dealership for a new key faub and a tire pressure monitor error. The Body Control Module in a 2018 Chevy Tahoe Premier does play a role in controlling the sunroof. More specifically, the sunroof system is supplied power through a fuse located in the driver-side fuse box which is connected to the BCM. The sunroof switches communicate with the BCM via a serial data circuit, and the BCM then commands the sunroof to open or close. Therefore, the BCM acts a central hub in the electrical system of the vehicle and communicates with the sunroof control module to operate it. I learned this from two other dealerships. One dealership in West Virginia and another dealership in Texas told me this information about the BCM controlling the sunroof and many other electrical parts of the 2018 Chevy Tahoe Premier. To make it simple, the BCM was replaced. The vehicle is now having serious issues. I consider an unintended activation of the braking on the wheel which causes the vehicle to pull to one side puts me at risk of a crash. Is this yet another failed sensor or part due to the negligence of the service department at Smith Buick when replacing the BCM and programming a key faub?
My vehicle started announcing service trailer brake system when i purchased my vehicle about 5k miles in i took it to the dealer they couldn't find anything wrong now that message started to get worse not only is it a safety concern due to the annoying beeping. Sound on the dashboard indicating something is wrong. It makes me take my eyes off the road it Constantly distracts me every time it goes off. Also, feel every time that message appears. My truck slows down. As well, a safety concern when pulling a trailer. The brake system could fail on the trailer due to trailer brake assist malfunctioning.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot and returning to start the vehicle, the “Power Steering Assist Fault” message was displayed, and the vehicle was difficult to turn to the right or the left. The contact left the vehicle in the parking lot and after returning to the vehicle later and starting the vehicle, the vehicle had regained power steering assist functionality. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the 12-Volt battery needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic that due to the weak battery, the power steering assist failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that several weeks later the power steering assist failure recurred. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V455000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
First occasion the car drove fine with no indication of an issue. Then once the car was turned off then on, the dash showed no lights or gauges and indicated that the steering assist is not working and the wheel was impossible to turn (almost like a limp mode but not driveable). Disconnected the battery to try and clear the issue and car drove home fine. Was told it could be a bad battery so replaced the battery and it worked fine for about a month. Then again with no indication did it again and this time it cleared itself after about 30 minutes. Dealer said there was a short in the negative battery ground cable and an open circuit in the rack and pinion mechanism but that the rack and pinion part was not available and they weren’t sure when it would be (probably due to excessive failures). Replaced the negative battery ground part and everything was fine for about 3 months until today when the car did the same thing again. We will have to keep looking for the unavailable part or I will basically have a $30k paper weight. Very concerned at the possibility that the steering will go out while I am driving as others have mentioned in previous posts. Seems as though something tragic will have to happen before they issue a recall of a part that appears to be a common failure.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced moderate shuddering followed by a sudden significant reduction of motive power. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that two fuel injectors and the associated electrical wiring harness, and the fuel pump had failed completely. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,000.
I can smell gas inside my cabin and also when parked in garage. Mechanic said my fuel injector seals are leaking and this is a known issue . The safety bulletin 18-NA-137 November 2019. This is a SAFETY ISSUE and needs to be addressed for the safety of myself and others. Please issue recall immediately so I can get fixed.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unexpected acceleration
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that in 2024 the front windshield was damaged, and the windshield was replaced. The Insurance Company was notified and requested that an aftermarket windshield be placed on the vehicle. In May of 2025 the contact noticed that the Chevrolet Assist Camera behind the rearview mirror had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that since the windshield was not an OEM windshield replacement, the part caused the camera to fail. The camera was unable to be calibrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
EVERYTIME IT RAINS REALLY HARD, MY DRIVERS SIDE B PILLAR WHERE THE HANDLE AND SEAT BELT IS, IS SOAK AND WET FROM A LEAK. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. I HAVE HAD MY SUNROOF CHECKED, MY WINDSHIELD CHECKED AND DRAIN TUBES CHECKED. THERE IS NEVER ANY WATER OR WETNESS ON THE FLOOR, ITS ONLY THE HEADLINER. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATING IF THERE ARE OTHER TAHOES DOING THE SAME AND YES THERE ARE AND 1 HAD WENT TO A BODY SHOP AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE MANUFACTURER WELDS WERE NOT WELDED CORRECTLY, WHICH CAUSES WATER TO GET INTO THE ROOF. THIS CAN CAUSE MOLD AND EVENTUALLY OTHER ISSUES. IT HAS STAINED MY HEADLINER. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE A BODY SHOP FIX THIS KIND OF REPAIR AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FOR AS MUCH MONEY AS I HAVE PAID FOR THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE VERY YOUNG GRANDKIDS THAT RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE AND ONE HAS VERY BAD ALLERGIES AGAINST MOLD. AND IT IS NOT FAIR THAT I EVENTUALLY WILL HAVE TO GET THIS FIXED BECAUSE IT WILL ALSO CAUSE RUST. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.
The clear coat has completely failed on mainly the hood and roof of the entire vehicle. Each of the sides have lost a good amount of shine too but there hood and roof are a compete different color compared to the rest of the Tahoe. The paint is the pewter/grey so it is extremely noticeable and very much an eyesore.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
We were in a severe car accident and our airbags did not deploy in our vehicle. We were going about 45 miles an hour and had windshield cracking and severe, severe damage to our vehicle. This was a front side, head on impact.
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AN REAR ENDED A PICKUP TRUCK AT 50 MPH CAUSING MY FRONT END TO BUCKLE AND SEPARATE THE ENGINE FROM THE MOTOR MOUNT AND MULTIPLE OTHER DAMAGES. MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AND FELT THIS SHOULD BE REPORTED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM JM CHEV IN LUFKIN TX ON OCT 3 2019.DRIVING IT HOME I NOTICED MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. AFTER TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALER IWAS TOLD THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS BAD. THE DEALER ORDERED A NEW ONE. IT HAS BEEN 2 MONTHS.I CALLED GM PARTS AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO HEADLIGHTS LIKE THIS IN THE USA. NO DEALERS HAVE ANY IN STOCK. THESE ARE THE INTELLIBEAM HEADLIGHTS. IN MOTION ON STATE HIGHWAY.
BACK UP CAMERA HAS ZERO VIABILITY WHILE BACKING UP DURING NIGHT IN DARK AREA WITH RAIN CONDITION.
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
4100 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check for noise coming from underside of vehicle. No service was completed. 4800 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check again for noise on suspension. Service indicated it was a parking brake cable that was rubbing. 9800 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check fluttering noise coming from engine. No service was completed. 15,000 Miles - Asked service dept. at dealership to check again for rattling noise coming from engine. Service indicated fluttering heard was exhaust pulsing through the manifold. No service was completed. 21,000 Miles- Service Dept at dealership provided multi point inspection and given clear inspection. No service was completed even though I stated there was still engine noises. 24,000- Asked service dept. at dealership to check hard shifting from transmission and poor performance. In addition, mentioned the noises again. No service was completed, service stated it was due to colder temperatures. 25,000- Asked service dept. at dealership to check hard shifting from transmission and poor performance. In addition, mentioned the noises again. Engine cooler lines were replaced. Scanned and verified clutch learn values all normal. Activated TCC and disabled TCC and found normal operation. No service completed. Now, after warranty has expired, service at dealership is telling me my camshaft and lifters need to be replaced, struts are leaking, transmission needs attention and should be flushed, and that I should NOT be driving my vehicle due to safety concerns. Although, I had taken the vehicle in multiple times during warranty period with complaints about these very items, no service was ever completed to correct them. Since then, I have read multiple articles documenting GM issues with L87 6.2L engines and transmissions. I'm filing a formal complaint with GM, as these issues should have been communicated to consumers or fixed through recalls.
2018 TAHOE W/ 60,000 MILES BEGAN RIDING EXTREMELY ROUGH ANY SPEED. SO MUCH BOUNCE AND JARRING THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON ANY ROUGH ROAD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
1- the second row center Seat Belt Receptacle stopped locking so failed, this happened while using the vehicle. 2- the seatbelt receptacle stopped latching while using the car in Seattle, I had to drive with someone in that seat unbuckled because all other seats were being used. 3- the receptacle can not be repaired, needs to be replaced; 4- I have contacted the manufacturer to have them fix this but they will not do it without compensation. 5- no warning. the vehicle is not old and in very good condition. I drive with my family in the car daily but rarely need to use the middle seat. I feel this is a defective latch due to the limited use and age of vehicle. I am concerned that the other seatbelts will also break without warning and Think that GM needs to be aware of a possibility.
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
2ND ROW AND THIRD ROW SEATS HAVE NO CENTER HEAD REST.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that in 2024 the front windshield was damaged, and the windshield was replaced. The Insurance Company was notified and requested that an aftermarket windshield be placed on the vehicle. In May of 2025 the contact noticed that the Chevrolet Assist Camera behind the rearview mirror had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that since the windshield was not an OEM windshield replacement, the part caused the camera to fail. The camera was unable to be calibrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
LT275 65 R18 123/120 R DOT 1 BE BP AT 21 My daughter has pictures of the tires, all four tires (all bought at the same time) 05/6/23 from Discount Tire, are splitting along the side wall, originating at the tread line, we have talked with Discount tire, there are 40,000 miles approximately on the tires. They have been appropriately rotated and balanced. There have been no repairs of the tires. This is noted to be a defect, not normal wear and tear of the tire, per Discount Tire. They have offered 423.00 credit to purchase new, and have come back with 50% off new tires. Since this is a defect, verse actual wear and tear I do not believe that is appropriate. 75-100% of the replacement value. The tires should reasonably last between 5-6 years. The defect increases the risk of a blow out on any one or several of the tires. Discount Tire in Lubbock has confirmed that there is an issue, but I am not happy with their resolution.
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
My 1.5 year old daughter is able to press the button on the chest clip and release the chest clip by herself. The button barely requires any pressure to be applied before releasing. She is unbuckling herself frequently.
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 .