RoadVitals

2020 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
55
Latest Aug 5, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 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

  • Engine1218.8%
  • Electrical1015.6%
  • Brakes710.9%
  • Steering69.4%
  • Airbags46.3%
  • Fuel system34.7%
  • Tires & wheels23.1%
  • Driver assistance23.1%
  • Suspension23.1%
  • Interior & seats11.6%
  • Other / unspecified11.6%

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

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Transmission valve , vehicle shutter, and eventually complete loss of power and failure. Transmission had to be replaced as vehicle was out of warranty.

NHTSA ID 11751999 · filed Jul 22, 2026

The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of the recall; therefore, paying for a placement water pump myself. The dealership is Musson Patout Automotive Group/GMC, 214 West Hwy 90 Frontage Road, New Iberia, LA 70560, [XXX]. I am requesting that my vehicle be added to the recall list, due to this oversite. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11748142 · filed Jul 3, 2026
All 14 reports naming powertrain (other)

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The 6.2L L87 V8 engine in my 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier RST suffered a catastrophic internal component failure while operating. The engine experienced a sudden, severe internal mechanical breakdown involving the crankshaft or connecting rod bearings, completely disabling the powertrain.This failure causes an immediate and dangerous loss of vehicle propulsion, creating a severe safety hazard on public roads.General Motors has already issued Safety Recall N252494001 (NHTSA Campaign 24V924000) for identical L87 engine bearing failures, but has arbitrarily limited the scope to 2021–2024 model years. My 2020 vehicle uses the exact same L87 engine family and has suffered the exact same catastrophic defect.I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to expand its current Engineering Analysis (RQ26001) and force General Motors to expand the safety recall to include 2020 model year vehicles before more consumers experience sudden engine failure while driving."

NHTSA ID 11754970 · filed Aug 5, 2026

The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of the recall; therefore, paying for a placement water pump myself. The dealership is Musson Patout Automotive Group/GMC, 214 West Hwy 90 Frontage Road, New Iberia, LA 70560, [XXX]. I am requesting that my vehicle be added to the recall list, due to this oversite. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11748142 · filed Jul 3, 2026
All 12 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Suddenly lost all power steering, then warning power steering attention, no control for steering, very dangerous, couldn't drive vehicle. Took independent car repair to fix. $5k repair to fix problem. Should not happen to vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11725362 · filed Mar 18, 2026

On multiple occasions, my car has locked my keys on the INSIDE of the vehicle. I have put things inside my vehicle before leaving and closed all the doors, upon returning, even just a few minutes later, my doors are locked and I am locked out of my vehicle. Additionally, my car is not detecting my remote. I cannot unlock my car with the buttons on the door and need to have my keys in hand for my car to detect the fob. Additionally, if someone opens the door while the car is running but in park, and then closes the door, the Car will beep as if there is no longer a remote detected. This has happened on multiple occasions. I have changed the batteries in the fobs multiple times, switched out my fobs so I was using a different fob and it has happened with both of my fobs.

NHTSA ID 11709665 · filed Jan 8, 2026
All 10 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Tahoe transmission failed with 103,000 miles… took to Chevrolet they confirmed, took to a transmission specialist they confirmed failure but they said the computer was throwing weird codes and they believe this has a factor in transmission issue. On the way home the brake system alert went off and the car would not go above 35 miles an hour … I get this is a safety feature but it was dangerous in the location this occurred ans this car was not that old and does not have high miles to justify this type of issues

NHTSA ID 11737487 · filed May 13, 2026

I own a 2020 Tahoe, 160,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of brake assist due to a failure of the vacuum brake pump. The brake pedal became extremely hard, and the vehicle would not slow or stop as expected, requiring me to put vehicle in neutral and frantically find a way to the shoulder to force a stop (pulling the emergency brake). This created a dangerous condition and significantly increased stopping distance, posing a serious safety risk to myself, and others on the road. There was little to no warning prior to the failure. This issue appears to be consistent with known complaints involving vacuum pump failure and loss of brake assist in similar vehicles. A failure of the braking assist system is NOT a normal wear condition and presents a critical safety hazard. I am reporting this incident due to the safety risk associated with sudden brake assist failure and the potential for accidents or injury. Vehicle issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. There was a warning light that appeared at the same time the brake stopped working leaving me no time to plan or know ahead not to drive.

NHTSA ID 11733810 · filed Apr 25, 2026

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Suddenly lost all power steering, then warning power steering attention, no control for steering, very dangerous, couldn't drive vehicle. Took independent car repair to fix. $5k repair to fix problem. Should not happen to vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11725362 · filed Mar 18, 2026

Creaking and groaning from rack and pinion. 60,000 miles on vehicle. no other issues. Potential steering system failure. No warning lights. Happens at all speeds.

NHTSA ID 11687611 · filed Sep 16, 2025

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's brother owned a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed; however, the contact was unsure what the vehicle had crashed into. The contact stated that the crash was a single vehicle crash and there was severe damage to the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags should have deployed but failed to deploy. The contact stated that medical attention was needed, and his brother was currently in the Trauma ICU after recently having back surgery. The contact stated that a Police Report was filed but was not yet finalized. The contact was waiting to speak with the Police Officer who filed the report. No further information was available. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11701729 · filed Nov 26, 2025

In August 2021 I got a system light for a Saftey Restraint System, aka airbag issue. This system was going on and off sometimes as little as 5 seconds apart and then sometimes would go off for a bit then back on. I live on an Island and there is no dealer here I had to buy somewhere else. There is a mechanic here that does work on vehicles and per the dealership, I bought the car from I was told if the mechanic there can do a software update which is what he thought the problem was, then I should do that. I took this advice and did it. When we drove off the light was off and fixed for about 30 minutes, then the light and safety restrain error came back on. This time remaining on. I took it back to the mechanic and got two error codes. I have since tried to contact GM and been dealing with them for 3 weeks with no assurances if I pay to get my car to a dealship to fix I would get my money back for their error. I also came across and article about investigations into 750k 2020 & 2021 GM models including 2020 Chevy Tahoe for airbags not working. As a consumer, I should have the right to be able to be reimbursed for costs accruded to me to get my vehicle where I'm forced to get it fixed.

NHTSA ID 11439528 · filed Nov 5, 2021

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Driving long distance from Florida to New York and in VA, experienced a check engine light after fueling. Vehicle started, stalled and trembling excessively. It was taken to the Chevrolet dealership across from the gas station (total luck). It was diagnosed after 1 day in the shop that all 8 fuel injectors and the two fuel rails were corroded and had snapped upon inspection.( photos were sent to me). Vehicle could not be driven. If stall would have occurred while driving on the interstate at speed of 70 -75 mph, the potential for a major car accident with other fast moving vehicles was totally possible. I had to remain in a hotel for 3 days as the dealer had indicated that the parts were on back order because this was a recurring issue in the Tahoe/Suburban/Silverado L87 6.2 HP engine. I rented a vehicle to drive back to NY and got my truck back 14 days later after paying for it ($4600) as GM stated that they could not honor the 5 year/60K warranty despite my truck having 52, 182 miles and less then 5 years because they went by the build date of the vehicle which was March 14, 2020 to March 14, 2025, not the calendar year.

NHTSA ID 11690647 · filed Sep 30, 2025

Check engine light illuminated then went off and came back on after another drive cycle. Vehicle began to idle rough and experienced hard shifting and acceleration hesitation. I checked the oil and noticed a fuel odor smell on the dip stick and the oil appeared thin. Upon mechanic inspection they found a malfunctioning high pressure fuel pump. This part was recalled on other vehicles of the same model year due to bad welds. This could have resulted in fire if left unchecked.

NHTSA ID 11684913 · filed Sep 4, 2025

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Brand new set of tires. Less than 100 miles on them. During a left turn at roughly 15-25 mph the entire tire separated from the rim on the rear passenger wheel. The tire is in a secure location and can be inspected if needed. This led to an accident. There were no warning indicators such as low pressure indicators. The low pressure indicator came on after the tire came off the rim. The car went from make a 90 degree turn to making a 45 degree turn and cause my SUV to smash into a house. Tire size was 285/45/R22.

NHTSA ID 11586775 · filed May 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: M Plus S, Tire Size: P265/65/R18, DOT Number: M3KA007X0820. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side tire was continuously losing air. While the vehicle was in for routine service, the tire was examined by the mechanic who discovered the cause of the failure was due to multiple pin holes in the tire. The contact was informed that the tire was unrepairable and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.

NHTSA ID 11493778 · filed Nov 16, 2022

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Chevrolet has a recall on some vehicles for a bad transmission valve body, but my vehicle isn’t a part of the recall and I’m having the exact same issues. Currently my only vehicle that I have to transport my 7 month old is a complete safety risk. My check engine light is on and the code its throwing is to replace transmission valve body assembly. My Tahoe is shifting very harshly when driving normally, it feels like it slams into gears causing the whole car to jerk. When sitting at a red light that turns green, Tahoe is slipping, barely wanting to move through an intersection with vehicles all around me. I’ve been advised to not drive my Tahoe at all because if I do I will certainly have severe drivetrain damage and rear wheel lock up. Like I said, Chevrolet already has a recall for this issue on some of their vehicles, but my specific Tahoe does not. This is my only vehicle for myself and my baby and I cannot drive it due to its safety issues.

NHTSA ID 11745868 · filed Jun 23, 2026

My engine light keeps coming on randomly. When this occurs, the dashboard lights blinks and I get a " steering assist" error message. Once this happens it is really hard for me to steer AND I lose acceleration as well. Imagine losing acceleration in the middle of an intersection. Also, I noticed my temperature gauge moves up & down as well. I have taken it to the dealership each time it happens and they are saying they haven't been able to replicate the issue. The engine light only stays on for a few hours or days and the problem goes away once the engine light is off. From my research, this was the same exact problems the 2015 Chevy Tahoes had as well. I don't understand why they cannot figure why I am having this issue. The engine light errors code listed alot of issues yet they still can't diagnose a problem. They have updated the system and checked all wire connections per the dealership. This is my third or fourth time complaining about this issue and this is the dealership's third or fourth time trying to diagnose the problem but they keep telling me they can't.

NHTSA ID 11468147 · filed Jun 8, 2022

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the front passenger’s side tire detached. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted, and the driver's side ball joints also fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver's side ball joints fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11571077 · filed Feb 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving upwards of 80 MPH, the vehicle would violently shake without warning. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ID 11489599 · filed Oct 17, 2022

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECOND-ROW PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT COVER MADE A LOUD CRACKING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER DEWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET (1410 SOUTH GLOSTER ST, TUPELO, MS 38801, (662)842-3611) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT COVER WAS HOLLOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,927.

NHTSA ID 11405374 · filed Mar 29, 2021

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

My car seat has failed the safety test on recall and they refuse to warranty it. It loosens significantly when pulled.

NHTSA ID 11640917 · filed Feb 5, 2025

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

Data on this page last refreshed .