2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner Complaints

This is in regards to my 2025 Chevy Tahoe High Country with 12,300 miles. I was driving on the parkway during rush hour and when I took the exit ramp I head a loud ticking. I immediately pulled over as the noise was loud and became louder and faster upon acceleration. I had the car towed to my hometown dealership approximately 36 miles away. The dealership concluded that the engine was damaged beyond repair and I was getting a new engine. When I inquired to why and what was the damage, they told me that the only way to figure out the root cause of the engine damage was to do a total engine breakdown which requires 15 man hours to do. No warning lights came on and the car showed no issues before this incident.

NHTSA ID

11775246

Incident

Oct 28, 2026

While driving on the highway, the engine started making a knocking noise and the vehicle shut down causing us to have to pull over on the side of the road in the middle of highway traffic. The engine light came on and the vehicle would no longer drive leaving my family stranded on the side of the highway. The vehicle had to be towed 200 miles back home.

NHTSA ID

11773664

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

This report is related to NHTSA EA26005 Investigation. My 2025 Tahoe had an engine failure while on a trip. The speed was approximately 55 mph. The SUV was in L9 transmission setting driving up a slight grade on the highway. The engine RPM was approximately 2,000 RPM. Engine oil press, according to the instrument gauge was 48-50psi, engine temp was normal. Started to hear a rumbling sound and at first thought it was the radio, turned down radio volume and realized it was coming from engine compartment. There were no warning lights or other preliminary indications other than noise. The RPM dropped to around 1400-1500 at the same approximate throttle pressure I had and oil pressure shot up to 60 psi and remained there. During the time the engine continued to operate with a loud racket there were no advisory lights other than the high oil pressure and lower RPM. Slowed down. Due to the road topography, there were no safe areas or shoulders to pull off to side of road. Fortunately there was no traffic coming towards me or behind me. I was able to continue at slow speed for approximately 4 miles until reaching intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] and was able to safely pull of to the side of the road. Since there was no cell phone service in the area, I was able to talk with a person nearby who took me to a garage several miles away to arrange for tow service. The Tahoe only 13,400 miles on it. It had two oil changes with the GM recommend oil, 0W-20 dexos1 Gen3 and GM filter. The oil had been changed two weeks before the engine failure and the oil level was checked by me prior to the start of the trip. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11772725

Incident

Oct 16, 2026

- Repeated check engine lights on for "traction control", "service ABS", and "ESC". - Repaired several components of wheel hub assembly, speed sensor, and breaking module. - Wheel speed sensor repaired 3x - Now dashboard messages are reading "service brake assist", "service steering column", and "service transmission now unable to shift soon". - Athens Chevy never called for a GM engineer and wont return phone calls. We have twin newborns and the vehicle is currently parked in a driveway because we are not confident in its ability to operate safely. I have stressed this to every GM service tech I've spoken to and the lack of concern is concerning in itself.

NHTSA ID

11771573

Incident

Oct 30, 2025

Began to accelerate to pass a slower vehicle on the highway. Just as it started to accelerate the engine abruptly shut off and the vehicle began decelerating. Many warning messages came up on the dashboard but none were present prior to the event. Was able to coast onto the shoulder of the highway before stopping. Attempted to restart vehicle but it would not restart. Vehicle was towed to the nearest Chevrolet dealership where they were able to assess that something inside the motor had failed and caused it to lock up.

NHTSA ID

11767479

Incident

Aug 30, 2026

On September 5, 2026, at approximately 7:18 p.m. Pacific Time, a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine and approximately 18,000 miles experienced a sudden catastrophic failure while the engine was running. There were two occupants. A distinct pop was heard. The engine immediately lost power and multiple dashboard warning lights/messages began flashing. Within approximately 20-30 seconds, smoke and an electrical-burning odor were noticed. The vehicle was shut off manually and both occupants exited. Flames were first observed toward the rear of the engine compartment. The fire spread extremely rapidly, and the vehicle was substantially engulfed within approximately two minutes and completely destroyed. The sudden loss of propulsion created a crash risk, and the rapid fire placed both occupants at risk of serious injury or death. No physical injuries were reported. The precise failed component and fire origin have not yet been determined. The vehicle had received an oil change from an independent service facility within approximately 30 days before the incident. The cause has not been confirmed by GM, a dealer, or an independent fire expert. The vehicle is involved in an active insurance total-loss claim; inspection should be coordinated promptly before the salvage is released, dismantled, sold, or destroyed. More than 100 photographs and several videos taken during and after the fire are available. A fire department report is pending. Because NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26005 includes 2021-2026 GM vehicles equipped with the L87 engine and later-produced engines outside Recall 25V-274, please associate this complaint with that investigation and evaluate whether an L87 engine failure initiated the fire.

NHTSA ID

11764705

Incident

Sep 5, 2026

Engine seized up and needs replacement.

NHTSA ID

11764329

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

On approximately January 15, 2026, my 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine suffered a complete engine failure at approximately 10,000 miles while my family and I were traveling about six hours from home. The engine/propulsion system failed and the vehicle became inoperable. The specific internal engine component that initially failed is UNKNOWN. The sudden failure put my family at risk because we were stranded far from home with an inoperable vehicle. The Tahoe had to be taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealership, where the engine failure was confirmed and warranty repairs were performed. General Motors opened Chevrolet Customer Assistance case number 87586632 on January 16, 2026 and communicated with the dealership throughout the repair. The Tahoe remained at the dealership awaiting repairs and parts through at least February 4, 2026. GM correspondence confirms that the vehicle had been returned to us by February 7, 2026. The vehicle was unavailable for approximately three weeks. Prior to the failure, OnStar sent a low 12-volt battery alert on January 15, 2026. I do not know whether that alert was related to the engine failure. On February 2, 2026, while the vehicle was still undergoing repairs, OnStar sent a critical engine and transmission system diagnostic alert. Any other warning lamps, messages, noises, or symptoms immediately preceding the failure are UNKNOWN. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by an authorized Chevrolet dealership, and General Motors was involved through its Customer Assistance department. Whether a GM representative separately inspected the failed engine is UNKNOWN. The vehicle was not inspected by police or an insurance representative to my knowledge. Whether the original failed engine or its components are still available for inspection is UNKNOWN; the dealership or General Motors may have retained them. 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe, case number 87586632.

NHTSA ID

11761400

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

2025 Chevrolet Tahoe, 6.2L L87, approximately 51,500 miles, rod-bearing/internal engine failure, complete engine replacement required. 1500 miles prior to engine failure the cam/lifters were replaced. Repair invoices are attached. I was told my warranty going forward would be the remaining miles left on my 60k power train warranty. This is not acceptable.

NHTSA ID

11760708

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

My Vehicle has a 5,3 engine it now has 23000 miles. It goes to the dealership for all the oil changes. I check my dipstick before I took it in for service and warranty work for a third time first time at this dealership. But noticed there was no oil on the dipstick. So I went to auto zone and bought a new 3 gallon container and funnel. So they changed my oil and put it in and I got my vehicle back and I now bought a clear 2 gallon measuring bucket to see how much oil I had in it. I just videod my pour into the container and it is 3 quarts low. I was under the 7500-mile mark that gm requires you to change the oil. This is a new vehicle, and I shouldn't see this happening at all maybe 100000 miles but not 23000. I also just found out I have a one of a kind 2025 Tahoe with the new 2026 software that is completely messed up. The dealership wiped out critical engine data and no that is at zero when I picked it up. And the calculation for engine hours and idle is not the true numbers and it is corrupted. The other dealership didn't know my vehicle has the new data. So I can only assume they made a big mistake releasing this vehicle. So I also have a driver's seat that goes snap or clunk. Everything with GM has Bulletins. I didn't buy a 86000 dollar used piece of junk i bought a brand-new truck. And Gm will not let the dealership tear into the engine to find out what the noise is and the damage. I use a stethoscope and you can hear the lifters and rockers on the left bank, and the front makes strange noises and it has a hollow sound also. So sensor collision avoidance issues since the day I bought it. And with all the corrupt downloads from whatever software they used has destroyed my Tahoe along with the engine. I have video evidence also and the oil that just came out of my vehicle was gross dark and disgusting and smelled to high heaven. I need help

NHTSA ID

11760664

Incident

Oct 12, 2025

I have 19,000 miles. After each oil change, the engine begins to idol rough, the vehicle violently shakes and the traction control and ABS turn off. The first time this happened it was determined that there was a cylinder (4) failure causing a missfire. This was corrected under warranty. A few months later immediately after receiving an oil change again, the same actions occurred. This time the computer is showing a cylinder (7) failure and engine missfire. This is very similar to what is happening on the 6.7 L GM recall l, but I don’t have the 6.7 I have the 5.8. I believe the issue is bigger than just the 6.7 L.

NHTSA ID

11759286

Incident

Aug 16, 2026

Was driving and without warning the engine locked up. Went into a coast to a stop and motor locked up.

NHTSA ID

11758945

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

A GM software update removed the ability to seek radio stations using the steering-wheel controls, forcing me to use the center infotainment screen for a routine task that previously could be done without looking away from the road. Since this change, I have experienced unintended lane deviation while trying to change stations. I reported the issue to GM, but they only documented the complaint and provided no corrective action. I am asking NHTSA to evaluate whether this software change creates an unreasonable driver-distraction safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11757280

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Blown engine, large chunk of metal in the oil pan

NHTSA ID

11756853

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

Was driving to dinner with my wife and 2 kids and we heard a loud sound like a shot gun went off. After pulling into a parking lot we a hole in the moon roof and the glass push outward like it exploded.

NHTSA ID

11756208

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

My 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 experienced a catastrophic engine failure at approximately 28,400 miles. The Tahoe was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership. The dealer confirmed an internal engine failure requiring complete engine replacement. The vehicle and failed engine are currently at the dealership in Lawrence, Kansas, and should be available for inspection upon request. The precise internal cause has not yet been provided to me in writing. I was advised that obtaining and installing the replacement engine is expected to take approximately 60 to 90 days or longer. The scheduled 30,000-mile maintenance was performed by the Chevrolet dealership on June 29, 2026, when the odometer read 27,607 miles. The engine failed less than two weeks later, after approximately 800 additional miles. Two days before the failure, I noticed a knocking or ticking sound from the engine. Immediately before the failure, I heard loud squeaking or screeching followed by a severe metallic clanking sound, as though loose metal components were being thrown around inside the engine. The engine then shut off and the vehicle became immobilized in Park at an intersection. I was the first vehicle in a left-turn lane and could not shift the Tahoe into Neutral to push or coast it out of the roadway. Heavy traffic turning toward the highway was forced to maneuver around the disabled vehicle, creating a significant risk of a collision. The outside temperature was approximately 95 degrees, with a heat index of approximately 109 degrees. My dog was with me, and it took more than an hour to arrange transportation for him to a safe location before I could return to the disabled vehicle and continue waiting for the tow truck.

NHTSA ID

11753631

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

An Over-The-Air / Chevrolet Dealership software update removed a physical, hands-on-wheel control function, forcing me to divert my eyes from the road to the central touchscreen to perform a basic driving task (channel surfing) on the radio. Specifically, the right front steering wheel toggle used to allow you to scroll sequentially up or down from one radio station / frequency / SiriusXM channel to the next. The new functionality only allows you to select preset stations, duplicating the functionality on the left rear (back side of the wheel) steering wheel toggle button. The only way you can now scroll sequentially up/down from one channel to the next is by taking your eyes off the road, reaching over to the center console, and swiping left or right to move from one channel to the next. This is far more dangerous as it is a distraction to the driver and it takes the driver's eyes off their forward view.

NHTSA ID

11753297

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

This 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe has experienced three separate and recurring engine-related failures. The first failure occurred at approximately 41,350 miles and required replacement or repair of the lifters and camshaft. The vehicle remained at the dealership for approximately 15 days. The second failure occurred at approximately 54,619 miles and involved another lifter failure along with traction control problems. The third failure occurred at approximately 65,140 miles. The Check Engine warning light illuminated while the vehicle was being driven, and the vehicle again experienced engine-related problems. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for more than one week, and no repair or permanent solution has been provided. I am concerned that these repeated engine failures and traction control problems create a serious safety risk, particularly because the vehicle is driven on public roads and highways. Despite previous repairs, the engine problems continue to recur. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these repeated safety-related failures.

NHTSA ID

11750323

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11749363

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

ON JUNE 2ND 2026, the air conditioning in my 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe failed without warning. The system began blowing warm air instead of cold air, making the vehicle uncomfortable to drive. At the same time, I noticed that both front ventilated (cooled) seats had also stopped working. Although the seat cooling indicator lights illuminated when activated, the seats did not produce any cooling. I called to schedule an appt and took the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis and repair on june 4, 2026. The dealership determined that the A/C condenser had failed and replaced it. I was advised that the repair had been completed, and I picked up the vehicle believing the issue had been resolved. Shortly after the repair, it became apparent that the problems had not been fully corrected. While the air conditioning initially appeared to function, the ventilated seats continued to provide no cooling despite appearing to operate normally. This marked the beginning of an ongoing series of HVAC-related failures that ultimately required multiple return visits to the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11748633

Incident

Jun 2, 2026

Driving in bumper to bumper traffic in my 2025 Tahoe and the automatic braking system slammed on the brakes at 10 mph causing me to get rear ended.The light turned green and traffic started moving forward and I'm hitting the gas pedal when my truck just slams on the brakes causing the girl behind to rear end me. The car in front of me was moving forward and never hit their brakes but my car still slammed on the brakes for no reason. I was probably 6 or 7 feet away from the car in front. This isn't the first time this car has slammed on the brakes for no reason. It always seems to happen in the summer during sunny mornings as I'm headed east driving towards the sun. I got lucky the other 6 or 7 times this has happened up until today

NHTSA ID

11747636

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

On May 19, 2026, my 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure while traveling at 60 mph on a public roadway. I originally took retail delivery of this vehicle brand new on October 29, 2025, with only 14 miles on the odometer; at the time of the failure, the vehicle had only accumulated 10,049 total miles. The failure resulted in an immediate, complete loss of motive power at highway speeds, creating a severe, life-threatening safety hazard to myself, my passenger, and surrounding traffic. The vehicle was towed to an authorized GM dealership for emergency service. Upon removing the oil pan, dealership technicians discovered a high volume of metal debris and fragments, indicating a severe internal mechanical failure (likely failed engine bearings). General Motors corporate subsequently mandated secondary diagnostic teardowns. Following these tests, GM confirmed a total, non-repairable engine failure requiring a complete engine assembly replacement. This vehicle has remained entirely out of service and non-operational since the date of the incident. On June 24, 2026, with the vehicle out of service for 36 consecutive days, I issued a formal demand letter to General Motors Customer Relations, demanding that they adhere to New York State Lemon Law statutory requirements and initiate an immediate vehicle buyback. Due to this severe defect, this vehicle is now deemed entirely unsafe and unreliable for my family, as our confidence in its mechanical integrity is permanently destroyed. Furthermore, a vehicle requiring a complete engine replacement at this mileage has suffered severe diminished financial value. A catastrophic engine failure on a low-mileage, current-generation vehicle poses an immediate, critical manufacturing defect and an unacceptable risk of high-speed collisions.

NHTSA ID

11746197

Incident

May 19, 2026

On June 12, 2026, while operating my 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe, I experienced an apparent powertrain or transmission-related issue. At the time, the vehicle was already exhibiting another defect involving the air conditioning system, with the driver's side blowing hot air and the passenger side blowing cold air. While attempting to accelerate and pass another vehicle, the engine RPM suddenly increased to approximately 6,000 RPM. The RPM remained elevated momentarily before gradually decreasing. The vehicle's response was abnormal and inconsistent with normal acceleration. Because I was close to home, I continued driving but remained concerned about the vehicle's operation. Since that incident, the same condition has occurred approximately two to three additional times. The problem is intermittent and does not occur every time I accelerate, making it difficult to predict when it will happen. This condition creates a safety concern because sudden, unexpected increases in engine RPM while attempting to accelerate can affect vehicle performance and driver confidence, particularly when passing other vehicles or merging into traffic. The vehicle is being returned to the dealership for evaluation, and the defect remains unresolved.

NHTSA ID

11744161

Incident

Jun 12, 2026

The air conditioning/climate control system failed. I initially brought the vehicle to the dealership on June 4, 2026, because it was blowing hot air. The dealership replaced the condenser on June 5, 2026. On June 12, 2026, the driver's side again began blowing hot air while the passenger side remained cold. By June 13, 2026, both sides were blowing hot air. The vehicle is being returned to the dealership on June 15, 2026, for an additional repair attempt related to the recurring air conditioning failure. The excessive heat created a safety concern because the cabin temperature exceeded 100°F despite the air conditioning being turned on. I developed hives and a rash on my face, neck, trunk, and arms from the heat exposure. Excessive cabin temperatures can impair driver concentration and increase the risk of heat-related illness. Yes. An authorized Chevrolet dealership diagnosed the issue and replaced the condenser on June 5, 2026. The problem reoccurred within approximately one week of that repair. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Chevrolet dealership and remains available for inspection by the manufacturer or its representatives. There were no warning lights or messages. The only symptom was the air conditioning blowing hot air instead of cold air.

NHTSA ID

11744160

Incident

Jun 12, 2026

***SAFETY/DANGER*** On April 12th at around 5:30 p.m. my family of five, to include three minor children were returning home from visiting family which live about an hour and a half away and as we're traveling on the freeway at highway speeds, in traffic, our new Tahoe unexpectedly and without warning went into reduced power mode and cut speed down to approximately 35 MPH in active traffic, which out my family and every other car around me in danger and in jeopardy of causing a collision and even worse, a multiple car pile-up as I dodged full speed traffic in front and behind me while traveling at approximately half their speed. I managed to exit the freeway and heard a loud knocking noise from the engine and saw the reduced power mode indicator, all of which had not happened before but again, the Tahoe is relatively new and was just over 5 months and at 8,889 miles at failure. I proceeded to contact GM roadside assistance. They sent a tow truck and I had to make arrangements for my family to return home, an hour away. I made it to the dealership with the tow truck driver after 9 p.m. ***CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE**" After the dealership inspected close to a week later they did determine that the entire engine and turbocharger had to be replaced, which they did in a little over a month, the dealership did their part but confidence is lost. Now I am hesitant to drive the Tahoe as it's the family vehicle but really put my kids, wife, myself and everyone around us on the road in danger as it, out of nowhere, cut speed drastically in active highway traffic.

NHTSA ID

11739602

Incident

Apr 12, 2026