2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
Common Problems
Ranked from 253 federal NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
53 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
44complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake vacuum pump fails intermittently, making it difficult to apply the brakes, especially at low speeds.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 2
Air Conditioning Failure
19complaintsMedium severityOtherThe air conditioning system stops working, blowing hot air instead of cold air, often due to a faulty compressor.
$800–$1,600est. a/c compressor replacement · 3–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Electrical System Issues
18complaintsMedium severityElectricalInterior lights flicker or pulse when pressing the brake pedal or using turn signals, indicating electrical system malfunction.
Related recalls: 15V640000, 14V301000
- 4
Fuel Line Leaks
11complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel lines are leaking, causing fuel odors and potential fire hazards.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Fuel system leaks
9complaintsMedium severityFuel systemFuel leaks from various components, including the fuel tank and lines, posing a fire hazard.
- 6
Suspension Strut Failure
8complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension struts fail, leading to a bouncy ride and difficulty in steering, particularly on uneven surfaces.
$500–$1,200est. strut/shock replacement (pair) · 2–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Brake Issues at Low Speeds
7complaintsMedium severityBrakesBrakes fail to work properly at low speeds, causing difficulty stopping the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 8
Headlight Moisture and Malfunction
7complaintsMedium severityOtherHeadlights develop moisture inside the assembly, leading to malfunctioning turn signals and warning codes.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Steering System Malfunction
7complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering system becomes difficult to control, often accompanied by warning lights and loss of power.
Related recalls: 18V586000, 14V719000, 14V246000
- 10
Transmission Issues
7complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission malfunctions, including hard shifting, delayed shifts, and occasional loss of power during driving.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 14V152000
- 11
Brake Booster Malfunction
6complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake booster stops functioning properly, causing the brake pedal to become extremely hard to depress and reducing braking effectiveness.
$500–$1,300est. brake booster replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 12
Constant Trailer Brake System Warning
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe trailer brake system warning light and chime persistently alert the driver, causing distraction and potential accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 15V640000, 14V301000
- 13
Interior Lighting Issues
6complaintsLow severityElectricalInterior dome lights and other lights flicker or flash when the brakes are applied or turn signals are used, potentially causing distraction.
Related recalls: 15V640000, 14V301000
- 14
Transmission Failures
6complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTransmission malfunctions cause sudden loss of power and lurching sensations, increasing crash risk.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 14V152000
- 15
Brake system failure at low speeds
5complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes become hard to press and fail to stop the vehicle at low speeds, especially on inclines or in reverse.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 16
Brake System Issues Leading to Loss of Control
5complaintsHigh severityBrakesMultiple reports of brake systems failing, causing loss of control and difficulty in stopping the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 17
Brake System Malfunction
5complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system malfunctions, leading to poor stopping performance and increased stopping distance.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 18
Electrical System Failures Causing Dashboard Malfunctions
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalDashboard displays malfunction, warning lights appear randomly, and the infotainment system malfunctions frequently.
Related recalls: 15V640000, 14V301000
- 19
Electrical System Glitches
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalElectrical glitches cause dashboard lights to flash, cruise control to fail, and other intermittent issues.
Related recalls: 15V640000, 14V301000
- 20
Fuel Line Leaks and Issues
5complaintsMedium severityOtherFuel lines leak or chafe, causing fuel odors, engine stalling, and potential fire hazards.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Fuel Line Leaks Causing Fire Hazards
5complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel lines near the gas tank are rubbing and creating pinhole leaks, leading to potential vehicle fires.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 22
Interior dome lights flicker when brakes or turn signals are used
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe interior dome lights flash intermittently when the brakes or turn signals are activated.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 15V640000, 14V301000
- 23
Service Brake System Warnings Causing Distraction
5complaintsMedium severityBrakesConstant warnings about the service trailer brake system cause distraction and reduce the safety of the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 24
Steering Assist Malfunction
5complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering assist malfunctions, causing the steering wheel to lock up and the vehicle to lose control.
Related recalls: 18V586000, 14V719000, 14V246000
- 25
Suspension Strut and Shock Issues
5complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension struts and shocks leak or malfunction, causing a bouncy ride and difficulty controlling the vehicle.
$500–$1,200est. strut/shock replacement (pair) · 2–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 26
Suspension System Failures Causing Unstable Ride
5complaintsMedium severitySuspensionAir ride suspension systems fail, leading to a bumpy and unstable ride, especially at higher speeds.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 27
Brake failure during reversing
4complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake pedal stalls during reversing, causing difficulty in stopping the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 28
Fuel Line Leak Above Gas Tank
4complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel lines above the gas tank leak, posing a significant fire hazard.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 29
Hydraulic System Failures Causing Vehicle Instability
4complaintsMedium severityOtherHydraulic system failures, including issues with the torque converter and transmission, cause the vehicle to become unstable and difficult to control.
- 30
Power Steering Issues Leading to Loss of Control
4complaintsHigh severitySteeringPower steering assist fails intermittently, causing the steering wheel to become unresponsive and difficult to control.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V586000, 14V719000, 14V246000
- 31
Steering Power Failure
4complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering system fails, making it extremely difficult to steer the vehicle.
Related recalls: 18V586000, 14V719000, 14V246000
- 32
Transmission Failures Causing Vehicle Stalls
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionTorque converters and transmissions fail, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly and requiring towing for repairs.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 14V152000
- 33
Air conditioning stops working unexpectedly
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe air conditioning system suddenly stops functioning, leading to hot air being blown into the cabin.
$800–$1,600est. a/c compressor replacement · 3–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 34
Brake Pedal Difficulty and Malfunction
3complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake pedal becomes difficult to press and fails to respond, increasing the risk of accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 35
Brakes become extremely stiff and power assist is lost
3complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brakes become extremely hard to depress and lose power assist, making it difficult to stop the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 36
Electrical System Interiors Flashing
3complaintsMedium severityElectricalInterior lights flash when applying brakes or reversing, posing a safety hazard at night.
Related recalls: 15V640000, 14V301000
- 37
Exterior Lighting Issues
3complaintsMedium severityOtherInterior LED lights flash when the brake is applied, causing distraction and reducing nighttime visibility.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 38
Interior lights flash when braking or using turn signals
3complaintsLow severityElectricalThe interior dome lights flicker or flash when the brake pedal is pressed or the left turn signal is used.
Related recalls: 15V640000, 14V301000
- 39
Steering wheel locks up or fails to turn
3complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up or fails to turn properly, posing a significant safety risk.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V586000, 14V719000, 14V246000
- 40
Transmission Failure
3complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission fails, causing the vehicle to lose power and potentially leading to accidents.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 14V152000
- 41
Brake Power Assist Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake power assist system intermittently fails, requiring heavy pedal pressure to stop the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 42
Brake system chattering and vibration
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesAt slow speeds, the brake pedal chatters, vibrates, and becomes hard to push, causing difficulty in stopping the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 43
Electrical system causing dashboard lights to flicker
2complaintsLow severityElectricalPressing the brake pedal or using turn signals causes interior lights to flicker, potentially causing distraction.
Related recalls: 15V640000, 14V301000
- 44
Forward Collision Avoidance System Failure
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe forward collision avoidance system fails to alert the driver, increasing the risk of collisions.
Related recalls: 15V640000, 14V301000
- 45
Four-Wheel Drive Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe gear got stuck in four-wheel drive despite being set to two-wheel drive, causing jerking and engine revving.
Related recall: 14V152000
- 46
Fuel line leak near exhaust
2complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel is leaking from the fuel tank near the exhaust, posing an explosion and fire hazard.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 47
Seating issues causing discomfort and injury
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe middle seat belt gets caught under the plastic piece and becomes loose, while the front driver's seat moves or clinks during turns.
- 48
Steering Lock-Up and Grinding
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering locks up and grinds, posing a safety risk during turns.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V586000, 14V719000, 14V246000
- 49
Steering wheel lock-up while driving
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel locks up momentarily while driving at speeds over 50mph, causing distraction and potential loss of control.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 18V586000, 14V719000, 14V246000
- 50
Sunroof Shattering
2complaintsHigh severityOtherThe sunroof suddenly shatters while driving, causing glass to fall into the cabin and potentially injuring occupants.
- 51
Suspension issues leading to rough ride
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe suspension causes the vehicle to bounce and feel unstable, especially when driving over bumps or potholes.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 52
Suspension Struts Fail at Low Mileage
2complaintsHigh severitySuspensionFront magnetic ride control struts fail at low mileage, causing rough rides and safety concerns.
$500–$1,200est. strut/shock replacement (pair) · 2–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 53
Wind noise and buffeting at higher speeds
2complaintsLow severitySuspensionSignificant wind noise and buffeting occur inside the vehicle at speeds above 35 mph, especially with open rear windows.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.