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2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe carries 8 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering front and vacuum. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake pedal effort at low speed.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

8 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Campaign #18V291000 · Mar 5, 2018

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe Police Pursuit and Special-Service vehicles. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.

Risk: If the pretensioner cable becomes fatigued or breaks, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pretensioner cable and seat side-shield, free of charge. The recall began June 19, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18156.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Campaign #19V645000 · Jun 9, 2019

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

Campaign #19V761000 · Oct 24, 2019

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.

Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #16V651000 · Aug 9, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V437000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

Campaign #16V256000 · Apr 28, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.

Risk: Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Campaign #21V245000 · Aug 4, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have received an incorrect replacement tensioner cable assembly as part of a previous recall remedy or a subsequent repair. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.

Risk: A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat belt lap pretensioner, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212330040.

POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

Campaign #26V289000 · Jul 5, 2026

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.

Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake pedal effort at low speed

SERVICE BRAKES

72 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2026-07

“I have been having issues with the brakes on my 2016 Chevy Tahoe for as long as I can remember. When going very slow, such as in a parking lot or pulling into a parking space, my car feels like I am driving on ice when I brake”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752862
“WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE AT SLOW SPEEDS (UNDER 15 MPH), AND WHILE IN REVERSE GEAR, MY 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE LS FAILS TO STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405678
“WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS, PARTICULARLY TO PARK, THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. YOU CAN PUT THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE KEEPS GOING. THIS ONLY OCCURS WHEN AT A SLOWER SPEED, IN BOTH DRIVE AND REVERSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11162271

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shudder and failure

POWER TRAIN

37 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699351
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11524650
“I FIRST NOTICED THE VEHICLE DID NOT WANT TO GO A COUPLE TIMES AFTER BEING AT A RED LIGHT. ACTED AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AND THEN WOULD ABRUPTLY SHIFT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11407518

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Shock and strut failure

SUSPENSION

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2024-02

“This vehicle is less than 5 years old, has less than 63K miles, and the front struts are blown and leaking oil and rear shock is locked up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11432187
“2016 Tahoe with 57,000 miles. All 4 of the shocks are locked up. The truck bumps very hard with no give making control at high speeds dangerous”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11443794
“IN MAY 2018, OUR UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES WERE LOOSE AND MAKING NOISES WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS. WE TOOK THE CAR TO LES SCHWAB AND THEY FOUND FAILURE OF BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11279721

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel line and tank leaks

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2025-01

“On 18 Apr 2022, my 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ was found to have a gas leak around the fuel tank area when the car was taken to the Chevrolet Service Center for an oil change”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11461654
“The fuel supply hose/line from the fuel tank to the vehicle connection rubbed through, due to a loose fit where it attaches to the tank, causing a fuel leak”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11478322
“While driving up a hill on a road trip the vehicle felt as if it wouldn't speed up when pressing on the accelerator- this was short lived. Upon parking in the driveway after the trip my husband noticed a fuel smell coming from the rear driver side of vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11598715

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

AC condenser refrigerant leak

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2025-08

“Air conditioning could cause a safety problem during hot days, forcing the driver to drive with all windows down and still remain very hot and sweaty while driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667904
“HOLE HAS FORMED IN THE CONDENSER WHERE A FAULTY WELD WAS MADE CAUSING ALL FREEON TO LEAK OUT AND THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM STOP WORKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11338154
“THE AIR CONDITIONER HAS STOPPED WORKING, THE CONDENSER HAS BLOWN AND IS BEING REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11180330

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Paint and clear coat delamination

STRUCTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2026-06

“THERE IS DELAMINATION HAPPENING ON THE HOOD AND ROOF OF MY CAR AND IS PUTTING THE INTEGRITY OF THE CAR AT RISK WITH BARE METAL BEING EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS THUS CAUSING RUST AND BREAK DOWN OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747435
“THE EXTERIOR PAINT STARTING FADING, CLEAR COAT NOT HOLDING UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11374315
“I HAVE A 2016 CHEVY TAHOE WITH 33,000 MILES ON IT AND THE PAINT ON THE HOOD AND ROOF AND THE SIDES OF THE SUV IS CRACKING WITH LINES / SWIRL RUNNING ALL OVER THE OUTSIDE OF THE SUV I BROUGHT IT TO A COUPLE BODY SHOP AND INFORM ME THE TRUCK WAS NOT PAINTED PROPERLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11279545

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stabilitrak warning with power loss while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2026-07

“The stabilitrak light comes on and the whole vehicle shuts off, this happens while driving and turning, the entire vehicle loses power”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627985
“On 4 plus occasions, the steering wheel would lock up, I would get warnings that the stabilitrak, the park assist was disabled. The engine shut off. This happens during driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616472
“WHEN I START TAHOE SERVICE STABILITRAK, SERVICE POWER STEERING, STEERING ASSIST REDUCED DRIVE WITH CAUTION, AND PARK ASSIST OFF ALL FLASH ON DASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403380

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine lifter and camshaft failure

ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2020-05 → 2025-05

“My engine is blown at only 80,000 miles. Dealer said bad lifter. I was on the freeway and with no warning I lost power and black smoke”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11655116
“After lifters on engine failed on original engine at approximately 47K miles, engine was rebuilt. Received Tahoe back with 47,791 miles on odometer”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11519684
“My 6 yr old chevy Tahoe felt like it was hesitating when driving. I called my local garage and dropped it off. They informed me after inspection that the lifters have failed and now cylinders are in deactivation made”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11494209

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

34 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

17

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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