2023 Chevrolet Tahoe: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 161 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, transmission, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023- Owner complaints
- 161
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes reported
- 2
- 1 injury
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Tahoe is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 16 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 22–24 mpg |
- The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Tahoe that averages well under the EPA 16 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
6.2L engine bearing failure
11,800–34,000 miles
Transmission valve body failure
15,000–76,000 miles
Excessive oil consumption
18,000–19,000 miles
Windshield wipers stop working
32,000–37,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine68No crashes
The 6.2L V8 is failing. The engine ticks or knocks, then shuts off at highway speed, often with no warning light, and many trucks will not restart. Dealers find spun or thrown bearings and metal in the oil, and the fix is a new engine. Replacement engines are often on back order, sometimes for over a month. Most failures happen between 11,800 and 34,000 miles. Burning oil and blue exhaust smoke at cold start are common early signs. Losing power suddenly in traffic is a serious crash risk.
Most of these reports are about recall 25V274000, not a new failure. Owners got the recall notice, but repair parts are not available, and dealers confirm the shortage. Many of these owners have had no failure yet. The other reports describe the same engine trouble seen elsewhere. That includes heavy oil use with "Add Oil" warnings, sudden power loss at highway speed with a low oil pressure warning, and a crankshaft failure that led to a second engine replacement.
Transmission30No crashes
The transmission valve body fails, and the truck shifts into neutral without warning. A failed valve body sets code P0747 and causes limp mode, jerky shifts, shudder, and in several reports a brief rear-wheel lockup at highway speed. Both diesel and 6.2L trucks are affected. Dealers replace the valve body, but the part is often on national backorder. Other reports describe the engine quitting and the truck dropping into neutral in fast lanes. Some owners are unhappy that the bearing recall fix is thicker oil. Failures range from 15,000 to 76,000 miles.
Electrical251 crash
Electrical faults come and go. The instrument cluster goes dark while driving, the backup and surround cameras flicker or fail, the radio and turn-signal chime cut out, and some infotainment units are replaced again and again. Some trucks light up every dash warning at once and lose brakes. Wipers quit in the rain. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault. Several reports filed here are really engine failures with shut-offs at speed. In one crash report, the owner blames a frayed wire at the brake module. One report lists an injury.
Brakes9No crashes
The brakes lose power or fail completely, usually while a cluster of warnings appears: Brake System Failure with a 43 mph top speed, plus ABS, traction control, ESC, and brake pad messages. Some trucks lose brakes pulling out of a driveway. Others lose them exiting the highway, with the pedal going almost to the floor. One truck locked in ABS and could not move in -15 degree weather. Another brakes on its own at highway speed, hard enough to make the tires screech. Dealers often find no codes, and repairs do not always last. This is a direct crash risk.
Wipers and visibility5No crashes
The front windshield wipers stop while driving in rain or snow, sometimes at 60 to 70 mph, leaving almost no visibility. The washer and rear wiper may keep working. The wipers usually come back after 20 to 25 minutes or several restarts, and no warning appears. Dealers often cannot reproduce the problem. A software update and a new windshield sensor each worked for only a few months. Repeat failures are reported around 32k and 37K miles.
Airbags41 crash
Airbag warnings come and go. Some owners see a brief light with a chime. Others get a recurring Service Safety Restraint System message, which one owner links to an under-seat airbag connector problem known on 2021 models. In one crash report, a rear-end collision at 45 to 60 mph set off no airbags, and automatic emergency braking did not activate. Only 4 complaints are on file. The one mileage given is 39,144.
Steering3No crashes
A Service Steering Column Lock warning appears along with a full dash of brake, traction control, and ESC alerts, usually while the brakes go soft or stop working. One report describes loose, vague steering during this kind of event at freeway speed. Another truck showed column lock faults at 50 miles and had the system replaced twice over 18 dealer visits without a lasting fix. Dealers cite communication codes. There are only 3 complaints, and they track closely with the brake failure reports.
Acceleration and cruise control2No crashes
Both reports here repeat problems seen in other categories. In one, the truck has trouble starting, then lights every dash warning, including Brake System Failure, and the brakes do not work. This has happened more than once and cleared up by itself. The other describes knocking, high RPM, a blinking check engine light, and the feeling that the engine is about to lose power on the highway. Only 2 complaints are on file.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Tahoe owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Feels like the transmission is slipping. When I step on the gas it makes a jerking/ tugging motion like its pulling backwards and feels as though it has no power. It’s gotten progressively worse now over 10k miles and I should not have any engine problems with a new car. This happens every time I drive it. The problem is not fixing itself it’s getting worse by the day.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
With 63,000 miles the vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure on a freeway. This resulted in loss of power with no ability to get the vehicle to a safe location. It was determined that the #7 crankshaft bearing was the cause of failure and the compete engine was replaced as a result.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
The vehicle’s transmission began slipping at low speeds with less than 40000 miles. I took it to the dealership for diagnostic testing and the requested that I do “maintenance transmission fluid replacement” as well as some additional reprogramming which the dealer also deemed as maintenance. However, the required transmission fluid replacement was not required until 45000 miles and the reprogramming is not listed anywhere in the maintenance plan.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
Driving on hwy at 75 mph and needed to brake. While decelerating and still moving, engine shut off, dashboard dinged and message said to press start. Vehicle put itself into neutral. Happened twice while driving on highway. Car currently in shop. GM stating transmission valve body needs to be replaced. Tahoe only has 28K miles. Part is on back order
Filed with NHTSA, March 2025
Repeated issues with the infotainment system had to be replaced 3 times to date. The motor blew at 49,000 miles 3 weeks ago. The replacement motor is on back order and it is very difficult to get a loaner vehicle, not to mention having to make a payment on the vehicle that I don’t have to use.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2025
Bought new and there was a brake pad sensor message immediately that we took it to the dealer several times for and nothing was done other than clearing the code and giving it back. Was in accident 1/24 and it was found that there was a frayed/damaged wire in the break module and break pad sensor that I feel could have led to the accident
Filed with NHTSA, April 2024
While driving my Tahoe on the highway at normal speeds approximately 65mph. I tried to exit freeway and my brakes were unresponsive. At this moment i began to allow the vehicle tto slow down on its own. I was able to safely exit the highway and the dealer ship was right off the exit. at low sppeeds i could push the brake pedal all the way down and acchieve some braking capability.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2025
I went to reverse and my brakes didn’t work, the error then came on dash “break system failure max speed 43 mph” I then had to drift into a parking lot to wait for my car to stop. Car dealership said they can’t find anything wrong, I have images showing the error
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
How the 2023 compares with other Tahoe years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks second for owner complaints among 8 Tahoe years, about 1.4 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine6827
- Transmission3019
- Electrical2516
- Brakes96
- Wipers and visibility50
- Airbags44
Recalls to confirm (5)
Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V619000Fuel systemSep 2025
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for the correct fuel tank and replace it, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 5, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252512770. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 18, 2025.
25V274000EngineApr 2025
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
24V674000BrakesSep 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems.".
Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
23V642000SuspensionSep 2023
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
Risk: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232415910.
22V903000Exterior lightsDec 2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
Also looking at these instead of a Tahoe?
Cars shoppers compare with the Chevrolet Tahoe, with their own 2023 checklists.
2023 owner complaints, side by side
- Nissan Armada5
- Dodge Durango27
- Ford Expedition62
- Ford Explorer84
- 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe161
- GMC Yukon329
- Jeep Grand Cherokee363
