CHEVROLET TAHOE · model year

2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE

338 NHTSA complaints, 25 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016CHEVROLETTAHOE carries 338 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 25 crashes, 1 fire, 19 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 TAHOE is service brakes with 83 filings, followed by power train (47) and unknown or other (43). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2016 TAHOE, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

338
Complaints
25
Crashes
1
Fires
19
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

338 filings

Crashes Reported

25 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SERVICE BRAKES83
POWER TRAIN47
UNKNOWN OR OTHER43
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28
SUSPENSION19
STEERING19
ENGINE18
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14
STRUCTURE:BODY9
AIR BAGS8
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC5
WHEELS3
SEAT BELTS3

Recalls (7)

16V25600028/04/2016

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

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

19V76100024/10/2019

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

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 tra

17V43700010/07/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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, Subur

16V65100008/09/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 Poli

21V24500008/04/2021

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

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

19V64500006/09/2019

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

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.

18V29100003/05/2018

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

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 an

Recent Complaints

20260130POWER TRAIN

Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Mileage at failure: 96,700 miles Component: Powertrain – Transmission While driving on the highway returning home from Columbus, OH, my 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe experienced a sudden transmission failure without any warning. We were traveling in the third lane at approximately 70–74 mph when the vehicle abruptly lost power and rapidly slowed down to approximately 15–25 mph. This occurred in active traffic and created an immediate and severe safety hazard. The sudden loss of speed nearly caused a collision with surrounding vehicles traveling at highway speeds. There were five occupants in the vehicle, including three children. Due to traffic conditions, other drivers were braking, honking, and swerving. I was only able to avoid a crash by immediately maneuvering across lanes to reach the shoulder. The vehicle was disabled and had to be towed. The transmission required full replacement. Total repair cost exceeded $6,000, and the vehicle was out of service f

20260126POWER TRAIN

At first it started with my brakes. I was at DQ and all of a sudden the brake peddle was hard and would barely go down. I then put my car in park. Now I have all new brakes, rotors, etc. Then now the car after 139,000 miles and only owning it for 3 years has this hesitation to go. It stumbles and once would go at all. I had to park right where I was, and restart the car. I have 5 kids, one at which is always with me whom is only 3 years old. This vehicle is not safe. Why it it that so many of us are having the same issue, but no recall has been done? I go this weekend to take the car in. Praying for some sort of miracle. And no other warning signs. Just starting acting crazy. Lights just came on this week.

20260126SERVICE BRAKES

At first it started with my brakes. I was at DQ and all of a sudden the brake peddle was hard and would barely go down. I then put my car in park. Now I have all new brakes, rotors, etc. Then now the car after 139,000 miles and only owning it for 3 years has this hesitation to go. It stumbles and once would go at all. I had to park right where I was, and restart the car. I have 5 kids, one at which is always with me whom is only 3 years old. This vehicle is not safe. Why it it that so many of us are having the same issue, but no recall has been done? I go this weekend to take the car in. Praying for some sort of miracle. And no other warning signs. Just starting acting crazy. Lights just came on this week.

20251229POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently lost motive power. The messages "Service Power Train", "Roll Down Driver Side/ Passenger Side Windows", along with several other unknown messages, were displayed on the instrument panel. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions, which required the codriver to wait several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Mileage: 97,000

20251229ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently lost motive power. The messages "Service Power Train", "Roll Down Driver Side/ Passenger Side Windows", along with several other unknown messages, were displayed on the instrument panel. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions, which required the codriver to wait several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Mileage: 97,000

20251114POWER TRAIN

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.

20251010SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal was soft and was almost depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the ABS/ESC warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights then started flashing. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Electronic Brake Control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the vehicle had been repaired by the previous owner. The contact had to pay out of pocket for the repairs. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that the recall had been previously repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Mileage: 102,000

20250906POWER TRAIN

Gear slip and shutter when accelerating loss power from taking off

20250815UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Component Failure: AC condenser assembly failed due to thermal cycling cracks in combination transmission fluid/oil cooler design - exact failure documented in GM TSB 17336-05. TSB states "thermal cycling creates a crack that may allow refrigerant to escape." Safety Risk: AC system failure after sun exposure creates dangerous interior temperatures lasting 30-45 minutes with family including two teenagers in 95°F+ NC summer heat. Risk of heat exhaustion/stroke during highway travel where immediate stopping impossible. Dealer Confirmation: Hendrick Chevrolet diagnosed refrigerant leak from upper left condenser on 7/22/25 (Invoice CTCS913252, $1,904.60). Official work order documents identical symptoms and repair operation covered by GM TSB 17336-05 Special Coverage. Manufacturer Knowledge: GM issued TSB 17336-05 acknowledging their combi-cooler design cannot withstand normal thermal cycling, affecting 908,000+ vehicles. GM provides Customer Service Satisfaction Campaign 17336-01 free r

20250712UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The sunroof shattered when nothing hit it driving down the road.

20250711ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The stabilitrak notification comes on constantly. While we are driving/reversing and turn our steering wheel the whole car will shut down and the steering wheel jerks. It's happened multiple times. It takes forever for the car to turn back on.This is super dangerous and cause myself and my children to end up getting hit by another vehicle while on the road.

20250711STEERING

The stabilitrak notification comes on constantly. While we are driving/reversing and turn our steering wheel the whole car will shut down and the steering wheel jerks. It's happened multiple times. It takes forever for the car to turn back on.This is super dangerous and cause myself and my children to end up getting hit by another vehicle while on the road.

20250711UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The stabilitrak notification comes on constantly. While we are driving/reversing and turn our steering wheel the whole car will shut down and the steering wheel jerks. It's happened multiple times. It takes forever for the car to turn back on.This is super dangerous and cause myself and my children to end up getting hit by another vehicle while on the road.

20250702POWER TRAIN

The vehicle shudders and shakes going down the road causing a safety hazard when failing. The transmission fluid has been changed multiple times and yet the transmission remains unstable with no errors or check lights appearing. When taken to the repair shop it seems there is a large number of failures for this transmission type.

20250626SERVICE BRAKES

There are times that the brake assist will stop working. The bake assist light has started coming on once in a while. I looked up the vin and it said all recalls were repaired. I have a concern that the vaccume brake issue was not properly taken care of at whatever dealership that claimed to fix the issue.

20250619UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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. The A/C system in this vehicle is so poorly designed that I've spent $6,000 in 8 years of ownership just to keep the A/C running. The primary problem is that is has a separate rear HVAC zone, which requires both high & low side freon lines to run under the length of the vehicle to a rear condenser. These lines are not shielded in any way from being hit by road debris. I'm replacing a leaking rear A/C for the third time at a cost of $1800. These lines should be shielded so they are not getting pelted by rocks and other debris. It's a very bad design that exposes a potential safety issue. When these lines break, it also dumps all of the freon into the atmosphere.

20250513ENGINE

I was driving on the freeway when I lost power and the engine started to vibrate. Had to have it towed back to the dealer. They stated it was a bad lifter in cylinder six. It will cost 8K+ to repair. I have had the car less than a year and less than 90k in mileage.

20250509POWER TRAIN

Shuttering started with transmission which ultimately lead to the transmission failing at 140,900 miles. Costly repair for a vehicle that was serviced regularly.

20250430ENGINE

Engine failure - lifters and cam shaft . Also, transmission had previously failed and had to be replaced as well as air conditioner condenser (pin hole leak).

20250430POWER TRAIN

Engine failure - lifters and cam shaft . Also, transmission had previously failed and had to be replaced as well as air conditioner condenser (pin hole leak).

Compare 2016CHEVROLETTAHOE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE have?
The 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE has 338 NHTSA complaints, 25 crashes, 1 fires, 19 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE?
The 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE?
Yes, the 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE?
The most-complained component for the 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE is SERVICE BRAKES with 83 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 CHEVROLET TAHOE has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.