general problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe - part 1

42 problems related to power train have been reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe based on all problems reported for the 2016 Tahoe.

1 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/02/2025

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.

2 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/02/2025

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.

3 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/29/2025

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.

4 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/02/2025

Gear slip and shutter when accelerating loss power from taking off.

5 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2025

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

6 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/11/2025

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).

7 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2025

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.

8 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/13/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle downshifted to first gear and the failure persisted. The contact shifted to neutral(n) and coasted to the nearest dealer. A diagnostic test was performed by the dealer, and it was discovered that the clutch plates were damaged. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,481.

9 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/11/2024

I bought my Tahoe from dan vaden Chevrolet in savannah, GA with approx 58k miles. At around 88k miles I noticed the transmission hesitated when putting into reverse or drive from the park position. I had my transmission fluid changed at 70k and 100k miles. Now, at 112k miles, it has significantly gotten worse with shuddering between gears 1-3 and jerking when in reverse. Major hesitation when accelerating at any speed and high pitched whining noises that randomly happen, even after putting it in park and turning it off. Also, my abs and stabilitrak lights will illuminate and then go off every few days. As well as another random icon that randomly comes and goes. This Tahoe is now unsafe to drive but it’s the only transportation I have. I already missed a radiator replacement recall by 1,500 miles and had to pay for that out of pocket. Now Chevrolet isn’t recalling this transmission when it has over 190 complaints on this website alone, and thousands of others on other online forums. What will it take for the manufacturer to do the right thing? will someone have to die in order for this to become an issue they stop ignoring? we have all spent money we worked hard to earn and deserve a vehicle that’s safe for our families.

10 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2024

Transmission down shifts into gears,causing vehicle to stall out in traffic.

11 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/24/2024

Transmission fell to metal shavings being found in the pan and oil filter when checked.

12 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2024

I was driving to drop 3 out of my 4 children off at school when the transmission failed and started slipping and completely died in the middle of the road. The road is an extremely busy highway in our town. I turned the car off and back on and it went into forward gear just enough for me to get onto the shoulder. My children and myself were put into danger due to the transmission failing on a busy highway. I have had the car inspected by a mechanic. There is metal shavings all in the bottom of the transmission pan. There were no signs, and no warning lamps on the dash.

13 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2024

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 for approximately two weeks. I am submitting the repair receipt from the transmission shop with this complaint. After the failure, I learned that sudden transmission failure is a commonly reported issue with Chevrolet vehicles, including the Tahoe. This failure occurred without warning and represents a serious safety defect that put my family and other motorists at risk.

14 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2024

Feeling of significant shudder and shake, especially at highway speeds. This is caused by a defective torque converter manufactured by Chevrolet. Shuddering can be felt when apply light throttle between 20-80mph. Chevrolet dealership is asking for $8000 to fix their defective torque converter (gm 6l80). From all the vehicles that I have owned in the past, I have never received a bill this high for a part that has been proven to have failed in many vehicles manufactured by gm. I appreciate any action that can be taken to issue a recall and prevent any accidents due to this. Thank you.

15 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2024

Vehicle purchased new from chevy dealer October 2016. Recurring vibration/shuddering in drive train with noticeable surge in engine rpms, most noticeable at approximately 30-45 mph. Dealer diagnosed as defective transmission, with following service performed: April 2017 -16,835 miles - dealer rebuilt some internal parts inside transmission; February 2022 - 86,700 miles - dealer flushed and replaced atf fluid; October 2023 - 104,218 miles - dealer advised defective transmission, replaced transmission; January 2024 - 105,537 miles - dealer advised no repair needed however manufacturer was well aware of recurring shudder/vibration problem with no resolution.

16 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/27/2023

2016 Tahoe fuel problems/ transmission jerking mostly going up an incline/hill. Warning ?? lights/ check engine light flashed only 3 or 4 times, I stopped the vehicle, about 5 minutes then I started back to drive . I took it to edward Chevrolet in bham al , I told them I may have pumped some bad gas, because it was spudding & jerking especially when I when up an incline/ hill. But they told me that the gears going out in the transmission & I need a transmission. I took it to them because the truck was spudding when driving. So when I got my vehicle back now the truck making a winding noise, it’s changing out correctly but when I go up incline/ hill , it hesitates, spudding, jerking. I have two other vehicles, I haven’t drove the vehicle enough to have a transmission problem. I asked other people that have Tahoes, even mechanics, said they been having problems with the transmission in 2016 Tahoe & Chevrolet trucks that carry that particular transmission, having the same problems. I think it need to be a replacement of transmission or recall established on the 2016 Tahoes & pickups!!! sign please help, I don’t have no 6,200 for no transmission & haven’t even driven my truck enough to have a transmission problem! I have 3 more payments on my 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, I haven’t enjoyed my vehicle it only have 148,000 miles, and the transmission going out , and that’s not right. You all need to check into this and do a recall!!! in the mighty name of jesus!! sign please help.

17 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 mph, the vehicle started to shudder. The contact stated that the odometer was moving erratically. The contact stated that the engine overheated quickly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter was faulty and there were metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at 35-45 mph, the vehicle was shuddering and overheated. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

18 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2023

While driving one evening I was unable to accelerate to merge into traffic on the highway. The vehicle was very hesitant without any warning and I nearly had someone rear end me because I couldn't gain speed quickly. The next day I got a diagnostic and was given 2 codes: p0741 and p0872 - never had a check engine light come on or any other warning that I was having an issue. I also took the vehicle to the same dealership that I purchased it from and they also did a diagnostic and got the same 2 codes ( torqu converter faulty) said I needed a new transmission for $6800!!! I have not even had my truck for 3 years and being told this is outragous! I'm seeing this same complaint listed over and over so what can be done to help vehicle owners like me?.

19 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/31/2023

Fuel started leaking from top side of fuel tank. Seems to only leak while vehicle is running. My wife and family where all in the Tahoe when this occurred. Also Tahoe would shut down while driving just out of nowhere. Total loss off power and control. After a couple minutes it would start right back up. My family and kids were also in the car when this has happened.

20 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/14/2023

I noticed out of the blue that the Tahoe was down-shifting hard and making a slight whining noise. I brought the vehicle to supreme Chevrolet in gonzales for them to diagnose the problem. I was absolutely shocked when they told me that my transmission would need to be replaced. This 2017 Tahoe has only one owner and has not been used for towing, I bring the vehicle to the dealership for regular maintenance. The vehicle only has 127,612 miles. This problem is a huge safety concern because the vehicle could just stop and will not be drivable while driving. This is very dangerous! I have seen hundreds of complaints regarding this same problem on the same make, model, and year. Something needs to be done fast to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.

21 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/27/2023

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. I had gone from 75 mph down to 35 while trying to maintain speed up a hill. I pulled over to the break down lane to let traffic pass and when it was safe, I tried to engage the vehicle to speed. It would slip gears and continue to lose momentum. The check engine light came on so I pulled it into a rest area and called for a tow. When the tow truck arrived and I needed to turn the car on to put it in neutral, the check engine light had turned off. After having it towed and a mechanic diagnose the issue, it was found that the transmission was blown. The transmission fluid is black and contains metal slivers. I had just had my transmission fluid checked during a tune-up. The fluid was changed at 70,000 miles. I have 113,000 miles on it now. The only warning I got just prior was a vibration similar to needing a front end alignment. There were no other warnings. Like I said, the fluid was checked a month prior to this incident.

22 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/27/2023

Vehicle is not even 10 years old and has only 105,000 miles and the transmission failed while I was on the highway. Needed a complete rebuild.

23 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 05/26/2023

I bought this vehicle brand new crossed over into the 133,000 range and the transmission just goes out and upon reading up on this it’s happening a lot with the 2016 chevy Tahoe the ball was dropped on a recall regarding this vehicle it’s funny how it’s happening a lot to people.

24 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2022

My 2016 Tahoe just shut off on me and my daughter inside of the tunnel with heavy traffic. When I placed the gear in drive the vehicle roll back instead of moving forward. I was afraid because the traffic was steady moving. The emergency wrecker pushed my Tahoe to safety out of the tunnel. I had it towed to my mechanic he said it’s the transmission . The engine light came on afterwards. The dealer refused the acknowledgment of the vehicle. I purchased as is. I purchase the vehicle 11-09-2022 it shut off 12-20-2022.

25 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 07/25/2022

The transmission malfunctioned and left me unable to move forward (uphill) in a high traffic area. I had to turn on the hazard lights, allow the vehicle to roll backwards (in traffic) to a parking lot. Very dangerous. The vehicle would not engage the transmission and was just revving without gear engagement. I had to get the vehicle towed and I am now looking at an expensive repair bill. Gm is aware that they have transmission issues on 2015-16 Tahoe models but they choose not to do anything about it. Very frustrating.

26 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 06/29/2022

Lifters in engine failed, bent rods, 3 of 8 cylinders scratched; engine need to be rebuilt. Engine failed at 47k miles. Ac condenser cracked at 47k miles. Engine failure is safety issue. Known issue at Chevrolet where already extended warranty from original manufacturer's warranty. Engine could have ceased while driving putting driver and passenger(s), if any, in immediate and imminent danger.

27 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 10/18/2021

-body- hood paint defect (aluminum oxidation) -brakes- vehicles doesn't stop and brakes get hard to push, and they also feel like they are skipping. -power train- brakes and transmission shifts hard from time to time. -electronics- dvd and rear inverter 110 a/c plug power went out, and cell phone charger doesn't work. -seats- get stuck and won't go up or down at times. Forward and side collision warning - will alert when nothing is there.

28 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2021

Tahoe feels like it wants to shift gears when it's not going above 25mph. It's happened on city streets. It happens as soon as the Tahoe is put into gear. It does not happen all of the time though. It goes away after I drive it for a couple of miles. It has not happened on the highway. Other times it feels like there's no power to the engine even when its in motion. At first I thought it was the brakes because it feels like its stuttering, like its misfiring, but I've had the brakes checked and they're fine. There's also a check engine light that the mechanics I've taken it to can't decipher why its on. I can't remember the first time it happened, but it has happened several times, and I don't know what the mileage on the odometer was when it first happened. I've had the Tahoe for 4 years now.

29 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2021

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. Check engine light was on. Have just over 83,000 miles on it and was very good at getting it maintenanced. I had the oil changed 3 days before and at that time I mentioned about what was going on but they would have to have the vehicle for much longer to check it out and I could not wait. 3 days later while in drive the rpms were reving up while in motion on the street but the vehicle would not accelerate forward. I had it towed to a mechanic and was told the transmission was blown. The vehicle did not have that many miles on it for this to happen I feel.

30 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 09/26/2020

On September 12, 2020 vehicle had a rough idle and tried to stall at the first stop made after car sat for a few hours car did not stall completely. At the second stop at a red light, the vehicle stalled, was put into park and re started. Every time the vehicle came to an idle it stalled for the duration of the trip home. Every time the vehicle stalled it shut off very violently and jumped forward. This would have caused an accident had there been a vehicle in front of me. It felt as if I was rear ended. Vehicle sat over night and was test driven the next day and problem seemed to go away. Idle was a little rough and the vehicle also ran slightly rough while driving. At this point no check engine or dashboard lights were on and all gauges seemed normal. Car was driven almost every day as normal, approximately 60 miles a day 4 days a week with no obvious problems and only a slightly noticeable rough idle and rough drive. Today, September 26, 2020, two weeks later, the vehicle was driven 30 miles after sitting over night and sat for 8 hours. Within 2 miles of driving the vehicle after sitting for the 8 hours, the vehicle was having severe problems shifting into the appropriate gear and the rpm was all over the place. The speed of the vehicle was extremely difficult to control and easily could have caused an accident. The vehicle was able to go approximately 2 more miles. After the vehicle came to a stop at a red light, I tried to accelerate and the vehicle did not move forward. The rpm was going up, the engine was running, and the vehicle was in drive but acted like it was in neutral. I tried putting the vehicle in park and back into drive with no success. I also tried turning the vehicle off and re starting it with no success. The vehicle blocked traffic and was in an unsafe location until a tow truck came and moved the vehicle.

31 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 08/25/2020

The truck at times will down shift on its own.

32 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/22/2020

The transmission is defective. Bucks, jumps, and hard shifts decelerating or accelerating. I drive for cancer treatments with my kids and grandchildren. Monday we were almost unable to make it home. Inability to accelerate to merge onto interstate. So hard and loud we thought the transmission was going to fall out in the tunnel. After researching I noticed gm has a pending class action lawsuit for the issue. Dealership kept telling me it was the spark plug wires and plugs. Replaced twice to no avail. I noticed there are issues reported for the Tahoe and the traverse. Even though these two vehicles are not listed in the lawsuit; the Tahoe 4wd has the same v8 engine as the sierra, escalade, and silverado. This is a major safety issue . Regardless of a legal loophole of design vs defect or materials.

33 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 02/16/2020

Purchased car with 120 miles, about 25k miles I noticed small delay in acceleration when going from complete stop. Mentioned to dealer they stated all was ok. At 50k miles the delay in acceleration was far more noticeable. I would accelerate and rpm would go up to 4,5 or6 before car would move start to move. Brought back to dealer, did road test with tech and he acknowledged that something didn't feel right stated he would have transmission specialist look it over. After having car for 2 weeks we did another road test with master technician and he stated hard shifting was normal acceleration for this truck because of variable transmission. He said ultimately there are no trouble codes so car is 100% fine. At 63,000 miles the transmission gave out! I drove car on highway about 145 miles with no issue, I was driving on a city street when I stopped at a red light. The light turned green and when I pressed on accelerator car would not move. Finally after a few seconds of engine revving car jerked back and rolled forward slightly. Was able to drive car into strip mall parking lot. Took back to dealer and they are saying the transmission is out but can't explain why we still have no trouble codes! they are not willing to cover because it is 3,000 miles out of warranty.

34 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/13/2020

Had vehicle worked on and transmission started acting up after got truck back.

35 Power Train problem

Failure Date: 01/10/2020

Went thru the car wash and the car filed up with gas fumes on my way home sitting at a stoplight the fumes came thru the vents. Eyes were burning it was so strong I also had to put a new transmission at 90,000.


Other Power Train related problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe


Tahoe Service Bulletins
Tahoe Safety Recalls
Tahoe Defect Investigations