This page covers 2 recalls, 231 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe.
21 mpg combined
11.2 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant story across 2013 Tahoe complaints is the dashboard. Owners consistently report that the plastic dashboard cracks, sometimes severely, breaking into loose pieces that rattle and shift over bumps. Many owners flag a secondary concern: that a cracked, fragmenting dash sitting directly above or near the airbag could become a hazard if the airbags deploy, with sharp plastic pieces potentially becoming projectiles in the cabin. Several owners also report that dealers have indicated airbag replacement in cracked-dash vehicles risks damage to surrounding interior trim, and that replacement parts may not be readily available. Airbag complaints rank second and appear closely tied to the dashboard issue rather than representing a separate electrical or sensor problem. A smaller number of owners report engine-related symptoms, mainly reduced power mode triggering alongside traction control and stability control warning lights, sometimes recurring after dealer repair.
231
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe has 2 recalls, both involving the front passenger airbag inflator, which can explode and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
These recalls apply to vehicles originally sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories, including Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, and several other US territories. Moisture exposure over time can degrade the inflator, making it prone to rupturing with excessive force when the airbag deploys. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why multiple recall campaigns exist for the same defect.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, high heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different one at no cost to you.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may fail to deploy or deploy incorrectly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
