NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
This page covers 4 recalls, 167 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2017 Tahoe complaints centers on the powertrain and brakes. On the powertrain side, owners frequently report issues tied to the Active Fuel Management system, symptoms include misfires, rough idle, shaking at low speeds or stoplights, and noticeable power loss under load, particularly at higher mileage. Brakes draw the second-highest complaint volume, with owners describing a firm or hard pedal that resists depression and a vehicle that takes longer to stop than expected, sometimes at low speeds. This hard-pedal brake behavior comes up across multiple reports in varying driving conditions. Engine complaints, a more distant third, echo similar symptoms to the powertrain category, rough running and performance loss, suggesting many of these may trace back to the same underlying cylinder deactivation hardware. A few reports also mention clearcoat peeling and a steering wheel that locked up, though those appear in smaller numbers compared to the powertrain and brake patterns.
167
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe has 4 recalls, the most serious involving the transfer case and brakes: wheel lockup can occur without warning, and a faulty sensor can trigger unintended braking that pulls the vehicle sharply to one side.
The transfer case recall affects four-wheel and all-wheel drive models and covers a condition where either the front or rear wheels can lock up unexpectedly, creating a serious crash risk at any speed. The brake sensor issue is specific to vehicles with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle, and four-wheel drive: when a wheel speed sensor fails, the driveline-protection system can activate on its own and apply braking force to the wheel on the opposite side, causing the vehicle to dart left or right without the driver intending it.
On the safety equipment side, the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners can fail to deploy in a crash that would normally trigger them, leaving the driver and front passenger without that protection at the moment they need it most. There is also a concern with the vacuum-assisted brake booster: the pump that creates suction for power brake assist can weaken over time, gradually increasing the pedal force needed to stop and extending stopping distances in a way the driver may not notice until braking feels noticeably heavy.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
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 →
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transfer case and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wheel-speed sensor may fail, causing the brake control computer to incorrectly activate the driveline-protection system while driving 41–60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the brake control computer at no cost to prevent the system from activating incorrectly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vacuum pump produces less vacuum over time, which can reduce braking system performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module at no cost to restore proper braking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain driving conditions, the air bag control module's software may run a self-test that disables the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners, preventing them from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module software. If your air bags have previously deployed, the module will be replaced. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.