NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
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
This page covers 4 recalls, 50 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2020 Tahoe draws complaints spread fairly evenly across the engine, powertrain, and electrical systems. On the powertrain side, owners frequently report transmission failure, some at relatively high mileage, others describing the failure alongside unusual diagnostic codes that complicate the repair. Engine complaints include shaking and severe hesitation while driving, with the 6.2-liter engine mentioned by name in some reports. Electrical system complaints overlap with both: sudden loss of power steering is a recurring theme, with owners describing complete loss of steering control and a warning light appearing simultaneously. A separate pattern involves brake assist failure tied to the vacuum brake pump, where the pedal becomes extremely hard and braking effectiveness drops sharply. A handful of owners also describe air conditioning problems, specifically refrigerant leaks causing the system to stop cooling.
50
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fuel system defect where a missing pressure regulator can crack the fuel pump and cause a fuel leak that may ignite near any heat source.
The transfer case on 4WD and AWD models carries a separate concern: internal wear can cause the front or rear wheels to lock up without warning, which can send the vehicle into a skid or loss of directional control. On certain Tahoes equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08 rear axle ratio, and four-wheel drive, a faulty sensor can trigger the driveline-protection system unintentionally, applying braking force to one side of the vehicle and causing it to pull sharply sideways, a particular hazard at highway speeds. There is also a tire recall affecting certain Continental tires: the rubber can overcure during manufacturing, weakening the sidewall until it cracks and loses air suddenly or sheds tread, either of which can destabilize the vehicle with little warning.
At a glance
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
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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 →
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
Certain Continental tires were overheated during manufacturing, which can weaken the tire structure and increase the risk of tire failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your tires and replace any affected ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump may lack a pressure regulator, causing the fuel system to build up excessive pressure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump at no cost to restore proper fuel system pressure control.
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.