IllustrationWHILE DRIVING. THE BRAKES FAILED, AND A COLLISION OCCURRED. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. . UPON HITTING THE BRAKES THEY PULSATED. *AK
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 246.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tahoe years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 41 of 283 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
27 crash reports5 fire reports18 injury reports
What owners actually said
283 reportsCONSUMER WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS INADVERTENTLY FAIL AND CEASE WORKING. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING UNEXPECTED FAILURE WITH THE LIGHTING SYSTEM. ALSO, CH…
Read full complaint
CONSUMER WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS INADVERTENTLY FAIL AND CEASE WORKING. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING UNEXPECTED FAILURE WITH THE LIGHTING SYSTEM. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE LIGHT WAS ON. FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE WITHIN THE PAST YEAR.*AK THE BLINKER AND TURN SIGNALS HAVE TO BE REPLACED FREQUENTLY. COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. STARTER WAS REPLACED. THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IDLER ARM AND DRAG LINK. WATER PUMP LEAKED. POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKED. BRAKE CABLE BROKE. PINION SEAL LEAKED. MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED. *NM
CRASHED 1996 TAHOE GOING ABOUT 45 MPH, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING HEAD INJURY. NOT SURE OF DATE IT WAS FALL OF 2002.*AK
EXHAUST Y PIPE SHEARED OFF, COMMON IN THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. VERY EXPENSIVE BECAUSE PARTS INCLUDE Y PIPE TWO CATALLETIC CONVERTERS AND THREE O2 SENSORS.*AK
WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED BURNING WIRING. PARKED THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. AT THE SAME TIME HE LOOKED TO THE REAR AND SAW A HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND SUDDENLY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND WROTE A REPORT IN…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH CONSUMER SMELLED BURNING WIRING. PARKED THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. AT THE SAME TIME HE LOOKED TO THE REAR AND SAW A HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND SUDDENLY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND WROTE A REPORT INDICATING THERE WAS SHORT WIRE ON THE SPEAKER.*AK
WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE BOULEVARD AT 15 MPH, THE SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRES BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED. WHEN I LOOKED THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR I SAW FIRE DROPPING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SPEAKER ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF THE PASSENGERS AND DAMAGING OUR POSSESIONS IN THE CARGO SECTION. I NOTIFIED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AN…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE BOULEVARD AT 15 MPH, THE SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL WIRES BECAME MORE PRONOUNCED. WHEN I LOOKED THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR I SAW FIRE DROPPING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SPEAKER ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF THE PASSENGERS AND DAMAGING OUR POSSESIONS IN THE CARGO SECTION. I NOTIFIED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.*AK
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FRONT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
THE WIRING HARNESS THAT CONECTS TO THE TURN SIGNAL MODUAL, THE WIRES BECOME BRITTLE AND ARE BREAKING. THE FIRST WIRE TO CAUSE ME A PROBLEM WAS THE WIRE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF UNTILL THE WIRE FINALY BROKE AND THEN THERE WERE NO LIGHTS AT ALL. THE NEXT WIRE THAT BROKE IS THE WIRE FOR THE CRUISE…
Read full complaint
THE WIRING HARNESS THAT CONECTS TO THE TURN SIGNAL MODUAL, THE WIRES BECOME BRITTLE AND ARE BREAKING. THE FIRST WIRE TO CAUSE ME A PROBLEM WAS THE WIRE FOR THE HEADLIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF UNTILL THE WIRE FINALY BROKE AND THEN THERE WERE NO LIGHTS AT ALL. THE NEXT WIRE THAT BROKE IS THE WIRE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL BROKE. AND NOW THERE IS NO CRUISE CONTROL. THE HEADLIGHTS I WAS ABLE TO REROUTE THE WIRE AND RECONECT TO THE LIGHT SWITCH TO POWERUP THE RELAY WITH THE SWITCH. NOT THE RIGHT WAY TOO DO IT BUT IT WORKS. ALSO MY VEHICLE HAS TILT STEERING WHEEL.*AK
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 9 HOURS WITH THE ENGINE OFF BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE ENGINE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM *JB
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK I WAS GOING OVER A BRIDGE ON I-95 WHEN THE TRUCKS RPM'S MAXED OUT AND THE TRUCK DRIFTED TO A STOP. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEAD GASKETS ABOUT 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPINING NOW I AM OUT A CAR. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC HE SAID THAT FOR SOME REASON THE ENGINE BLEW. I TAKE CARE OF MY CARS AND CHECK ALL THE …
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK I WAS GOING OVER A BRIDGE ON I-95 WHEN THE TRUCKS RPM'S MAXED OUT AND THE TRUCK DRIFTED TO A STOP. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEAD GASKETS ABOUT 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPINING NOW I AM OUT A CAR. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC HE SAID THAT FOR SOME REASON THE ENGINE BLEW. I TAKE CARE OF MY CARS AND CHECK ALL THE FLUIDS TWICE A WEEK. HOW CAN I GET THIS FIXED. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 83,698 ORIGINAL MILES ON IT. THIS ENGINE SHOULD HAVE LASTED ANOTHER 50,000 TO 60,000 MILES.*AK
Official recalls
303V159000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
Apr 28, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
98V150001 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
Jul 1, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
96V057000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Apr 4, 1996
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
7EA02006 · Windshield Wiper Failure
Opened May 31, 2002 · Closed Jul 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
PE01023 · Seat Belt Anchorage Separation
Opened Jul 17, 2001 · Closed Dec 20, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
ODI HAS RECEIVED ONE (1) COMPLAINT ALLEGING THAT THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER-SIDE SEAT BELT RELEASE BUCKLE ANCHOR DETACHED FROM SEAT FRAME DURING A SIDE IMPACT CRASH.DURING THE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WAS THROWN FROM HIS SEAT, PARTIALLY EJECTED THROUGH THE REAR QUARTER WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE.OCCUPANT SUSTAINED INJURY.GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED SEAT BELT ANCHORING DESIGN IN MY 2000. ODI HAS COMPLETED A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND HAS DETERMINED THAT FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO DETERMINE WHETHER A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS.
EA00024 · Headlight
Opened Sep 26, 2000 · Closed Dec 21, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
No summary supplied.
EA00013 · Battery Leaks Acid
Opened May 2, 2000 · Closed Jun 28, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE00017 · Headlight
Opened Apr 11, 2000 · Closed Sep 26, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
BASED ON THE REPORTS RECEIVED BY ODI FROM CONSUMERS, FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHT ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT FROM REPEATED ADJUSTMENT OFTHE TILT STEERING WHEEL IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.REPEATED ADJUSTMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION MAY STRAIN THE WIRING IN THE HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT TO THE POINT OF FAILURE WHERE THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, RESULTING IN THE UNANTICIPATED LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.ODI HAS CONCERNS REGARDING THE HIGH RATE OF WARRANTY REPAIRS FOR PROBLEMS POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, WITH THE RECOGNITION THE EACH INCIDENT OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE REPRESENTS A CONDITION OF VEHICLE DISABLEMENT.IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER'S EVALUATION OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED, AND THIS OFFICE HAS INTEREST IN THE DETAILS OF THE METHODOLOGIES AND RESULTS OF THAT ASSESSMENT.
PE99073 · Battery Leaks Acid
Opened Dec 3, 1999 · Closed May 2, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ODI HAS RECEIVED 21 COMPLAINTS WHERE OWNERS ALLEGE THAT THE STANDARD GM FACTORY SUPPLIED AC DELCO BATTERY CASE FAILED, RESULTING IN THE LEAKAGE OF SULFURIC ACID.OF THE 21 COMPLAINT VEHICLES, SIX SUBURBAN, THREE TAHOES, AND ONE YUKON OWNER(S) COMPLAINED ABOUT A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID FROM DETERIORATION OF THE RIGHT FRONTBRAKE LINE AS A RESULT OF SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION.THE REMAINING 11 COMPLAINTS PERTAIN PRIMARILY TO SULFURIC ACID LEAKAGE FROM THE BATTERY CASE.AT LEAST ONE COMPLAINANT STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT BATTERY ALSO FAILED.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS NOTE THAT THE LEAKING ACID HAD COME IN CONTACT WITH A WIRE HARNESS AT THE FRAME IN THE VICINITY OF THE STEEL BRAKE LINE.A FIELD INSPECTION BY ODI INDICATES THAT THE DESCRIBED HARNESS IS THE ABS CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR.PRIOR TO THE BATTERY CASE FAILURE, THERE IS USUALLY NO WARNING (SHORT OF AN UNDERHOOD INSPECTION), AND THE ENSURING DAMAGE (SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION) IS PROGRESSIVE.OF THE KNOWN BATTERY FAILURES, THERE MAY BE A TEMPERATURE CORRELATION, AS 60% OF THE OWNER COMPLAINTS CAME FROM FOUR STATES; CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA AND TEXAS.THERE IS ALSO A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND ENGINEERING CHANGE NOTICE TO ADD 1% SILVER TO THE BATTERY'S POSITIVE SIDE TERMINALL, WITH THE EARLIEST IMPLEMENTATION DATE FOR THIS BEING FEB 2, 1998.THE EFFECT OF THIS DESIGN CHANGE IS AS YET UNKNOWN; FURTHER REVIEW IS WARRANTED.AN EA IS BEING OPENED TO GATHER FURTHER APPROPRIATE INFORMATION, CLARIFY ANY DEFECT TRENDS, AND TO ASSESS THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS AND RISKS CONCERNING THESE FAILURES.
RQ99015 · Front Seat Recliner Bolt Failure
Opened Jul 14, 1999 · Closed Dec 28, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
No summary supplied.