VehicleVerdict

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe sits mid-pack among Tahoe years: 130 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 310, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (23), engine (21), and brakes (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

130

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

1

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Tahoe years?

Tahoe NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted1,532 complaints1988: 1 complaints1991: 5 complaints1992: 8 complaints1993: 12 complaints1994: 20 complaints1995: 296 complaints1996: 390 complaints1997: 515 complaints1998: 315 complaints1999: 677 complaints2000: 341 complaints2001: 607 complaints2002: 543 complaints2003: 628 complaints2004: 548 complaints2005: 379 complaints2006: 144 complaints2007: 1,532 complaints2008: 687 complaints2009: 387 complaints2010: 405 complaints2011: 571 complaints2012: 253 complaints2013: 308 complaints2014: 118 complaints2015: 892 complaints2016: 346 complaints2017: 223 complaints2018: 130 complaints2019: 160 complaints2020: 63 complaints2021: 597 complaints2022: 238 complaints2023: 286 complaints2024: 91 complaints2025: 58 complaints2026: 21 complaints
Tahoe NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tahoe years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2318%
Engine2116%
Brakes1915%
Transmission1713%
Electrical System129%
Steering118%
Fuel System86%
Driver Assistance65%
Body & Structure22%
Airbags22%
Lighting22%
Speed Control22%
Suspension22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seat Belts11%
Seats11%

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V603000BrakesOctober 1, 2020 · 14,620 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.

Consequence

A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.

19V761000BrakesOctober 24, 2019 · 652,967 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.

Consequence

Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

19V645000BrakesSeptember 6, 2019 · 3,456,719 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

Consequence

As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I had an accident in this vehicle where the airbags deployed upon impact (as they were designed). However, once airbags deployed, my vehicle was filled with smoke (from the airbags) and all of my windows were covered and I couldn't see out. Panic set in as I tried to get out of the vehicle and my…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 8, 2023 · crash

“Was driving approximately 45MPH and the truck just slowly powered down and "Engine Power Reduced" and eventually cut off and wouldn't crank back up. Got it towed to the Chevrolet dealership and was told the engine has to be replaced due to the bottom of the motor and the crankshaft in cylinder one.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 2026

“While driving home, the the FAC, forward automatic crash, indicator light came on, I applied the brakes and watched to my dismay as my vehicle slowed down but would not stop. I applied steady hard pressure until impact with another vehicle in front of me. The FAB, forward automatic braking system…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 20, 2022 · crash

“Brakes failed pedal went to the floor when getting off the interstate. Kept pressing pedal and came back but vehicle pulls to the left hard when Brake pedal is also very hard to press. Very unsafe afraid to drive the vehicle. Dealer has recalls for same model vehicle show under my vin . Vehicle is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 5, 2024

“Entire vehicle loses electrical power. The vehicle does not shut off, however. Lights, dash, display etc. Possibly a grounding issue. Problem has not been looked at yet, but has occurred twice in the last week. No warning lights available. Occasional park assist failure occurs, may or may not be…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 4, 2021

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 130 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Tahoe year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 Tahoe problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (23 complaints), engine (21 complaints), brakes (19 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Tahoe years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tahoe years to avoid are 2007, 2015, 2008, 1999, 2003, 2001, 2021, 2011, 2004, 2002, 1997, 2010, 2009, 2013, 2023, 2012, 2022, 2014, 2024. The cleanest record among Tahoe years belongs to 1988.

How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.