This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Tahoe powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe have filed 44 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 88,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
44
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Tahoe | 7 |
| 2013 Tahoe | 8 |
| 2014 Tahoe | 5 |
| 2015 Tahoe | 48 |
| 2016 Tahoe (this page) | 44 |
| 2017 Tahoe | 50 |
| 2018 Tahoe | 17 |
| 2019 Tahoe | 34 |
| 2020 Tahoe | 13 |
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 44 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 44 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the transmission is slipping when shifting into 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears. This may be due to loose stator support to pump cover bolts causing a leak at the stator support to pump cover gasket. Technician will check for the bolts to be loose. If any of the bolts are loose or the gasket is misaligned or leaking, the transmission pump cover must be replaced and the 1234 clutch plates should be inspected for being distressed and repaired as needed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe powertrain complaints center almost entirely on transmission and torque converter failures. Owners describe rough idle and stalling, especially when the vehicle is at rest or idling in gear; transmission slipping, jerking, hard shifting, and hesitation under acceleration—particularly on hills and during highway merges; sudden loss of all power while driving despite engine running and RPMs climbing; and complete transmission breakdown requiring replacement or rebuild.
Several owners report transmission shifting into Neutral unexpectedly at highway speeds (45–74 mph), creating collision hazards. Metal shavings routinely appear in transmission fluid and pans, indicating internal wear. Engine failures involving lifters, bent rods, and cylinder damage also appear in multiple narratives, typically at 47K–90K miles. A design flaw allows the shift lever to appear in Park on the instrument panel while the transmission remains in Reverse, creating unintended rollaway risk.
Failures occur with no warning lights or check engine codes in many cases. Owners note spending $6,000–$8,000 per repair, encountering warranty denials despite low mileage, and receiving false diagnoses (spark plugs replaced twice in one case). Chevrolet's extended powertrain warranty coverage for known engine issues and repeated references to pending class-action lawsuits suggest the manufacturer has awareness of these systemic defects. Multiple owners report similar complaints from friends, mechanics, and online forums, yet no recall has been issued for the 2016 model year.
Same Chevrolet Tahoe powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling and loss of power at idle and during driving
Vehicle stalls violently at idle after sitting, with jerking/lurching forward; later develops severe gear slipping and loss of all power while in Drive despite engine running and RPMs rising, leaving vehicle immobilized in traffic.
When: Early event: Sept 2020, after vehicle sat overnight; second event: Sept 26, 2020 after 8-hour sit; repeated over 2 weeks
Symptoms owners cite: violent stalling at red lights; rough idle; rough driving feel; severe gear shifting problems; RPM erratic; loss of power while in Drive; engine revving but no forward motion; immobilized at traffic light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; no repair cost cited in narrative
Transmission jerking, hesitation, and slipping under acceleration and on inclines
Transmission jerks and hesitates when accelerating, especially going uphill; check engine light may flash briefly; dealer diagnosed failing transmission gears; vehicle may make winding noise after repair attempt but symptoms persist.
When: At 148,000 miles; symptom onset unclear but persistent
Symptoms owners cite: jerking and spudding especially uphill; hesitation on acceleration; check engine light flashing; winding noise after service; slipping feel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted transmission replacement at $6,200; owner reports not enough miles for transmission failure
Sudden transmission failure at highway speed with complete power loss
While traveling 70-74 mph on highway, transmission suddenly fails; vehicle rapidly loses power and slows from highway speed to 15-25 mph in active traffic, creating immediate collision hazard with five occupants including three children.
When: At 96,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: sudden loss of power; rapid speed reduction in traffic; transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required; repair cost exceeded $6,000; vehicle out of service for ~2 weeks
Delayed acceleration and hard shifting, progressing to complete transmission failure
Delay in acceleration from stop noticed at 25K miles; at 50K miles delay becomes severe with RPM climbing to 4-6 before vehicle moves; dealer denies issue despite acknowledgment that something feels wrong; at 63K miles transmission fails completely—vehicle won't move from stop despite engine revving, then jerks forward.
When: Delay first noted 25K miles; worsened by 50K; total failure at 63K miles
Symptoms owners cite: delayed acceleration from stop; hard shifting; high RPM before engagement; no forward motion at stop; jerking forward after delay
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer states transmission is out; dealer refuses warranty coverage (3,000 miles past warranty)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer denies warranty despite failure; no trouble codes present to explain failure
Transmission hesitation in Park/Drive engagement, shuddering, jerking between gears, and random electrical faults
Hesitation when engaging reverse or drive from park; shuddering between gears 1-3; jerking in reverse; poor acceleration at any speed; high-pitched whining noises occurring randomly; ABS and StabiliTrak lights illuminate and disappear; transmission progressively worsens; vehicle deemed unsafe to drive despite being sole transportation.
When: Hesitation noted at 88K miles; significantly worsened by 112K miles; ABS/StabiliTrak lights intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: hesitation Park to Drive/Reverse; shuddering between gears 1-3; jerking in reverse; major acceleration hesitation; high-pitched whining; ABS light on/off; StabiliTrak light on/off; random warning icons
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid changed at 70K and 100K miles with no improvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet not recalling despite owner noting 190+ complaints on NHTSA and thousands on forums; owner missed radiator recall by 1,500 miles and paid out of pocket
Loss of engine power on highway with RPM surge, gear slip, and no warning
While on highway at 70 mph, sudden loss of engine power; RPM rises to 5 while vehicle slows from 75 to 35 mph going uphill; transmission slips gears and continues losing momentum; check engine light appears then disappears; diagnosis reveals blown transmission with black fluid containing metal slivers.
When: At 113,000 miles; fluid had been checked one month prior at 70K miles (changed at that time)
Symptoms owners cite: sudden power loss on highway; RPM surge; gear slipping; loss of momentum uphill; vibration like front-end misalignment before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission blown; fluid black with metal slivers
Unintended vehicle rollaway due to shift-lever design flaw
Vehicle left in Park in parking lot, but when owner returned vehicle was gone; investigation revealed shift-lever can be positioned where indicator shows Park and doors unlock but transmission is actually in Reverse; if power button pressed with lever in up position without 'Shift to Park' display confirmation, vehicle can roll.
When: No specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle rolled out of parking lot; shift indicator shows Park while transmission in Reverse; doors unlock falsely indicating Park; vehicle rolled into utility pole
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle rolled into electric pole guide wire
Transmission hangs in Neutral during acceleration, engine revs past redline, then violently engages
During highway passing maneuver at medium-heavy acceleration, transmission does not downshift to passing gear but instead hangs in Neutral; engine revs to and past redline before driver releases pedal; after release, engagement occurs with loud bang and severe vehicle jolt.
When: At 4,473 miles on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: transmission hangs in Neutral on acceleration; engine revs past redline; loud bang on engagement; severe vehicle jolt on gear engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Scheduled for dealership service in 4 days
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports GM refused replacement or buyback despite multiple severe electrical issues; customer states this is fourth Tahoe and will be last
Transmission slip under acceleration and delayed braking response
Transmission slips while in Drive; RPMs climb high but transmission does not engage gears; nearly stranded at intersection; struggles to shift through gears and reach speed; delayed brake reaction when backing boat at ramp (brakes take 1-2 seconds to respond after pedal applied).
When: At ~90K miles; vehicle purchased used with ~85K miles in April 2019
Symptoms owners cite: transmission slip in Drive; high RPM without engagement; slow shifting through gears; delayed braking response in reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle sat at Chevy dealer for nearly 2 weeks without repair
Torque converter failure with metal shavings, engine overheating, and engine replacement
Vehicle shudders at 50-55 mph; odometer moves erratically; engine overheats quickly with no warning lights; diagnosis reveals faulty torque converter with metal shavings in engine; after repair, failure recurs at 35-45 mph with shuddering and overheating; second diagnosis requires engine replacement.
When: First failure ~112,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: shuddering at moderate speeds; erratic odometer movement; quick engine overheating; no warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter identified as faulty with metal shavings; engine replaced after recurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted
Hard shifting, bucking, and jerking with check engine light; false spark plug diagnosis
Transmission bucks, jumps, and hard shifts during deceleration and acceleration; dangerous during merges onto interstate; check engine light on; dealership repeatedly blames spark plug wires and plugs (replaced twice) with no resolution; owner notes pending GM class action lawsuit for transmission issues affecting Tahoe and similar models.
When: Ongoing; vehicle used for medical transportation with children
Symptoms owners cite: bucking and jumping; hard shifts accelerating and decelerating; inability to accelerate for merges; loud hard shifts in tunnels; check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and wires replaced twice without fixing transmission issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership provided incorrect diagnosis; GM class action lawsuit pending for similar vehicles (Sierra, Escalade, Silverado with V8 engine)
Intermittent gear-shift sensation and power loss at low speeds with unexplained check engine light
Below 25 mph, vehicle feels like it wants to shift gears even when not above 25 mph; symptom occurs as soon as put into gear, intermittent, goes away after couple miles; also experiences no-power sensation in motion, feels like stuttering or misfiring; brakes checked and fine; check engine light on but mechanics cannot identify code; symptoms persist over 4 years of ownership.
When: Onset unknown; vehicle owned 4 years
Symptoms owners cite: feels like unwanted shifting below 25 mph; intermittent power loss; stuttering sensation like misfiring; check engine light with unidentifiable code
Repairs/costs cited: Brakes inspected and cleared; mechanics unable to identify check engine light cause
Hard downshifting and whining noise progressing to full transmission replacement
Vehicle downshifts hard with slight whining noise; dealership diagnoses defective transmission requiring replacement; single-owner, low-mileage vehicle with regular maintenance never used for towing; owner cites safety concern—transmission could stop vehicle while driving.
When: At 127,612 miles; note: this is a 2017 model (not 2016)
Symptoms owners cite: hard downshifting; whining noise; transmission defective
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required
Unable to accelerate for highway merge, torque converter failure with no warning
Unable to accelerate to merge into highway traffic; vehicle very hesitant with no warning; nearly rear-ended; diagnostic reveals torque converter faulty with two codes (P0741 and P0872); dealer quotes $6,800 for new transmission; vehicle owned less than 3 years.
When: Less than 3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: unable to accelerate for merge; vehicle hesitates; no warning lights before failure
Codes mentioned: P0741, P0872
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $6,800 for transmission replacement
Intermittent loss of motive power with service warnings but no check engine light
While driving at ~40 mph, vehicle intermittently loses motive power; instrument panel displays 'Service Power Train' and window control messages along with other unknown messages; no check engine light; failure occurs multiple times, each requiring several minutes for vehicle to return to normal; vehicle driven home but not diagnosed or repaired.
When: At 97,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: intermittent power loss; 'Service Power Train' message; window control messages; no warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Hard brakes, transmission hesitation, and stumbling acceleration
Brake pedal became hard and would barely depress; all brakes and rotors replaced; then transmission begins hesitating and stumbling; once vehicle would not move at all requiring restart in place; at 139,000 miles with only 3 years ownership; no warning signs before electrical issues began; owner has 5 children, one always in vehicle.
When: At 139,000 miles after 3 years ownership
Symptoms owners cite: hard brake pedal; transmission hesitation; stumbling acceleration; complete no-go requiring restart
Repairs/costs cited: New brakes and rotors installed; transmission issue ongoing
Transmission acts like Neutral after red light with abrupt shift and blown transmission
After red light stop, vehicle acts as if transmission in Neutral then abruptly shifts; check engine light on; 3 days later RPMs rev while in motion on street but vehicle will not accelerate forward; transmission blown; vehicle had only 83K miles and good maintenance history.
When: At 83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: feels like Neutral after stop; abrupt shift; RPM revving without acceleration; transmission blown
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission blown; vehicle towed to mechanic
Transmission shifts from Drive to Neutral at highway speeds
On three separate occasions, transmission jumps from Drive to Neutral while traveling 45-60 mph; one near-miss during interstate merge; vehicle turned in to dealer; GM dealerships refuse to fix; owner saw multiple similar complaints and notes GM needs to address before someone dies.
When: Multiple occasions; vehicle later turned in
Symptoms owners cite: transmission shifts to Neutral at 45-60 mph; loss of power mid-drive; safety hazard on interstate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships refuse to repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM dealerships in Baton Rouge refuse to fix; no recall action
Transmission hesitation with downshift to first gear and clutch plate damage
While driving 70 mph, vehicle hesitates on accelerator; no warning light; downshifts to first gear; hesitation persists; driver shifts to Neutral and coasts to dealer; diagnostic reveals damaged clutch plates; transmission failure diagnosed; manufacturer notified but offers no assistance; vehicle not repaired.
When: At 110,481 miles
Symptoms owners cite: hesitation on acceleration at 70 mph; downshift to first gear; no warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission failure due to damaged clutch plates
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance
Recurring transmission shudder and vibration with multiple failed repair attempts over 7 years
Vehicle purchased new October 2016; recurring vibration/shuddering in drivetrain with engine RPM surge at 30-45 mph; April 2017 (16,835 mi): dealer rebuilt internal transmission parts; Feb 2022 (86,700 mi): ATF flushed and replaced; Oct 2023 (104,218 mi): transmission replaced due to defect; Jan 2024 (105,537 mi): dealer advises no repair needed but acknowledges manufacturer aware of unresolved recurring shudder problem.
When: First occurrence shortly after purchase Oct 2016; recurring over 7+ years through 105K+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: vibration/shuddering in drivetrain; engine RPM surge; most noticeable 30-45 mph
Repairs/costs cited: April 2017: internal parts rebuild; Feb 2022: ATF fluid flush and replacement; Oct 2023: transmission replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer aware of recurring issue with no resolution provided
Torque converter defect causing shuddering at highway speeds
Significant shudder and shake at highway speeds caused by defective torque converter (GM 6L80); shuddering felt with light throttle application 20-80 mph; dealership quotes $8,000 to replace defective torque converter; owner notes this is proven failure in many GM vehicles.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: shuddering and shaking at highway speeds; noticeable with light throttle 20-80 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quote $8,000 for torque converter replacement
Transmission failure and slipping on busy highway with metal shavings
Transmission failed while driving on busy highway with 3 children aboard; vehicle started slipping and died in middle of road; restarted and limped to shoulder; mechanic inspection found metal shavings throughout transmission pan; no warning signs or warning lights.
When: No mileage specified
Symptoms owners cite: transmission slipping; transmission died mid-road; metal shavings in pan
Repairs/costs cited: Metal shavings found in transmission pan
Transmission failure with no gear engagement on incline in high-traffic area
Transmission malfunctions; unable to move forward uphill in high-traffic area; transmission will not engage, just revving; vehicle had to roll backwards in traffic to parking lot; dangerous situation requiring tow; owner notes GM aware of transmission issues in 2015-16 Tahoe models but chooses not to act.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: transmission won't engage; engine revving without gear engagement; unable to move uphill
Repairs/costs cited: Expensive repair bill; vehicle towed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of transmission issues in 2015-16 models but no recall action
Transmission failure in tunnel with vehicle rolling backward in traffic
Vehicle shut off in tunnel during heavy traffic; when placed in Drive, vehicle rolled backward instead of moving forward; had to allow vehicle to roll backward in traffic to parking lot with hazard lights; engine light came on afterward; dealer refused to acknowledge issue; vehicle purchased as-is; purchased Nov 2022, failed Dec 2022.
When: One month after purchase (purchased 11-09-2022, failed 12-20-2022)
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle shut off in tunnel; transmission fails to engage in Drive; vehicle rolls backward in Drive
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed transmission failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused to acknowledge issue; vehicle purchased as-is
Hard transmission shifts, brake issues, and electrical malfunctions
Transmission shifts hard from time to time; brakes do not stop vehicle effectively and feel like skipping; vehicle has electrical issues (DVD, rear inverter 110 AC outlet, cell phone charger non-functional); seats get stuck; forward and side collision warning alerts when nothing there.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: hard transmission shifts; brakes ineffective/skipping feeling; electrical failures
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple systems affected
Total transmission failure with smoke on highway
While traveling on PA Turnpike, complete transmission failure occurs; smoke emits from vehicle; heavy traffic prevents immediate shoulder pull-over; vehicle put in Park and back in Drive to move ~100 yards to safer location; GM case opened (8-1908837872); no follow-up contact from owner to GM or from GM to owner.
When: March 31, 2016 at 3:00 PM
Symptoms owners cite: total transmission failure; smoke from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM case number 8-1908837872 opened; no further contact
Stuttering, power loss, jerking between gears, and unable to upshift under load
Vehicle stutters and loses power, lunges after coming to complete stop; jerking usually between 2nd-3rd and 3rd-4th gear; rough idling as if missing or out of time; power surge with independent acceleration; downshifts from 4th to 2nd uphill, slows, won't shift; requires restart.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: stuttering and power loss; jerking between gears; rough idle; independent acceleration; downshift and refuse to upshift; won't move without restart
Repairs/costs cited: Requires restart to recover
Engine failure with bent rods and cylinder damage at low mileage
Engine lifters failed, bent rods, 3 of 8 cylinders scratched; engine requires rebuild; failure occurred at only 47K miles; owner notes Chevrolet has extended original warranty due to known issues; engine failure poses immediate safety hazard while driving.
When: At 47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: failed lifters; bent rods; cylinder scratches
Repairs/costs cited: Engine requires rebuild
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet extended original warranty due to known engine issues
Fuel tank leak while running and complete loss of power while driving
Fuel leaks from top of fuel tank but only while vehicle running; occurs with wife and family aboard; vehicle also shuts down completely while driving with no warning; regains power after few minutes; dangerous with family and children in vehicle.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: fuel leak from top of tank when running; complete power loss while driving; power returns after minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Transmission shuddering and hesitation with violent engagement
Transmission shudders and shakes while driving, creating safety hazard; when stopped and pulling into traffic, vehicle hesitates to move, feels like in Neutral, then violently jerks into gear; transmission appears to slip; RPM fluctuates; weird vibration/transmission shudder throughout.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: transmission shuddering and shaking; hesitation pulling into traffic; feels like Neutral; violent jerking into gear; RPM fluctuation; transmission slipping feel
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Transmission shuddering and instability despite multiple fluid changes, no warning lights
Vehicle shudders and shakes while driving, creating safety hazard; transmission fluid changed multiple times with no resolution; transmission remains unstable with no error codes or check lights appearing; large number of failures noted for this transmission type at repair shops.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: transmission shuddering and shaking; transmission instability
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple transmission fluid changes with no improvement
Stalling and loss of gear engagement in traffic
Vehicle stalls momentarily and will not move while in gear; engine revs but power not transferred to wheels; problem progressively worsens; on 5/4/21 vehicle stalled in middle of road and would not move.
When: Progressive onset; stalled in roadway 5/4/21
Symptoms owners cite: stalling in gear; engine revving without wheel power; no forward motion; progressive worsening
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle stalled in traffic
Transmission failure at high mileage with no prior warning
Vehicle crossed into 133,000 miles and transmission just goes out; owner notes this is happening frequently with 2016 Chevy Tahoe; owner cites ball dropped on recall for this vehicle.
When: At 133,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall established despite high frequency of failures
Transmission shuddering and slipping with torque converter failure requiring complete rebuild
At 155,000 miles, transmission shudders and slips gears; torque converter fails with associated slipping, whining, and grinding sounds; transmission completely rebuilt with all six clutches replaced and new torque converter installed.
When: At 155,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: shuddering and slipping; whining and grinding sounds
Repairs/costs cited: All six clutches and torque converter replaced; transmission completely rebuilt
Gas fumes in cabin via vents and transmission failure
Vehicle fills with gas fumes while in car wash; fumes come through vents on drive home; at red light fumes strong enough to cause eye burning; vehicle also required new transmission at only 90K miles.
When: At 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: gas fumes in cabin from vents; eye burning from fume concentration; transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced at 90K miles
Transmission shuddering progressing to complete failure at high mileage
Shuddering started with transmission and ultimately led to complete transmission failure; vehicle regularly serviced; failure occurred at 140,900 miles; expensive repair needed.
When: At 140,900 miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission shuddering; complete transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Costly repair for regularly serviced vehicle
Engine failure with lifter and camshaft issues, plus prior transmission failure
Engine failed due to lifter and camshaft problems; transmission had previously failed and required replacement; air conditioner condenser also failed with pin-hole leak.
When: Not specified; transmission failed first, then engine
Symptoms owners cite: engine lifter failure; camshaft failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission previously replaced; engine repair needed
Transmission slip and jerking with faint burning smell
While driving on city street, transmission slips and/or does not catch on acceleration; jerking motion as transmission searches to catch gears; faint burning smell noted.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: transmission slip; jerking during gear engagement; faint burning smell
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Transmission failure at low mileage on highway requiring complete rebuild
Vehicle not even 10 years old with only 105,000 miles; transmission failed while on highway; required complete rebuild; owner notes this is unacceptable for vehicle age and mileage.
When: At 105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission rebuild required
Rough idle and stalling in gear
Vehicle has rough idle and tries to die while in gear (Drive or Reverse); problem more noticeable and worse when vehicle stopped in gear.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: rough idle; tries to stall in gear; worse when stopped in gear
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Transmission failure with metal shavings in pan and filter
Transmission failed; metal shavings found in transmission pan and oil filter when checked.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: transmission failure; metal shavings in pan and filter
Repairs/costs cited: Metal contamination found in fluid system
Transmission problems after service visit
Transmission started acting up after vehicle was worked on and returned from service.
When: Symptom onset post-service
Symptoms owners cite: transmission acting up after service
Repairs/costs cited: Problem began after vehicle returned from service
Gear slip and shutter with power loss on acceleration
Gear slip and shudder occur when accelerating; associated with loss of power from takeoff.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: gear slip; shuddering; power loss on acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Synthesized from 44 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently lost motive power. The messages "Service Power Train", "Roll Down Driver Side/ Passenger Side Windows", along with several other unknown messages, were displayed on the instrument panel. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred…
-body- hood paint defect (aluminum oxidation) -brakes- vehicles doesn't stop and brakes get hard to push, and they also feel like they are skipping. -power train- brakes and transmission shifts hard from time to time. -electronics- DVD and rear inverter 110 a/c plug power went out, and cell phone charger doesn't work. -seats- get stuck and won't go up or down at times. Forward and side collision…
I bought my Tahoe from Dan Vaden Chevrolet in Savannah, GA with approx 58k miles. At around 88k miles I noticed the transmission hesitated when putting into reverse or drive from the park position. I had my transmission fluid changed at 70k and 100k miles. Now, at 112k miles, it has significantly gotten worse with shuddering between gears 1-3 and jerking when in reverse. Major hesitation when…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 44 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 40,000 and 109,300 miles, with the median around 88,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 109,300. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Chevrolet/Tahoe.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.