This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Tahoe | 18 |
| 2016 Tahoe | 12 |
| 2017 Tahoe | 10 |
| 2018 Tahoe | 14 |
| 2019 Tahoe (this page) | 15 |
| 2020 Tahoe | 8 |
| 2021 Tahoe | 112 |
| 2022 Tahoe | 56 |
| 2023 Tahoe | 92 |
When does it fail?
Of the 15 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Component Limited Warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 Tahoes with 6.2L V8 and 5.3L V8 engines report catastrophic internal failures without warning: camshaft bearing collapse, bent connecting rods, and valve lifter seizure causing complete loss of engine function on highways and at idle. One owner experienced rod bearing failure at 92,000 miles; another camshaft failure shortly after recent full diagnostics and repair, with no metallic debris in oil indicating sudden defect rather than wear. Engine replacement costs run $10,000–$15,000, with General Motors refusing goodwill assistance after warranty expiration. Several owners report the cylinder deactivation (Active Fuel Management / Dynamic Fuel Management) system as connected to camshaft and transmission problems. Excessive oil consumption and blue or white smoke from the exhaust appear in multiple complaints, along with stalling during operation or shifting and loud knock with shaking. One law enforcement vehicle has stalled repeatedly at 41,000 miles despite fuel system component replacement. Dealerships have attempted transmission reprogramming and plug replacement without resolution. Owners note that related engine failures are under NHTSA investigation (PE25001) for later model years, but 2019–2020 VINs are not included in the current recall campaign despite identical failure modes. The defects appear to strike during normal operation and maintenance, affecting otherwise well-serviced vehicles.
Same Chevrolet Tahoe engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Camshaft bearing failure / internal valvetrain failure
Complete or partial camshaft bearing collapse and valvetrain damage, typically without prior metallic debris in oil or evidence of abuse, occurring during normal operation and occasionally shortly after recent diagnostics.
When: Varies by vehicle; reported at unknown mileage after years of ownership and recent major repairs. One case at approximately 120,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal engine noise; Misfire (particularly cylinder 5, also cylinder 4); Loss of power; Vehicle unreliable for safe operation; Engine hesitation as if missing
Codes mentioned: Misfire cylinder 5, Misfire cylinder 4
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; one owner cited $15,000 estimate for full engine replacement. Another received a new transmission ($10k stated, owner charged $4k after dealer repair) plus continued engine hesitation issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: General Motors declined goodwill assistance citing warranty expiration. Owner has technical bulletin confirming problem. VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign 25V274000 despite related engine symptoms. Expanded recall under Investigation PE25001 needed for 2019–2020 model years.
Rod bearing failure / engine seizure
Complete rod bearing seizure causing sudden loss of engine function and total engine stoppage while driving. Owner-reported failure consistent with known defect in later model recalls of 6.2L L87 engine.
When: Sudden failure during highway driving; no prior warning. One case at approximately 92,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power and vehicle speed on highway; Complete engine seizure; No warning lights or prior symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; owner paid out of pocket for replacement at GM dealership. Rod bearing inspection confirmed as root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No goodwill assistance provided. Related recall (Investigation PE25001) exists for later models; owners assert 2019–2020 engines exhibit identical failure mode and should be included.
Engine valve lifter failure
Valve lifter collapse or failure, often related to Active Fuel Management (AFM) or cylinder deactivation system, causing engine lockup or severe noise on startup.
When: One case at 35,000 miles with one year of non-use prior to failure. Another at 92,000 miles on 5.3L V8 with DFM system.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or noise on engine startup; Engine lockup; Loud noise as if bad fuel or mechanical damage
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement cited at $15,000 estimate. One case vehicle purchased at $35,000 and left non-operational for one year awaiting repair funding.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage. GM service quoted replacement cost; no goodwill assistance provided.
Cylinder deactivation (AFM/DFM) system malfunction
Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) cylinder deactivation system causing camshaft lift issues, transmission interaction issues, and cascading engine failures.
When: Ongoing intermittent issues throughout vehicle ownership on 6.2L V8 L87 and 5.3L V8 engines.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission hesitation during reversing; Engine hesitation during normal driving; Knocking with shaking sound in engine; Engine light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission reprogramming attempted but ineffective. One owner received new transmission; engine hesitation persisted. Plug replacement attempted without success. Dealers unable to definitively diagnose root cause; one charged $300 diagnostic fee without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. One owner contacted manufacturer regarding recall eligibility (Campaign 25V274000) but VIN excluded.
Excessive engine oil consumption
Abnormally high rate of oil burn or loss during normal operation, often accompanied by smoke from exhaust and potential internal wear or seal failure.
When: Ongoing throughout vehicle ownership; one reported case at 120,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption between service intervals; Blue smoke from exhaust; White smoke from tailpipe; Gasoline smell when vehicle stalls
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs documented. Three independent mechanics consulted; dealers replaced fuel system components without resolution. Root cause not identified or corrected.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner contacted manufacturer; no assistance provided.
Engine stalling during operation
Unexpected loss of engine fuel and spark causing vehicle to stall while parked, in traffic, or during gear shifting, with difficulty restarting.
When: Ongoing; reported at 41,000 miles and while driving at 30 mph during gear shifting.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while parked; Strong gasoline odor when stalled; Vehicle stalls while shifting gears; Several minutes required before restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced multiple fuel system components; issue persisted. Law enforcement vehicle; operational impact on emergency response.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership blamed water in fuel; no root cause identified or corrected by manufacturer.
Engine knock and shaking
Knocking noise originating within engine block accompanied by frame or motor shaking, often with concurrent engine light illumination, suggesting internal mechanical distress.
When: Ongoing intermittent and persistent symptoms despite regular maintenance and tune-ups.
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking sound in engine; Shaking of vehicle; Engine light illumination; Loss of usability
Codes mentioned: Engine light (no specific code cited)
Repairs/costs cited: No successful diagnosis or repair documented despite tune-ups and oil changes. Vehicle currently non-operational.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Motor mount failure
Deterioration or failure of engine motor mounts causing excessive vibration and movement of engine and transmission within engine bay.
When: Reported during routine oil change inspection on newer vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle idling misses / runs rough; Excessive engine vibration detected
Repairs/costs cited: Repair requires motor and transmission removal; cost not cited. Owner reports concern over major repair need on relatively new vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
My 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine has experienced a major internal engine failure. The dealership diagnosed camshaft bearing failure with a recorded misfire on cylinder #5. The engine oil was drained and inspected and no significant metallic debris was found, and the dealership noted no evidence of abuse or neglect. Intermittent drivability concerns were present…
I also had this issue with my prior gmc 2017 yukon until i traded it in.. My currently 2019 chevy tahoe premier has always had services done when required with milage needed. My issue While driving viechle on freeway knocking with shaking sound in engine. Engine light would turn on. Even though with tune-ups oil changes done this problem still continued. Now my car is sitting on driveway and…
My vehicle idling is missing I ask dealer to check it when I recently had oil change. Dealer reports bad motor mounts requiring motor and transmission removal. I have a new vehicle yet it needs major repair.
Vehicle will stall while parked causing a strong odor of gasoline. Takes several minutes of sitting with vehicle off before it will start again. The vehicle has also done this while coming to a stop. This vehicle has 41000 miles on it and continues to do this. It is used for law enforcement agency. I am required to respond to calls and this hinders response times to calls as well as emergent…
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled consistently while shifting gears. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 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 engine problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 15 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 65,750 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2019/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.