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1996 Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems

37 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,388. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
37
of this car's complaints
13%
typical mileage
100,388
crashes
3
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    19
  • Axle assembly
    5
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
    4
  • Driveline: differential unit
    3
  • Driveline: universal joint
    2
  • Axle assembly: axle shaft: seal
    2
  • Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
    1
  • Manual transmission
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems in other years

19911995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Transmission failure 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 22, 2005 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · ND

My 3 year old daughter was able to shift the vehicle from park into neutral without the key in the ignition and without depressing the brake causing the vehicle to roll backward into the street. No accident or injuries occurred as my father was able to reach over and hit the brakes.

Filed May 6, 2005 · Transmission · WI · crash

Fatality as a result of ignition switch being turned without a key and without the brakes being applied.*mr when the complainants three year old grandson turn the key in the ignition one notch forward this allowed the gear lever to be shifted out of park and into neutral without the brake pedal being pressed. As a result the vehicle rolled down a driveway. It unclear if the child fell or jump out of the vehicle as it became to roll but either way he was struck by the open door as the vehicle rolled. The front driver's side tire then rolled over the child which resulted in fatal injuries to his head.

Filed Apr 22, 2005 · Electrical, Transmission · 100,000 miles · WI · crash

My 3 year old nephew was able to get into his parents 1996 chevy tahoe and was able to turn the key to the first click (before the click to turn on the radio and power windows, etc.). Then without touching the brake, the toddler was able to pull the shifter into neutral and the vehicle was able to move. The toddler either was thrown from the vehicle or was scared and jumped and was run over by the vehicle and killed. All models and makes of vehicles can do this with the exception of honda, toyota and 2001 or newer dodge vehicles.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · 86,454 miles · GA

My problem is with the transmission,I have had two transmission installed in my chevy tahoe.I have a number of friends that either have the chevy tahoe ,or the suburban . We all had the same problem(transmission).I spoke with one of the service advisor at one of the local chevy dealers and he spoke of many problems that they had with the 60o series. Thanks and please help me and my freinds.

Filed Sep 24, 2003 · Transmission · 100,388 miles · MI

Consumer stated while traveling at highway speed and without any indication that vehicle would not shift into second gear. Vehicle was serviced, transmission needed to be replaced. *ak

Filed Aug 29, 2003 · Transmission · 136,000 miles · FL

4th transmission failure in 4 years. On the last rebuild, I had the dealership repair the defective wire harness per the tsb but apparently it did not help. The dealership and chevrolet both say it is not their problem but I think there is a defect and it is their problem.

Filed Mar 20, 2003 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · OH

Transmission failed 4 times at approximately. 80000, 98000,119000, and 153000 miles. Although truck has high mileage, it is mostly hi-way. Light towing use - 5,000lb boat, 5,000 horse trailer. Little 4x4 use. All replacements done by gm dealer. Did not work correctly after last transmission replacement - had to put back in shop. They changed an electrical harness.

Filed Jan 24, 2002 · Body, Engine · WI

Service engine soon light illuminated and engine was running rough and misfiring, dealer replaced defective fuel injector, fuel filter, 3 injectors, distributor cap and a set of spark plug wires.

Filed Jan 1, 2002 · Transmission · ID

This model has the manual transfer case shift lever. Although the lever moves correctly in the various positions, such as 2wd., 4wd. High 4wd. Low, neutral and makes the usual noises when shifting, the four wheel drive is not engaging nor is the indicator light , showing the front axle is engaged, lighting up. This has caused several close calls in " almost accidents" and almost being stranded. We live in a rural setting where there is a 11 mile distance between some neighbors and very sparse cell phone access. The point being that when we buy a vehicle with 4 wheel drive , we expect it to work and our lives depend on it! In this case a front wheel drive car would provide better traction, having the weight of the engine over the drive wheels, rather than having the light rear end wheels trying to push the heavy front end of a truck around. When you are driving a vehicle expecting it to perform as a four wheel drive vehicle, such as in steering and added grip and maneuverability, the unexpected surprise equals that of a brake failure! Your help and research in this matter is appreciated. I have had nothing but a ignorant, lying. And expensive experience with my local chevrolet dealer and have had to take it to another state for any repairs. Thanks!

Filed Oct 10, 2001 · Transmission · FL

This is the 2nd time within a 2 years that transmission went out 1 year 7 months after I purchased a new transmission. This is the 3rd transmission with a 5 years period. Never hauled anything, normal driving on regular roads. Never been on a dirt road.

Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe transmission

Does the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the transmission of the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe, 13% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,388 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe transmission?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Tahoe have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Tahoe model years with the most transmission complaints are 2021 (90 complaints), 1997 (58 complaints) and 2015 (55 complaints).

Other 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe problems

Brakes 78Visibility 44Electrical 34Engine 25Fuel system 22Airbags 16Lights 14Seats 14Steering 11Acceleration 10Locks 9Suspension 7Tires 7Seat belts 4Body 3Wheels 2

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