2016 Chevrolet Tahoe: sudden loss of power

Filed Jan 30, 2026 · Transmission · OH

Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Mileage at failure: 96,700 miles Component: Powertrain – Transmission While driving on the highway returning home from Columbus, OH, my 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe experienced a sudden transmission failure without any warning. We were traveling in the third lane at approximately 70–74 mph when the vehicle abruptly lost power and rapidly slowed down to approximately 15–25 mph. This occurred in active traffic and created an immediate and severe safety hazard. The sudden loss of speed nearly caused a collision with surrounding vehicles traveling at highway speeds. There were five occupants in the vehicle, including three children. Due to traffic conditions, other drivers were braking, honking, and swerving. I was only able to avoid a crash by immediately maneuvering across lanes to reach the shoulder. The vehicle was disabled and had to be towed. The transmission required full replacement. Total repair cost exceeded $6,000, and the vehicle was out of service for approximately two weeks. I am submitting the repair receipt from the transmission shop with this complaint. After the failure, I learned that sudden transmission failure is a commonly reported issue with Chevrolet vehicles, including the Tahoe. This failure occurred without warning and represents a serious safety defect that put my family and other motorists at risk.

Filed Sep 6, 2025 · Transmission · CA

Gear slip and shutter when accelerating loss power from taking off

Filed May 13, 2025 · Engine · OH

I was driving on the freeway when I lost power and the engine started to vibrate. Had to have it towed back to the dealer. They stated it was a bad lifter in cylinder six. It will cost 8K+ to repair. I have had the car less than a year and less than 90k in mileage.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Engine · CA

My engine is blown at only 80,000 miles. Dealer said bad lifter. I was on the freeway and with no warning I lost power and black smoke. No warning. And now $16,000 to repair. Only 80,000 miles. At 100,000 you change spark plugs. I cannot afford to fix it. I spent 6 years saving up for just the down and now it’s gone. And I could have been very hurt on the freeway and hurt other people. I hope someone can help me.

Filed May 31, 2023 · Transmission · KY

While traveling a major highway (70 mph) over the holiday weekend, I experienced a loss of engine power. The RPM's went up to 5 while I decreased speed. I had gone from 75 MPH down to 35 while trying to maintain speed up a hill. I pulled over to the break down lane to let traffic pass and when it was safe, I tried to engage the vehicle to speed. It would slip gears and continue to lose momentum. The check engine light came on so I pulled it into a rest area and called for a tow. When the tow truck arrived and I needed to turn the car on to put it in neutral, the check engine light had turned off. After having it towed and a mechanic diagnose the issue, it was found that the transmission was blown. The transmission fluid is black and contains metal slivers. I had just had my transmission fluid checked during a tune-up. The fluid was changed at 70,000 miles. I have 113,000 miles on it now. The only warning I got just prior was a vibration similar to needing a front end alignment. There were no other warnings. Like I said, the fluid was checked a month prior to this incident.

Filed Mar 30, 2021 · Brakes · 42,000 miles · NY

While applying brake pedal pressure at slow speeds (under 15 MPH), and while in reverse gear, my 2016 chevrolet tahoe ls fails to stop. The brake pedal also appears to lose power assist and will not depress even under extreme foot pressure applications. This results in the vehicle continuing to roll uncontrollably. The condition also occurs when in drive (albeit not as frequently as while in reverse) and also at slow speed. Vehicle was brought in to atlantic chevrolet (ny) for a recall but the condition was not rectified. This condition occurs intermittently but is extremely precarious in proximity to pedestrians and other vehicular traffic. Recall # n192268490 the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v645 and 20v603

Filed Feb 14, 2020 · 27,964 miles · CA

Was driving truck at 70mph on highway, went to change lanes, was in cruise control. Lost all power, then all warning lights came on, check engine light on and off. Engine code when taken in too dealership was p00700 and u0100

Filed Feb 14, 2020 · Brakes · 25,083 miles · CA

Took vehicle to dealership for engine light and complete power loss while driving 70mph on highway. Was told uneven wear on brakes, that they needed to be replaced soon (25083, miles on vehicle)they did not inform me of the notice about uneven front brake pad wear bulletin #pit5377d. Anaow at latest check , metal to metal, was informed of the bullein from a brake place. Dealership was well aware of vehicle having defective pads and rotors, yet didnot inform customer!

Filed Sep 27, 2019 · Steering · 49,900 miles · NC

Occasional loss of power steering was experienced earlier in week which resulted in a near accident with oncoming vehicles while wife was driving to work. The sudden loss of power near on upcoming school area and intersection resulted in the car staying on a straight path during a turn around 20-25 MPH until my wife could luckily muscling through the steering to straighten vehicle. The vehicle was brought to dealer and diagnosed with failing or failed power steering rack but a part was not in stock. The 2016 ltz tahoe has now lost complete power steering abilities as we wait for dealer to obtain oem replacement part.

Filed Jun 4, 2019 · Brakes · 69,500 miles · CT

Lost power to brakes - difficulty stopping at low speeds - nearly hit car in front of me - car felt like it would not stop