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Chevrolet Tahoe hesitation problems

76 of the 10,079 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Tahoe describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2021 model year.

owner complaints
76
worst model year
2021
typical repair cost reported
$3,300
typical mileage
60,000
Is there a fix? There are 9 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2025
    1
  • 2024
    1
  • 2023
    6
  • 2022
    1
  • 2021
    9
  • 2020
    4
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    4
  • 2017
    3
  • 2016
    7
  • 2015
    4
  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    4
  • 2012
    1
  • 2011
    1
  • 2009
    2
  • 2007
    4
  • 2006
    2
  • 2004
    1
  • 2003
    3
  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    1
  • 1999
    2
  • 1998
    5
  • 1997
    2
  • 1995
    1

Often reported together

Check engine light 20Stalling 11Jerking 10Transmission failure 9Engine failure 9Loss of power 7Wipers 5Shudder 5

Trouble codes mentioned

P129F 2P0300 2P0500 1P0420 1P0308 1P023F 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 130,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal after cold starting the vehicle. After a diagnostic test by an independent mechanic, DTC: P0300, P0420, and P0500 were retrieved, indicating an engine misfire. The mechanic informed the contact that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

Description of the safety problem On XXX, shortly after starting the vehicle and beginning to drive, I attempted to apply the brakes and discovered that they had essentially frozen up and were not functioning properly. At the same time the vehicle displayed the following warnings: Service ESC, ABS warning light, brake system warning light, "Trailer Brakes Disabled – Service Required," traction/stability control warning, and check engine light. I shut the vehicle off and restarted it. After the restart the brakes appeared to function normally again and most warning indicators disappeared. However, the check engine light remains illuminated, and I have noticed a slight hesitation when starting the vehicle. I have photographs of the warnings taken at approximately 21,029 miles. Relevant history This vehicle was purchased new. The original 6.2L engine suffered a catastrophic failure at approximately 18,685 miles while traveling at highway speed and was replaced under warranty. None of the current problems existed before that engine replacement. Since the replacement, the vehicle has experienced multiple electrical failures, including windshield wipers becoming inoperative while driving in rain, intermittent loss of electrical power and starting problems, steering-related and collision-system warnings, and tire-pressure warning discrepancies. During a recent dealership visit to Ourisman Chevrolet (service advisor [XXX]) for multiple electrical malfunctions, I was told the problem was simply that the battery needed to be charged. The problems have continued, culminating in the XXX braking malfunction. Request I am reporting this as a potential safety defect affecting the braking, stability control, and electrical systems of this vehicle, and I request that the federal safety agency record and review this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · VA

Vehicle is a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier with under 50,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of reverse gear, accompanied by violent lurching, sputtering, and dangerous hesitation/stuttering while accelerating between gears at speed. A certified dealership inspection physically diagnosed the vehicle with multiple stuck valves inside the transmission control valve body, requiring a complete valve body replacement. This exact mechanical failure completely mirrors the known safety defects outlined in GM Special Coverage Program N242454441, which details transmission pressure losses causing gear engagement conflicts and potential rear-wheel lock-up hazards. The replacement transmission component installed by the certified dealer failed catastrophically within four miles of pickup, again causing severe transmission sputtering and shifting failures that render the vehicle entirely unroadworthy and a safety hazard on public roads. The dealership has been forced to order an entirely new replacement valve body assembly under warranty due to a consecutive failure. General Motors Corporate Customer Assistance acknowledged that the vehicle is physically experiencing this transmission valve defect, but refused a voluntary warranty override solely because the vehicle's automated database VIN block falls just outside their pre-programmed list for Special Coverage N242454441. The corporate case representative explicitly instructed the consumer to file this federal safety report with the federal safety agency due to the systemic component failure.

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Transmission · IN

The automatic transmission on my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe (gasoline engine, 10-speed 10L80 transmission) has been exhibiting intermittent slipping/skipping during gear changes, particularly during acceleration and deceleration. The transmission component is available for inspection upon request. The malfunction poses a safety risk as the unexpected hesitation and rough shifting creates unpredictable vehicle behavior at highway speeds and during merging, increasing the risk of a collision with other vehicles. The problem has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, however a knowledgeable automotive advisor has assessed the likely cause as moisture contamination of the transmission fluid, which degrades lubrication and causes erratic shifting behavior, known issue in several GM vehicles, but the only recall related to this issue is for just Diesel vehicles. I contacted General Motors customer service regarding this issue and was directed to file this complaint with the federal safety agency, as GM stated they were unable to attach or create a related existing recall to my vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer at this time. I am in the process of scheduling service at a transmission specialist. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to or during the shifting malfunction. Symptoms first became noticeable at 85,000 miles, and have continued since.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · TN

I purchased my vehicle new in 2020. It presently has around 83,000 miles. From early on, it has occasionally hesitated, then jumped when putting the car in reverse. I spoke to the dealership years ago but they said it was nothing. On July 19, 2026, my car randomly would not shift above (probably) second gear on the highway. After parking, it would not shift into reverse at all. The vehicle was towed more than 30 miles to my hometown dealership as it was inoperable. It now requires something approaching a transmission replacement costing between $2500-4500, or more. I am aware that this is a recurring problem with GM vehicles of this type and era, and it seems absurd to have so many vehicles with failing transmissions before they even reach 100,000 miles.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

We had car checked due to strange and erratic shifting in less than a year of owning. Then took in for recall, they stated it was fine and performed the remedy with higher grade oil. Still had issues and took to another dealership to look at and they stated it was fine as well. About 2 months later while I was driving it was hesitating and would kind of buck and when I was about to turn on to a busy road it just stopped. I couldn’t do anything at all, the entire car was locked up. The tow truck driver couldn’t even get it into neutral to tow. Dealership said it’s the engine and it needs to be completely replaced.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Transmission · NH

My transmission failed, yes it is available for inspection. The failure occurred without warning. I was driving my truck on the highway, suddenly it began to hesitate and making a loud winding out noise. The truck was hesitate on going forward. Yes, I had the vehicle towed to Banks Chevy, I was told the torque converter blew metal shavings into the transmission and it was a common problem with these vehicles. No warning at all, I just had my oil changed at the dealership, it was running great, out of nowhere this happened.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 39,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Due to the failure, the contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway where the vehicle was then towed to a dealer. After the vehicle remained in the dealer's possession for over a week, the vehicle was diagnosed with an engine failure. The contact was then informed that the vehicle was placed under recall the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine) and that the engine would be replaced. Despite the engine repair, the contact stated that an abnormal, rattling sound would emit from the vehicle upon start of the engine. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would violently jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal while at a complete stop. The failure started intermittently; however, the contact stated that overtime the failure became more persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they claimed that the transmission was four quarts low on transmission fluid; they then informed the contact that they could not guarantee that remedy would repair the failure. The contact stated that failure improved; however, she would still experience a slight hesitation upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NY

On June 17th, 2025 while driving from [XXX] back to my home state of [XXX] , I experienced an engine malfunction in Chester, Va where the 6.2 L87 engine was shaking and had severe hesitation. It was diagnosed by the Chevrolet dealership in Chester, VA as suffering severe failure of ALL 8 fuel injectors, fuel rails and connector harnesses, resulting in a 15 day repair wait and a $4,644.50 bill not including other expenses such as lodging/car rental. At this time my vehicle had 52,182 miles. After this I attempted for 3 months for GM to cover the repair as the vehicle was less than 5 years old and less than 60,000 miles under the 5 yr/60K warranty but denied it. On March 26th, 2026 while driving on the parkway at about 60 mph, my vehicle experienced loss of power (slow deceleration, shaking/hesitation) and I immediately took it to the repair shop where it was diagnosed as a P0308 code (misfire on cylinder 8) which caused a repair of the #8 spark plug, ignition coil and wire resulting in a $380. repair. Two days later, I experienced the same issue and then took it to an engine diagnostic specialty shop where I have been told that this issue will run about $4,000 due to valve and comprehension issues on an engine that has 60, 680 miles. I have seen numerous L87 engine complaints on Chevy Forums with no assurances that repairs or engine replacement will rectify the issue and feel that this is an issue that GM should be addressing for safety issues and an economic loss to its customers. I am hoping that your investigators can help the many people that have been left stranded by this incompetence and lack of admission of GM's part. Repair invoices available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Engine · 897 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that after making a long-distance trip, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the side mirrors were moving independently, and the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle eventually restarted the following day, and the contact stated that the check engine warning light turned on the drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a code reader was used to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that since the check engine warning light was off, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer overnight and a multi-point inspection was performed, but the dealer found no cause for the failure. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped in the middle of the highway. The vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the messages "Change Engine Oil Soon" and "Engine Overheating Turn Off Vehicle" displayed. The contact was unable to move the vehicle and was forced to turn on his hazard warning lights due to the failure. The contact called 911 and Highway Patrol assisted with moving the vehicle off to the shoulder. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to another Chevrolet dealer before being towed back to the original dealer. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The contact was informed two days later that the vehicle had been repaired; however, the contact no longer believed that the vehicle was safe. The contact no longer wanted the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was later informed that the vehicle did not qualify for a buyback. The failure mileage was 897.

Related recalls

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported May 7, 2026 · 66 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Risk
Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on May 7, 2026.

Recall number 26V289000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve bodyReported February 13, 2026 · 43,743 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with 10 Speed Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
Risk
Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install new transmission control module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N252536750. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on February 12, 2026.

Recall number 26V085000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve bodyReported October 24, 2024 · 463,295 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

Recall number 24V797000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported January 27, 2022 · 1,789 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
Risk
Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.

Recall number 22V036000 · Recall details

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported June 27, 2014 · 392,459 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles, and model year 2015 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, an electrical signal short may cause the transfer case to shift to neutral without the driver's input.
Risk
If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is being driven, the vehicle would lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will re-program the software in the transfer case control module, free of charge. The recall began in early August 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14192.

Recall number 14V374000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and linesReported March 31, 2014 · 489,936 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM ) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Light Duty Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 series and model year 2015 Suburban and Tahoe; GMC model year 2014 Sierra Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 Series and model year 2015 Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (feature code MYC). The subject vehicles may have a transmission oil cooler line that is not securely seated in the fitting.
Risk
If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil cooler line connection and repair the vehicles, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑866‑694‑6546 or GMC owners may contact GMC at 1‑866‑996‑9463. GM's number for this recall is 14121.

Recall number 14V152000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported January 2, 2013 · 54,686 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
Risk
As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1‑800‑630‑2438. Cadillac owners may call 1‑866‑982‑2339. GMC owners may call 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 13V001000 · Recall details

Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicatorReported February 14, 2005 · 7,194 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." under certain vehicle starting conditions, the shift lever position indicator located in the instrument panel cluster may not illuminate. If the shift lever position indicator does not illuminate, the driver may not know which gear the vehicle is in.
Risk
The vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 05V055000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported July 26, 1995 · 36,641 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The transmission shift-cable lock clip can back out of its installed position resulting in a loss of cable adjustment. When the shift lever is placed in the "park" position, the "park" indicator light may not illuminate.
Risk
The vehicle can move unintentionally if the driver does not notice that the indicator light is not on and does not apply the parking brake.
Remedy
Dealers will adjust the shift cable and install a lock clip.

Recall number 95V139000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Tahoe hesitation

Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have hesitation when accelerating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2021 (9 complaints), 2016 (7 complaints) and 2023 (6 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix hesitation when accelerating on the Chevrolet Tahoe?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,300 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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