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Chevrolet Tahoe key fob problems

39 of the 10,079 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Tahoe describe key fob or push-button start problems, most of them for the 2008 model year.

owner complaints
39
worst model year
2008
typical mileage
50,000
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    1
  • 2023
    3
  • 2022
    1
  • 2021
    1
  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    4
  • 2011
    1
  • 2009
    7
  • 2008
    9
  • 2007
    3
  • 2006
    2
  • 2005
    5
  • 2004
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the "No Key Detected" message displayed. The key fob battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted, stranding the contact and child on the road. The contact disconnected and reconnected the vehicle battery to resolve the failure, based on a parent's experience with the identical failure in a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. Prior to the failure, the front windshield wipers activated independently after starting the vehicle, and the infotainment screen went blank while coming to a stop. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Engine · IL

My 2023 Tahoe HC 6.2L VIN Passed the Catastrophic Engine Safety Recall stating my Engine was SAFE. The dealership performed a change in oil velocity per GM's directives. Then the engine seized upon accelerating. No warnings, just dead, yet able to coast through a large intersection on a -20F day where NOTHING worked on the vehicle. Even though the engine would not turn over when hitting the Start button, it would only allow 15 minutes worth of Emergency Flashers before the sensors shut the vehicle completely down. We had to abandon the vehicle on the side of the road, with key fob in this NEW vehicle, hike to safety, and for warmth. Total mess up as how to tow the vehicle, even when I advised NOTHING (but SiriusXM) worked and could not put vehicle into Neutral. Had to wait almost a month for a Replacement Engine. Once Replacement Engine installed, I expressed how my vehicle did not feel, nor sound the same as the original. The dealership ensured that it was a 6.2L Engine Replacement, without being able to tell me where it came from, how many miles on it, or the serial number to this new engine. I was told to give it 500-1000 miles to allow Replacement Engine to "settle". Exactly 300 miles in, on the expressway, just coming out of a bottle neck slowdown, I got up to around 45-50 mph and it was like I hit an invisible wall! Vehicle lost propulsion. Seat belts locked. No brake lights since I was accelerating. Extremely thankful nobody was behind me. Obviously let go of the gas. Pause. Then I was able to drive the vehicle to a safe location off of the expressway, and shut it down. Immediately called dealer. Restarted, drove about 15 miles to safety, went to shut off and it would NOT turn off. Sounded as if trying to start it while already running. 20 min to turn off. 5 months at dealer, they could not mimic/see any issues, even though I could "feel" the loss of propulsion at lower speeds. Fearing ALL lives, I had to trade down yet more $

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · 37,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel pump module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump module was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. After retrieving the vehicle, the message "Key Not Detected" was displayed, and the vehicle was taken back to the local dealer. The dealer performed a diagnostic test and determined that there were 14 separate electrical failures with the TCM, ECM, and BCM. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 37,000.

Filed Feb 16, 2025 · Electrical · NE

Key fob does not work even when inside vehicle or either cup holders. I was able to use auto start a few times but having both keys inside or using one or the other spare or primary causes the no key fob message. The only thing that has worked has been to open hood, disconnect primary battery terminal and wait ten minutes. Afterwards, everything seems to be working. I refuse to believe that a brand new vehicle has to be operated in such a manner. I’m a nurse who works 15 hours a day and all I wanted was to go home to my family but now I’m stuck at work waiting for my husband to come disconnect my tahoes battery for ten mins before it hopefully works again.

Filed Jul 17, 2024 · Driver assistance · CA

The infotainment screed goes black. To get it to go on you have to turn the car off, get out of the car with the key fob so the vehicle is completely disconnected and wait 10 to 15 minutes. After it starts working the infotainment systems "crashes" in about 30 to 45 minutes. It is a constant problem. The infotainment system includes all vehicle safety systems settings and speaker. The warnings will not work because the speaker is not working. Also the On Star system will not work in case of an emergency. On Star uses the infotainment system to work. I can not stop all the time so it dangerous while driving. I took it to the dealer and they said GM knows about the problem but does not have a fix. The problem started near the end of June, 2024. The issue was reproduced by the dealer.

Filed Mar 7, 2023 · Engine · 4,984 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and the contact informed that the system was being updated and was interrupted while attempting to start-up. While driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message “No Key Detected” was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the same dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the gateway serial data module. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 4,984. The VIN was not available.

Filed Mar 2, 2021 · Airbags, Electrical · 80,000 miles · GA

The dash cracked on passenger side 80 k.this vehicle is very well-maintained it looks like it rolled off the showroom floor. Takata airbag recall what a joke. So you recall the vehicle but you don't have the parts to fix it. The vehicle has a defect in the fuel system, I started noticing it when I would fill up with fuel. It has to build the pressure up before it'll start. Many mechanics told me this is a defect. Kat friday night I ran an errand. Pulled in the driveway exited the vehicle hit the key fob to lock the vehicle. I go out the next morning and I can smell burnt wires. The window/power locks/mirrors module on drivers side door caught on fire. Luckily it shorted out the module, but it burnt up and melted one of the connectors. This just happened so I have not had time to figure the cause. Burns 2 quarts of oil between oil changes. General motors threw me under the bus in 1988 on a brand new pick up truck with the dexcool antifreeze that ate every gasket out of the engine and they refused to replace it I replaced it at my cost with no help from general motors. Enough is enough these people need to take care of all these problems they got top dollar for these vehicles. All of these occurred when the vehicle was sitting still. The door handle on passenger side door have cut several people. It's like a razor. A brand new vehicle has had a piece of tape wrapped around the door handle how embarrassing.

Filed Oct 27, 2020 · Electrical · 97,500 miles · WI

Rear hatch/window failed to open via remote keyfob nor driver door button. Vehicle was parked at residence. Found that I could not open hatch nor window manually from in or outside which is an extremely dangerous safety hazard.

Filed Jun 3, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 114,000 miles · OR

Driving on highway at night. Go to high beams and motor immediately begins to rev up/down, and run erratic. Switch beams to normal position=it stops. When depressing key fob to open and close doors, it only works frequently. Bizarre electrical issue....

Filed Jun 13, 2018 · Electrical · 36,000 miles · CA

The rear passenger door will not unlock with either the key fob or the unlock button inside the vehicle. The children are not able to exit the vehicle on that side and must exit on the street side. The concern lies in the event of an emergency, the passenger in the back seat may not exit the vehicle nor may anyone enter from that door as it is locked permanently. I have reported this to general motors for which they told me this is not a safety issue and I will be fully responsible for diagnostics and repairs including all financial responsibility. I am aware of a similar problem in an older vehicle recently where the passenger perished in a fire as the door was inaccessible, also a gm SUV. I was given a case number but was advised my case is now closed since my vehicle is passed the warranty. Case # 8-4228203687.

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignitionReported October 9, 2015 · 3,073 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks manufactured January 24, 2014, to February 26, 2014, 2015 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured February 12, 2014 and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured February 6, 2014, to February 13, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Risk
If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 15573.

Recall number 15V640000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignitionReported December 30, 2014 · 84,192 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Risk
If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 (Cadillac), 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.

Recall number 14V827000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported October 1, 2014 · 106,307 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
Risk
If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), and 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM’s number for this recall is 14515.

Recall number 14V614000 · Recall details

Electrical system: softwareReported June 6, 2014 · 57,512 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban vehicles equipped with a base radio and an internal amplifier. The radios in the affected vehicles may become inoperative, and as a result, there would be no audible chime to notify the driver if the door is opened with the key in the ignition or no audible seat belt warning indicating the seat belts were not buckled. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention," and 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Without an audible indicator, the driver may not be aware that the driver's door is open while the key is in the ignition, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway. Additionally, there would be no reminder that the driver's or front seat passenger's seat belt is not buckled, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 2, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM's customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GMC owners may contact GM's customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 14315.

Recall number 14V301000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported February 11, 2014 · 22 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Monroe Truck Equipment (Monroe) is recalling certain model year 2006, 2008 and 2009 Chevrolet C7500 vehicles, 2005-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles, and 2009 Ford F-350, and F-450 vehicles, equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
Risk
Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Monroe will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the equalizers or converters, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2014. Owners may contact Monroe at 1‑608‑328‑8127.

Recall number 14V070000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported June 4, 2010 · 1,365,070 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 buick, lucerne; cadillac dts; hummer h2; model year 2008-2009 buick enclave; cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; gmc acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl; saturn outlook; and model year 2009 chevrolet traverse vehicles equipped with a heated washer fluid system (hwfs). A recall was implemented in 2008 to add a fuse to the control circuit harness to address the potential consequences of a printed circuit board (pcb) electrical short. However, there have been new reports of thermal incidents on hwfs modules after this improvement was installed. These incidents resulted from a new failure mode attributed to the device's thermal protection feature. The significance varies from minor distortion to considerable melting of the plastic around the hwfs fluid chamber.
Risk
It is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur.
Remedy
Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently disabled and removed from the vehicle. The safety recall began on june 11, 2010. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 10V240000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported August 28, 2008 · 857,735 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 buick lucerne; cadillac dts; hummer h2; my 2007-2008 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; gmc acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl, saturn outlook; and my 2008 buick enclave vehicles equipped with a heated wiper washer fluid system. A short circuit on the printed circuit board for the washer fluid heater may overheat the control-circuit ground wire.
Risk
This may cause other electrical features to malfunction, create an odor, or cause smoke increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The recall began on september 12, 2008. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080; cadillac at 1‑800‑982‑2339 or http://www.cadillac.com; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or http://www.saturn.com, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9436; or hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493; or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .

Recall number 08V441000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Tahoe key fob

Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have key fob or push-button start problems problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2008 (9 complaints), 2009 (7 complaints) and 2005 (5 complaints).

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