Driving our Tahoe today and every light pertaining to the brakes as well as a few other came on.. You can feel the vehicle pulling to one side and hear the transfer case howling.. We have replace the transmission a little over a year ago with a certified GM mechanic..Recall - N192261050 and N262557620 do not fall under our Vin# but this is exactly what's going on with our vehicle.. My wife drives this vehicle daily with our kids in it.. If a catastrophic failure occurs with either of these issues she will wreck and endanger herself and our kids..We have no other vehicle to drive as this one is too unsafe and we do not have the financial ability to just pay out of pocket for GM's product faliures
Chevrolet Tahoe whining noise problems
17 of the 10,079 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Tahoe describe whining or grinding noise, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 17
- worst model year
- 2015
Is there a fix? There are 9 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20213
- 20201
- 20191
- 20172
- 20163
- 20153
- 20022
- 19981
- 19951
Often reported together
Transmission failure 4Shudder 3Jerking 3Check engine light 3Slipping 2Pulling 1Spongy pedal 1Loss of power 1
What owners say
My 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe equipped with a 6L80 transmission began experiencing transmission-related drivability issues at approximately 130,000 miles. The vehicle jerked on takeoff, had delayed/slow shifting, produced a whining noise, and later had intermittent shuddering/surging while driving. During service, metallic debris/shavings were found in the transmission fluid. The transmission ultimately required replacement at my expense. I am aware of GM Technical Service Bulletin 20-NA-142, “Shudder/Surging While Driving,” which includes 2015–2022 Chevrolet Tahoe models equipped with MYC/MYD transmissions and discusses conditions that may be identified as torque converter shudder. My vehicle’s 6L80 transmission corresponds with GM RPO MYC, and the symptoms/repair findings appeared consistent with the bulletin. I am filing this complaint to document the transmission failure and related safety concern, as the jerking, delayed shifting, and shuddering affected normal vehicle operation.
2021 Tahoe Z71 with 70000 miles making a roaring and whining noise on reverse and turning, especially when cold. Took to shop and they changed the rear differential fluid. Now its worse. Needs a whole new rear end. This veicle is 4 years old and does not tow or use four wheel drive. The shop said there has been so many complaints and services on the same issue. Why is there not a recall on this yet? We spend $70,000 and up and expect a more quality vehicle without having to spend $4000 dollars on repairs.
At 155,000 miles transmission shudders and slips gears. Torque, converter went out and started slipping more and whining and making a grinding sound. Transmission had to be completely rebuilt, with all six clutches, and a brand new torque converter had to be installed.
Transmission delays in shifts. Whine coming from transmission as well. New torque converter and thermal bypass installed with new transmission fluid and filter. Truck was diagnosed and it’s okay in Chevrolets computers. This is a scary and unsafe way of feeling scared if transmission will fail.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was replaced. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle from the dealer while driving 10-15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but was significantly firm and failed to respond. The contact drove into a curb and struck a parking sign pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the failure exacerbated pre-existing injuries. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to restart the vehicle and depress the brake pedal to verify whether the brake pedal was operable. The contact followed the dealer's instructions, and the brake pedal responded as needed; however, the vehicle was towed to the residence because the contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the vacuum pump; however, the failure recurred while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Midway Chevrolet Plainwell Auto Dealer (381 12th St, Plainwell, MI 49080), where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump wires, the transfer case oil and seal, the engine oil coolant hose, the valve cover gasket, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer determined that the ball joints needed to be replaced, and an alignment needed to be performed. The dealer also determined that the air ride compressor was noisy. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a third dealer, Heritage Chevrolet, Inc. (350 W Dickman Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49037), where it was diagnosed with an oil leak.
I bought my Tahoe from Dan Vaden Chevrolet in Savannah, GA with approx 58k miles. At around 88k miles I noticed the transmission hesitated when putting into reverse or drive from the park position. I had my transmission fluid changed at 70k and 100k miles. Now, at 112k miles, it has significantly gotten worse with shuddering between gears 1-3 and jerking when in reverse. Major hesitation when accelerating at any speed and high pitched whining noises that randomly happen, even after putting it in park and turning it off. Also, my ABS and Stabilitrak lights will illuminate and then go off every few days. As well as another random icon that randomly comes and goes. This Tahoe is now unsafe to drive but it’s the only transportation I have. I already missed a radiator replacement recall by 1,500 miles and had to pay for that out of pocket. Now Chevrolet isn’t recalling this transmission when it has over 190 complaints on this website alone, and thousands of others on other online forums. What will it take for the manufacturer to do the right thing? Will someone have to die in order for this to become an issue they stop ignoring? We have all spent money we worked hard to earn and deserve a vehicle that’s safe for our families.
High pitched whine between 2nd and 3rd gear, dealership states fluid and filter full of metal shavings transmission needed replaced
High pitched whine during during acceleration.
I noticed out of the blue that the Tahoe was down-shifting hard and making a slight whining noise. I brought the vehicle to Supreme Chevrolet in Gonzales for them to diagnose the problem. I was absolutely shocked when they told me that my transmission would need to be replaced. This 2017 Tahoe has only one owner and has not been used for towing, I bring the vehicle to the dealership for regular maintenance. the vehicle only has 127,612 miles. This problem is a huge safety concern because the vehicle could just stop and will not be drivable while driving. This is very dangerous! I have seen hundreds of complaints regarding this same problem on the same make, model, and year. Something needs to be done fast to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.
Related recalls
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
- 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 body
- 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 body
- 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: driveshaft
- 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)
- 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 lines
- 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 transmission
- 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 indicator
- 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 transmission
- 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 whining noise
Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have whining or grinding noise problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (3 complaints), 2016 (3 complaints) and 2021 (3 complaints).
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