Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made abnormal rattling and knocking sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the camshaft and valve train needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was restarted. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft push rods, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the crankshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and abruptly slowed down and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the SMR lifter and the engine failed. The contact called the local dealer who informed her that the parts were back ordered but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 104,163.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Recently, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The contact was notified of the diagnosis and the dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 22,949.
A lifter collapsed, which in turn damaged the lobes of a piston, which then damaged the camshaft...generating a repair bill of $7,100 per the dealer. The vehicle only has 69,200 miles on it. When the lifter failed, the car shuddered at stops, lost some power and made a noticeable clanking noise. When pulling out from stops, or into traffic, the car hesitated somewhat before accelerating. This creates a very dangerous situation. Also, if more lifters or the camshaft seized up at higher speeds, a driver could experience a potentially fatal situation from an uncontrollable vehicle or a fire. Research shows that Chevy/GM knew about the lifter problem on 5.3 ltr engines with their AFM system for years and sold them anyway. They apparently have never solved the problem, and it still exists today. Several class action lawsuits have been lodged against them for the lifter failure problem. …
Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn't back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse. Local Fire department came and called in the local police dept for assistance and pushed vehicle off to the side and tow company came and took to the auto shop with information today of the transmission going out, and with that causing happening causing the Fluid to Smell Burnt and Full. The auto shop test Drove and made It 30 Feet and Would Not Move. Transmission Is Failing and Causing the Concern.
Transmission suddenly locked up while driving. Took to dealership and was advised it was a chronic issue with my vehicle. Once inspected by dealer, was advised that engine lifters also went out. My car was just out of warranty with 55k miles. Dealer did not want to honor warranty and charged me 15k in repairs. I reached out to Chevy and they provided me with some assistance by knocking off 3k. I did not get any warning lights indicating that there's an issue with the engine or transmission. It happened suddenly. I feel that there is an engineering issue with the transmission and engine. The mechanic checked in my vehicle and said to me that this was a persistent issue with Tahoes like mines. I feel cheated by Chevrolet.
The repeated failure of the fuel pumps, despite replacement three times, poses a significant safety concern as the vehicle may not start immediately, potentially leading to issues while on the road. This delay in starting could result in the vehicle not running properly, potentially shutting off unexpectedly, which poses a danger to the safety of the driver and others on the road. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding the effects of using E85 fuel, despite the vehicle being sold as flex fuel, raises concerns about the long-term viability of the motor and overall vehicle performance. It's imperative to address this issue promptly to ensure the safety of all road users and preserve the longevity of the vehicle's components.
Vehicle stopped accelerating while coming up to speed from an on ramp to the interstate while traveling from Indiana to Florida. Vehicle was towed to the nearest Chevy dealership where we were told the engine had blow and would need replaced. Vehicle has been sitting on the same dealership in Florida since early July. My families lives were put at risk as we were traveling at a low rate of speed on the interstate. As well as, sitting on the side of the interstate in a remote area waiting for a tow truck and cab. The dealer has confirmed what happened via inspection. There were not warning lamps until we lost the engine.
For several months my check engine light has been flashing when I'm driving, especially on the highway. At times my vehicle feels sluggish. I press further own into the gas pedal and I am not getting adequate propulsion. It also feels like this when I'm going up a hill. I brought the vehicle to two independent service centers to get a diagnostic. One indicated getting misfire readings on two cylinders. The other indicated getting misfire readings in three cylinders. As you would imagine this is an extremely concerning safety risk.
Engine complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe, 21% of the model year's 105 complaints. The component named most often is engine › crank/camshaft position sensor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.