AC & Heater complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 1% | 53,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2015 | 2 | 0% | — |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% | 14,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 0% | 21,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% | 43,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 1% | 72,000 miles |
| 2003 | 8 | 2% | 70,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 1% | 74,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% | 59,000 miles |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% | 52,000 miles |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% | 119,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% | 90,000 miles |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% | — |
| 1996 | 9 | 3% | — |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Vehicle was vandalized resulting in replacement of 2007 model dual climate control cluster from GM. Replacement part superseded 2007 model for the 2008 model, as the 2008 model is "better" design. The 2008 model however has a different color backlight display, resulting in uncontigous lighting on the interior. Resulting in further deterioration of vehicle value. GM specifications fail to recognize the difference in lighting color, and are unable to replicate the 2007 climate control cluster. Still waiting for solution to this problem after 6 weeks of working with GM corporate, and local dealership.
We took our vehicle to the dealer for a 3rd time now (look for my other complaint on this website on electrical problems/windshield problems) for the same problem plus a number of multiple other problems. The problem that the dealer can't seem to remedy is the windshield wipers and wiper spray keep coming on all by themselves and cannot be turned off unless you turn the vehicle off and then restart it. They've replaced the windshield wiper module but they still come on randomly. The heated seats sometimes don't work and in order to get them to work you must restart the car. The front passenger window will randomly not roll up or down from the drivers side master switch and will only start working after restarting the vehicle. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. Occasionally, the contact smelled a burning odor coming from the vehicle as if someone was smoking a cigar. The dealer stated that the blower resistor shorted and melted the connector. The contact believed that the burning occurred even when the switch was deactivated. He is in possession of the old parts. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 40,200 and failure mileage was 29,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that when the air conditioner was activated, no air would emit from the vent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that blower resistor with connector for the air condition needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 129,580.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact started the ignition and exited the vehicle. A few moments later, smoke began to emit through the windows and flames erupted from the dashboard on the passenger's side, which burned a hole in the windshield glass. The contact was able to extinguish the fire and the vehicle was destroyed beyond repair. The failure was contributed to a faulty heater blower. The manufacturer was notified of the incident who informed the contact that there were no recalls related to the defect. The manufacturer had however, issued a customer satisfaction campaign pertaining to the heater blower. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000. Updated 06/26/12
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the heated seat on the driver's side engaged without warning. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the heated seat switch and control module needed to be replaced. After the replacements, the problem persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. Updated 10/16/2006 - when the vehicles ignition switch was on, the driver's seat heater turned on. This occurred anytime the vehicle was running. The consumer disconnected to power supply to the heated seat.
1. Knocking in front end, intermittent steering shaft is out. I have been on waiting list since September 2003 and still not fixed.(in a wreck this component is what keeps the steering rod from projecting into the cab; per Chevrolet mechanic). 2. Sept. 2003 transmission: grinding/vibrating sound in the middle of vehicle (think this is my torque converter), neutral position from a complete stop and while driving. Been in shop on 2 occasions and still not fixed, mechanic says the vehicle computer doesn't show any problems, so they won't fix it! 3.front differential leaking. Jan. 2004 to be fixed when steering shaft gets fixed! 4. Passenger heaters come on by themselves. Nov. 2003 still not fixed 5. Front driver's seat won't hold memory settings. Nov. 2003 still not fixed.
Air conditioner, compressor, clutch and belt tensionor on Chevrolet Tahoe. Belt tensionor breaks locking up causing compressor clutch to sieze then causing compressor to disentergrate internally shooting internal components thru accumalator and inside vehicle climate control system. Serpentine belt tenstsionor could cause belt to break which drives the entire system to include power steering. This is a common problem for Chevrolet models, however it May only begin having the problem at 3-4 years of ownership therefore appearing to be a normal breakdown of components. The problem is common enough the dealers and experienced mechanics maintain the parts as basic stocked items.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (9), 1999 (8), 2003 (8), 2001 (6) and 2002 (6) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Tahoe ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Chevrolet Tahoe model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Tahoe ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (28 mentions), followed by the defroster/defogger/hvac system (15).
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.