Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2023 | 5 | 2% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% | 13,000 miles |
| 2021 | 16 | 3% | 60,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% | 38,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% | 43,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | 51,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 2% | 30,000 miles |
| 2015 | 56 | 8% | 51,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% | 89,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% | 115,000 miles |
| 2007 | 12 | 1% | 130,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% | 115,000 miles |
| 2004 | 7 | 1% | 13,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 2% | 38,000 miles |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% | 131,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% | 44,000 miles |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% | 42,000 miles |
| 1999 | 10 | 2% | 160,000 miles |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 1997 | 6 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 1996 | 14 | 5% | 148,000 miles |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% | 120,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe LS has experienced repeated service issues within the first year of ownership. The vehicle has been in the repair shop five separate times and out of service for approximately five months total. Due to extended repair periods, the mileage remains extremely low. A primary concern involved the steering system. The steering wheel was noticeably off-center while driving straight, requiring continuous correction to maintain proper lane position. Steering-related components were inspected and replaced. There were no warning lights present at the time. However, improper steering alignment raised safety concerns regarding vehicle tracking and stability. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by authorized service providers. I am submitting this complaint to determine whether this reflects a broader safety-related issue with this model year.
I've had my 2023 Tahoe for 15 months, purchased Dec. 2023 Issue #1. Dash message on start up " Restraint System Needs Service". I noticed small lights overhead (buttons for tail gate, sun roof, reading lamps) were off. I pressed some of them, and dash message went away, and lights came on. Everything worked fine. I've narrowed it down to the passenger side reading light. When dash warning comes on, I press reading light, and whalla! all works fine. This has happened about 6 times over the last year. Issue #2. After driving many hours (9 hr drive, then a 2hr drive, then 4hr hr drive on different days/nights) in rain with wipers in auto mode, using defrost on and off as needed. Suddenly, wipers stop working as well as headlights in auto mode! Scary. Pulled over and waited with engine off. Restarted and still nothing. I was able to use headlights in full ON mode. …
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the service safety restraint system warning light illuminated, causing the air bag warning light to remain illuminated. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to unlatch and open as needed. The contact was able to manually unlock the vehicle. Additionally, the dome light was malfunctioning. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to open as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the air bags might fail to deploy as needed in the event of a crash. The contact was informed that the sunroof, liftgate and lights needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V903000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the contact stated that while driving at night at an undisclosed speed, the headlights were extremely dim. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to safely drive to her destination. The contact was concerned for her safety. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle back to the dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,800.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the contact became aware that the headlamps failed to provide adequate illumination. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the headlamps were loose within the assembly and were dramatically tilted at a downward angle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the headlamp adjuster. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the front headlights were extremely dim while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic informed the contact that the headlight adjusters were defective and had caused the headlights to shift downwards. The contact was informed that the entire headlight module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Attached is a picture of the condensation in the headlights issue. It just never dries up and has been like this for over 6 months straight. All this water blocks the headlights from working properly and shining correctly. It interferes with the safety of my headlights. I read several blogs of other Tahoe's in this age group of 2015, 2016 that are having this very frustrating issue. I believe it should be a recall as there's no way I should be having to replace headlights for $750 each this soon. It is not safe to drive like this.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that an error message appeared on the instrument panel, which indicated there was a camera malfunction. The contact stated that this was the safety camera that controlled the auto dimming of the headlights and also informed the contact when they were too close to another vehicle. The dealer stated that the parts were not available to replace the failed part. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 11,000.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023.
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
Remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022.
NHTSA investigations
HEADLIGHT
Based on the reports received by odi from consumers, failure of the headlight electrical circuit May occur in the subject vehicles, and May result from repeated adjustment ofthe tilt steering wheel in the subject vehicles.repeated adjustment of the steering wheel position May strain the wiring in the headlight circuit to the point of failure where they are attached to the multi-function switch, resulting in the…
HEADLIGHT
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (56), 2021 (16), 1996 (14), 2007 (12) and 1999 (10) model years. Headlight complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Tahoe headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 22V-903 (software, Dec 8, 2022); 22V-827 (software, Nov 3, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Tahoe headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (17 mentions), followed by the turn signal (7).
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.