Steering, electrical and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
For families that require three-rows of comfort, there aren’t a whole lot of options on the market. The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe continues to be a popular option, since its first release in 1995. The company is quite proud of this model, even stating,“it’s the best for a reason.” On the other hand, research shows that there are plenty of reasons that it is one of the worst. The steering malfunctions, there are electrical issues and it comes equipped with a faulty powertrain.
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The steering wheel is simply one aspect of this system that needs to work right. When traveling down the road, it’s necessary for all of the components to work in harmony, but that’s not the case with the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe.
One NHTSA comment states, “While driving at 70 mph the power steering stopped working without any warning, nearly causing loss of control.”
What a scary situation this owner experienced. Sadly, it’s only the start of steering issues with the Tahoe.
Service Bulletin #PIT5565B talks about repairs needed to remove the squeaking noise coming from the lower column and footwell while turning. With this repair, Chevy outlines how to lubricate the column shaft boot to ensure a seamless operation. It’s good that everything is properly lubricated, but what about when the power steering decides to stop working? There’s no amount of lubrication to fix that.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Electrical System | |
| Engine | |
| Steering | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Air Bags | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Structure:body | |
| Seat Belts |
The powertrain also consists of several components, but the most important is the transmission. Again, Tahoe owners aren’t thrilled with the performance of this part, either.
One NHTSA complaint states, “The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle jerked and then returned to normal. When the contact reached an intersection, the vehicle shut down without warning. The contact’s spouse called [dealer] and was informed to hit the OnStar button if the failure recurred. The failure recurred while the contact was driving and she hit the OnStar button. The contact was connected to the Roadside Assistant who could not help her. The contact called [dealer]. The dealer sent a van to pick up the contact and a tow truck to tow the vehicle to their facility. The dealer diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.”
No one picks up a new SUV expecting that it will need a new transmission in just a month. It seems that this powertrain has other issues besides simply failing.
Service Bulletin #080730026F discusses how the Tahoe will move forward or rock when putting it into Park. This action sometimes occurs with a clunking noise, as well. Strangely enough, the automaker claims this is normal and there’s nothing to be concerned about. Honestly, it’s just as normal as having a bad transmission in a new SUV.
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The last step on the journey of discovering why the Tahoe isn’t actually the best is the electrical system. Considering these components power up everything in the vehicle, one fault could be detrimental.
Another NHTSA complaint states, “Purchased 2019 Chevy Tahoe LT on 10/27. Began having serious electrical issues on 11/26 with the message of Reduced Steering Assist Drive With Care appearing after vehicle startup. When the message appears, vehicle will not go in Reverse and steering wheel won’t move and car only goes about 5 mph in Drive. Car was towed and issues wasn’t duplicating at dealer. They did inspection and returned after a week of testing. About a day after return of vehicle, message occurred again and this time we videoed malfunction. Vehicle is back at dealership and they cannot replicate again. First time vehicle was in shop, error code U0100 was present and we are currently trying to get codes currently present. Vehicle has been in service for 3 weeks and they haven’t found a solid cause.”
The Tahoe was part of a massive recall related to electrical issues. In fact, more than 600,000 vehicles were included with NHTSA Campaign Number 19V761000. It turns out that the Electronic-Brake Control Module can active itself, leading to an accident for drivers that don’t expect it. This occurs with the 5.3-liter engine while traveling between 41 and 60 mph. Imagine the shock of having the brakes suddenly applying at this speed. Maybe the SUV figured out it wasn’t actually the best, which stopped it dead in its tracks.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Chevrolet pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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Transmission concerns 11 months after purchasing a 2019 Tahoe. No warranty. Medal was going in the transmission during a check.
2019 tahoe keeps losing power steering and starter problems..been in service repair approx 9 different weeks in one yr. bought in Aug 2019..