2017 Chevrolet Tahoe Safety Report

2017 Chevrolet Tahoe: Strong Crash Ratings, but Plagued by Brake Recalls and Frequent Transmission Failures

164Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (33)Service Brakes (27)Unknown Or Other (13)Electrical System (9)Engine (9)Air Bags (8)Structure (4)Steering (3)Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Wheels (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe presents a mixed safety profile. While it boasts strong crash test performance with 5-star ratings for Frontal and Side impacts and an overall 4-star rating from NHTSA, it is subject to several significant safety recalls and a notable number of owner complaints. With 164 total complaints, including 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 5 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The vehicle has three recalls, two of which directly address critical braking system failures that could lead to extended stopping distances or unintended braking, increasing crash risk. The third recall pertains to frontal airbags and seat belt pretensioners failing to deploy, which is a severe safety defect. Common complaint patterns reveal a high incidence of issues with the POWER TRAIN (33 complaints) and SERVICE BRAKES (27 complaints). Many power train complaints specifically mention transmission failures, often occurring at mileages between 78,000 and 110,000 miles, with some owners reporting multiple transmission replacements. Brake complaints frequently describe a loss of power assist, leading to increased braking effort and extended stopping distances, directly aligning with one of the major recalls (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000). Other recurring issues include engine lifter failures, electrical system malfunctions leading to power loss, and infotainment system glitches. Despite its commendable crash test scores, the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe's safety is significantly impacted by these mechanical and electrical vulnerabilities. The high number of complaints related to critical components like the transmission and brakes, coupled with recalls addressing these very issues, suggests that while the vehicle may perform well in controlled crash scenarios, its operational reliability and the potential for component failure pose ongoing safety risks. The fact that some owners report issues persisting even after recall repairs highlights potential underlying design flaws.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission Failure
Numerous complaints detail complete transmission failure, slipping, jerking, and loss of gears, often requiring full replacement. Some owners report multiple failures.		 High Common 78000-110000 miles
Brake Power Assist Loss
Loss of vacuum assist leads to hard brake pedal and extended stopping distances, increasing crash risk. This is covered by NHTSA Recall 19V645000.		 High Common variable miles
Engine Lifter Failure
Engine misfires, ticking noises, and complete lifter failure requiring significant engine repairs, with some owners experiencing repeat failures.		 High Occasional 92000-110000 miles
Electrical System Power Loss
Vehicle completely loses all power while driving, posing a significant safety hazard.		 High Occasional variable miles
Airbag/Seatbelt Pretensioner Non-Deployment
Recall 16V651000 addresses a defect where frontal airbags or seat belt pretensioners may fail to deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk.		 High Rare N/A miles
Unintended Braking (Driveline Protection)
Recall 19V761000 describes unintended activation of the driveline-protection system causing braking on the opposite wheel, increasing crash risk.		 High Rare N/A miles
Infotainment Touchscreen Malfunction
LCD ghosting, phantom touch inputs, and unpredictable system behavior, affecting navigation and communication.		 Medium Occasional variable miles
Exhaust Fumes In Cabin
Carbon monoxide and exhaust fumes entering the cabin, causing headaches and requiring extensive repairs.		 Medium Rare variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe:

Power Train 20% of complaints

Frequent reports of transmission failure, slipping, jerking, and loss of gears, often requiring costly replacement.

Service Brakes 16% of complaints

Loss of brake power assist leading to increased stopping distances and hard pedal, directly linked to a major recall.

Engine 5% of complaints

Issues with lifter failure, misfires, and engine stalling, sometimes requiring significant internal engine repairs.

Electrical System 5% of complaints

Reports of complete power loss while driving, alternator issues, and infotainment system malfunctions.

Air Bags 5% of complaints

Concerns related to airbag non-deployment, addressed by a recall.

Structure 2% of complaints

Complaints about exhaust fumes entering the cabin, indicating potential structural or sealing issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe received strong crash test ratings (5-star frontal, 5-star side, 4-star overall). However, its safety is compromised by three recalls, two of which address critical braking issues and one for airbag non-deployment. There are also 164 owner complaints, including 3 crashes and 5 injuries, highlighting significant reliability concerns, particularly with the power train and service brakes.

What are common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe are related to the POWER TRAIN (33 complaints), primarily transmission failures, and SERVICE BRAKES (27 complaints), often involving loss of power assist. Other recurring problems include engine lifter failures, electrical system malfunctions leading to power loss, and infotainment system glitches.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe?

Yes, the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe has three recalls. These include NHTSA Campaign Number 19V645000 for reduced brake assist, 19V761000 for unintended braking due to a wheel speed sensor issue, and 16V651000 for frontal airbags and seat belt pretensioners failing to deploy.

How does the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe perform in crash tests?

The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving a 5-star rating for Frontal Crash, a 5-star rating for Side Crash, and an overall 4-star safety rating. Its Rollover rating was 3 stars.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe?

When considering a used 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, pay close attention to the transmission for any signs of slipping, jerking, or unusual noises. Thoroughly test the brakes for proper function and ensure all recall repairs, especially for the braking system and airbags, have been completed. Also, check for any engine warning lights or signs of lifter issues, and test the electrical system and infotainment unit.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test performance but significant recalls and frequent complaints regarding critical components like the transmission and brakes, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is essential, along with verifying all recall repairs have been completed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The data includes 164 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.