2018 Chevrolet Tahoe Safety Report

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe: Strong crash ratings, but significant powertrain and braking complaints with multiple recalls.

90Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
4Crash Reports
2Injuries
1Deaths
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (12)Engine (9)Steering (8)Power Train (7)Service Brakes (7)Electrical System (7)Power Train,Engine (3)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (3)Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Power Train,Fuel/Propulsion System (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a notable number of complaints, particularly concerning the powertrain and braking systems. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an excellent 5-star rating for both frontal and side crash tests, contributing to an overall 4-star safety rating. However, its rollover rating is only 3 stars, indicating a moderate risk in such scenarios. The vehicle has accumulated 90 total complaints, including 4 crashes, 2 injuries, and 1 death, which are concerning figures for a vehicle of this age. A significant pattern in the complaints revolves around the powertrain, specifically the engine and transmission. Issues like 'Engine Power Reduced,' complete engine failure due to camshaft/lifter problems, and transmission failures (slipping, locking up, overheating) are frequently reported, often at mileages between 50,000 and 110,000 miles. These issues can lead to loss of motive power, increasing crash risk. Braking system complaints are also prevalent, with reports of decreased brake assist, hard pedals, and unintended braking, directly correlating with the three recalls issued for this model year. All three recalls for the 2018 Tahoe are related to the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC system. Two recalls address issues with power assist vacuum, which can increase brake pedal effort and stopping distance. The third recall concerns the antilock/traction control system, where unintended activation of the driveline-protection system can cause unintended braking. These recalls highlight a known vulnerability in the braking system that GM has attempted to address. While crash test performance is strong, the high volume of powertrain and braking complaints, coupled with multiple recalls, suggests potential long-term reliability and safety concerns that prospective buyers should consider.

Reliability Score

The 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Failure (Camshaft/Lifters)
Reports of complete engine failure due to issues with camshafts and lifters, often leading to 'Engine Power Reduced' messages and vehicle stalling.		 High Common 50000-110000 miles
Transmission Failure/Slippage
Transmission slipping, locking up, overheating, or exhibiting erratic shifting, often requiring costly replacement.		 High Common 90000-110000 miles
Reduced Brake Assist
Decreased brake assist requiring increased pedal effort and longer stopping distances, addressed by multiple recalls.		 High Common unknown miles
Unintended Braking
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system causing braking on one wheel, subject to a recall.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Fuel Injector Leaks
Smell of gas in the cabin or garage due to leaking fuel injector seals, noted as a known issue by mechanics.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe:

Unknown Or Other 13% of complaints

A significant portion of complaints fall into a general or unspecified category, indicating various miscellaneous issues.

Engine 10% of complaints

Frequent reports of engine power loss, stalling, and complete engine failure due to internal component issues.

Steering 9% of complaints

Issues with power steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to turn, sometimes accompanied by warning messages.

Power Train 8% of complaints

General powertrain issues including transmission problems, jerking, and loss of motive power.

Service Brakes 8% of complaints

Problems with brake assist, hard brake pedal, and extended stopping distances, aligning with recall issues.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Various electrical malfunctions, including issues with the Body Control Module (BCM) and warning lights.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe received strong crash test ratings (5-star frontal and side, 4-star overall), but has 90 total complaints, including 4 crashes, 2 injuries, and 1 death. There are significant concerns regarding powertrain reliability and braking system issues, which have led to 3 recalls.

What are common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe include engine failure (10% of complaints), transmission problems (8% under Power Train), and service brake issues (8%), often related to reduced power assist. Steering and electrical system problems are also frequently cited.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe?

Yes, the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe has 3 recalls, all related to the SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC system. These recalls address issues with decreased brake assist and unintended braking, which can increase stopping distance or cause loss of control.

How does the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star rating for both frontal and side impacts. Its overall safety rating is 4 stars, though its rollover rating is 3 stars.

What mileage do common problems occur in the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe?

Common problems like engine and transmission failures are frequently reported between 50,000 and 110,000 miles, with some transmission issues appearing around 90,000-110,000 miles.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe has good crash test scores, prospective buyers should be aware of prevalent and severe powertrain and braking issues, including multiple recalls; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The data includes 90 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 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.