Does the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe have reliability issues?
Christi Eller (@medicmom494) and her husband own a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country with 41,000 miles, and it's been unreliable. She has had the family vehicle towed to the Chevrolet dealer twice after it left her stranded, and now she's afraid to drive the top-of-the-line SUV.
She says in a TikTok clip, "Our 2023 Chevy Tahoe was at the dealer for six weeks, they put in a new engine, and they still don't know if that's going to fix the issue."
To answer the reliability question of the Chevrolet Tahoe, the SUV is experiencing reliability issues, particularly with the 6.2-liter V8 engine that comes in the High Country trim level that Christi owns.
General Motors has issued a recall of the Tahoe and other GM models for an issue that involves a potential for engine damage and failure due to defects in the connecting rod and crankshaft.
Before I give further details, here is what Christi says about her 2023 Tahoe High Country and why she's afraid to drive the large SUV.
First, imagine buying a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country that costs nearly $80,000. You love the family vehicle with three rows; it has plenty of room for your two kids, it only has 41,000 miles, but you are afraid to drive it. That's Christi's dilemma after the SUV has left her stranded twice.
She says, "We got the Tahoe back after being in the shop two more times. I feel like it's a ticking time bomb. Is it going to break down and leave us stranded again? It has a new engine, and we paid all this money for a High Country Tahoe, and it's in the shop."
"On March 11, it broke down as I was taking the kids to school at the school roundabout and dropping them off in the middle of school traffic. Then it broke down again and left me stranded in the middle of the highway, and the engine just shut off."
"So, two times I had to get the Tahoe towed to the dealer. It's a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe High Country with only 41,000 miles."
She Gets a Loaner, but Can't Take It To Florida On Spring Break
"So, they gave us a 2025 Tahoe loaner while our 2023 Tahoe was in the shop. We planned a trip to Florida on spring break with the kids, and the dealer told us we can't take the loaner out of North or South Carolina."
"It's not our fault that our Tahoe can't be driven."
"I drive a Honda Accord to work every day, and my husband and I are not small people. How are we supposed to fit all our stuff, our kids, my husband, and me, and drive it to Florida?"
"Our Tahoe is our family vehicle. So, my husband even called GM to see if they would give us a rental vehicle to drive to Florida because it's a nine-hour trip. So, they told us we can't put that many miles on the 2025 Tahoe because it's a demo vehicle, and they can't sell it as a new vehicle if it has over 5,000 miles."
"The loaner Tahoe already had 4,200 miles on it, so if we were to drive it to Florida and back, it would have gone over the 5,000 miles."
"So, why is it my fault that our Tahoe broke down, GM?"
"So, GM, can you give us an extended warranty on this vehicle? Because I love the Tahoe, it's badass and she's pretty, but is it just going to break down on me again? I don't know."
What's Going On With the Chevrolet Tahoe?
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Recall: General Motors has issued a recall for 2021-2024 vehicles equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, including the Tahoe, due to potential manufacturing defects.
- The recall addresses a serious issue: potential engine damage and failure caused by defects in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft.
- Consequences: These defects can lead to engine seizure, loss of power, and even complete engine failure.
- Affected Vehicles: The recall includes 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV, Chevy Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL models.
- Solution: GM will inspect the engines and will replace oil filters and change the oil to a thicker viscosity.
- NHTSA Investigation: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the issue in January 2025, leading to the recall.
What Should Tahoe Owners Do If They Have Engine Issues?
- Recall and Inspection: Owners will be notified by GM and should take their vehicles to a dealership for an inspection.
- Repair or Replacement: If the inspection reveals engine damage, the dealership will either repair or replace the engine, free of charge.
- Oil Change and Replacement: Owners must also change their engine oil to a higher viscosity oil (0W-40) and replace the oil filter and oil cap.
Conclusion
Consumer Reports gives the 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe a reliability score of 22/100. They give the powertrian a 1/5, and engine major a 1/5 score.
Christi and other GM vehicle owners are left in a state of uncertainty. Will the new engine replacement truly fix the reliability problem? Or will the Tahoe leave her and her family stranded again? The fear of the unknown is understandable; she feels like the SUV is a ticking time bomb.
How About You?
Do you own a Chevrolet Tahoe? What is your experience with the three-row SUV? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe story: I’ve Had The Least Success With My 2024 Chevy Tahoe, My Sporty Tahoe Left Me Stranded and Almost Killed My Entire Family
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Christi Eller
