AI Damage2017 Chevrolet Tahoe: common problems
Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe filed 174 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and service brakes. The maker issued 996 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 174
- involving a crash
- 3
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 996
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 30% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 25% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 15% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 11% of all complaints
- 5 Air bags 6% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel/propulsion system 5% of all complaints
- 7 Structure 5% of all complaints
- 8 Steering 3% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 53 complaints (30% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 109.
- Service brakes: 44 complaints (25% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 28.
- Engine: 26 complaints (15% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 94.
- Electrical system: 20 complaints (11% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 205.
- Air bags: 10 complaints (6% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 8.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5.3 L · petrol · 8 cylnamed in 3 complaints
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: RWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 174 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 53 | 0 | 109 |
| Service brakes | 44 | 1 | 28 |
| Engine | 26 | 0 | 94 |
| Electrical system | 20 | 0 | 205 |
| Air bags | 10 | 2 | 8 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 9 | 0 | 5 |
| Structure | 8 | 0 | 49 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 | 27 |
| Visibility | 5 | 0 | 25 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 0 | 11 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 | 45 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 3 | 0 | 37 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 30 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that the cabin was filled with smoke and she had to abruptly exit the vehicle. The contact sustained an injury to the right knee, back, neck, and right arm that required medical attention. A police report was filed, and the contact was informed that the air bag was partially deployed.
Severe burns to arms , hands, forearms, wrists upon airbag deployment . The vehicle was traveling stright on a 2 lane hiway when another vehicle crossed over into the oncoming lane and struck the tahoe
My check engine light and traction control light came on at approximately 157,000 miles. I was not safe. I was in the middle of the freeway. My Tahoe slowed and sputtered! I had to be towed. I got an inspection at Folsom Buick GMC in Folsom, CA at the recommendation of GMC General Motors Corporation.
They radio screen and radio navigation system. It will run batteries down replaced 2 Batteries this year. Radio goes haywire changes channels, makes dinging sound, navigation goes off. Screen moves jumps changes volume. Hard to drive very distracting and navigation stops working.
The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine started running rough. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with three inoperable fuel injectors.
The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH uphill in the mountains, the transmission started slipping, followed by a loud banging sound. The contact stated that later, while fishing, there was an abnormal metallic sound like BBs hitting a tin can coming from the vehicle.
The vehicle jerked on takeoff, had delayed/slow shifting, produced a whining noise, and later had intermittent shuddering/surging while driving. During service, metallic debris/shavings were found in the transmission fluid. The transmission ultimately required replacement at my expense.
My 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4WD with a 5.3L engine experienced sudden drivability issues related to confirmed AFM lifter failure, including severe engine misfires (P0300), rough idle, shaking at stoplights, and significant loss of power while driving uphill and under load.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 379 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 18% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Tahoe has 143 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 174, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues
- This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police…
This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police and Special Service Vehicles.
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning…
This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
- This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged…
This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged after the engine starts. Dealers are to suspect/monitor the crankshaft position sensor.
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced…
This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have…
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions…
NHTSA lists 996 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, service brakes, engine. Total complaints: 174. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (24%), jerking, harsh shifts (10%), knocking, grinding or other noise (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA lists 996 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2017 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.