Chevrolet’s well-known full-size SUV, Chevy Tahoe, is one of the more repeated names in the SUV market as it often provides quality SUV experiences. Frequently named one of the best-selling full-size SUVs in the United States, the Chevy Tahoe has been offering great value and overall performance for over three decades.
With that being said, when it comes to buying a used vehicle, you can’t be too cautious. You need to know every bit of information related to the said vehicle. So let’s get more into details of how different model years of Chevy Tahoe compare to each other and what’s the worst years of this American SUV.
2015, 2007, 2004 Are The Worst Chevy Tahoe Model Years
According to the reports on the CarComplaints, the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe has the most overall complaint cases and seems to be the most problematic. However, if you factor in other criteria like repair cost, the 2015 Chevy Tahoe snatches the title of the worst Tahoe ever.
The 2015 model year faces many problems, but teh major problems are usually in the interior. The most encountered interior problem of the 2015 model is the interior lights flashing, which can be quite annoying. No specific info is available regarding how much this problem would cost to repair, but the apparent solution is to replace the related electronic modules. Another major problem of the 2015 Chevy Tahoe is the dying of the A/C. This seems to be a recurring problem among 2015 Tahoe users, and it might cost somewhere around $980 to fix. Various solutions have been reported, such as condenser or compressor replacement.
The 2007 model also suffers from interior accessory problems, mainly concerning the dashboard. The majority of the reported interior issues were associated with the cracking of the dashboard. This is not a very costly problem sitting at around $210 but not one that gets annoying. There are also some significant problems under the hood of the 2007 model. This model is prone to excessive oil consumption and needs proper care and treatment to avoid this problem.
The interior problems are the staple issues among different model years of the Chevy Tahoe. The 2004 model features an inaccurate speedometer as its main interior accessory dilemma. Not as big as many other problems, but this issue will cost around $400 and can be a downer. The 2004 model also hosts some costly problems, such as a cracked head gasket that can cost up to $2600.
It’s safe to say that the 2015 model is the only real problematic model year from 2010 onwards, and there’s a good chance that if you opt to buy a post-2010 Tahoe, you’ll have a great purchase.
Chevrolet Tahoe Can Last Up To 300,000 Miles
Typically, a Chevy Tahoe lasts as much as 200,000 miles and hits the mark where many big SUVs can’t. If you take proper care of the Chevy Tahoe, it is possible to go as far as 300,000 miles. Certain procedures are suggested to maintain a Chevy Tahoe, and it is vital to perform them religiously. The following is a list of things you need to do to keep your Chevy Tahoe up and running for long distances:
- 7,500 miles: Tire rotation, safety inspection, engine oil level check, engine oil and filter change if necessary
- 22,500 miles: 7,500 services, passenger compartment air filter change
- 45,000 miles: 22,500 services, engine air cleaner filter replacement, brake fluid change, evaporative control system inspection
- 67,500 miles: Tire rotation, visual inspection, safety inspection, engine oil and filter change, passenger compartment air filter replacement
- 97,500 miles: Above-mentioned procedures, spark plug replacement, spark plug wires inspection
- 150,000 miles: Previously-performed services, engine cooling system draining, engine accessory drive belt inspection
The annual maintenance cost of a Chevy Tahoe is $774, which is well above the average for the full-size SUV segment at $573. This is an important thing to consider when opting to buy a Chevy Tahoe. However, those numbers can change depending on the model year and also how you treat your car.
Purchasing A Chevy Tahoe Is One Of The Best Choices You Can Make
Chevrolet Tahoe might not be the most reliable full-size SUV out in the market, but it often offers excellent value and fulfills the needs of an ordinary customer. With regular maintenance procedures and proper caretaking, the Tahoe can easily last as much as 200,000 miles and more.
You also have to pay attention to some problematic model years as different Tahoes offer different experiences. 2015, 2007, and 2004 are the most flawed Tahoes ever produced, with various issues regarding the interior and other compartments. Models manufactured after 2010 (except 2015) are less problematic and can be a safe bet for customers. Make sure to check every detail regarding the Chevy Tahoe and analyze every complaint and recall to have a more holistic understanding of what you might get purchasing one of these vehicles.