CarBrief

The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe has 663 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and brakes make up the largest share[1][2]. It also has 16 recalls, so check the VIN for open ones before you buy[3].

663owner complaints[1]
16recalls[3]
18MPG combined (EPA)[4]
4★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 663 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Tahoe[1]. Of those, 30 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 18 injuries[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part. The counts are not adjusted for how many Tahoes were sold.

Here are the biggest component groups:

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Brakes[2] 199 75,000
Electrical system[6] 135 59,500
Unknown or other[7] 90 52,000
Steering[8] 70 68,000
Power train[9] 55 73,500

Exterior lighting, suspension and fuel/propulsion have 52 complaints each[10][11][12]. The fuel/propulsion group has no reported crashes, fires or injuries[12].

Brakes. Brakes have the most complaints and 17 of them mention a crash[2]. In the sample of complaint texts we read for brakes, owners in 7 of 12 describe a hard pedal or lost brake assist that makes the SUV take more effort or distance to stop[2]. A recall covers brake assist that can fade as the vacuum pump weakens[13].

Electrical. In the electrical sample we read, 4 of 12 texts describe screens, climate controls or interior lights that fail or act up[6]. Two describe a radio failure that also silenced warning chimes[6]. A recall covers that radio problem on some vehicles[14].

Steering. In the steering sample, 7 of 12 texts describe steering that locks, seizes or loses assist, and 3 of 12 describe clicking or grinding when turning[8]. Three steering recalls are listed below[15][16][17].

Power train. In the power train sample, 4 of 12 texts describe four-wheel-drive warnings or the SUV shifting into four-wheel drive on its own[9]. Three of 12 describe a transmission that slips, hesitates or feels like neutral[9].

These are small samples. They show what owners describe, not how often each problem happens.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2015 Tahoe[3]. Some cover only certain builds, police models or specific equipment, so check your own VIN at NHTSA. Newest first:

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2015 Tahoe at the same combined figure with either drive type. Both use a 5.3L 8-cylinder engine and Automatic 6-spd[4][29].

Drive City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Rear-wheel drive[4] 16 / 23 / 18 $3,700
4-wheel drive[29] 16 / 22 / 18 $3,700

EPA lists the same ratings for the regular gasoline versions of both drive types[30][31]. The fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the SUV was new[4].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2015 Tahoe 4 stars overall, 5 stars in the frontal test, 5 stars in the side test and 3 stars for rollover[5][32]. The ratings are the same for 4WD and rear-wheel drive[5][32]. NHTSA puts rollover risk at 22.2% for 4WD and 22.9% for rear-wheel drive[5][32].

Engine and size

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models[33][34].

Measure AWD RWD
Length[33][34] 204 in 204 in
Width[33][34] 80 in 80 in
Height[33][34] 74 in 74 in
Wheelbase[33][34] 116 in 116 in
Curb weight[33][34] 5,545 lb 5,309 lb

Both drive types use a 5.3L 8-cylinder engine with Automatic 6-spd[4][29].

How 2015 compares with other years

1995: 246 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 283 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 410 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 263 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 552 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 282 complaints, 6 recalls2001: 512 complaints, 5 recalls2002: 449 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 507 complaints, 4 recalls20032004: 467 complaints, 2 recalls2005: 293 complaints, 5 recalls2006: 114 complaints, 3 recalls2007: 1,177 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 586 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 306 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 319 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 457 complaints, 6 recalls20112012: 180 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 234 complaints, 5 recalls2014: 93 complaints, 4 recalls2015: 663 complaints, 16 recalls66320152016: 257 complaints, 10 recalls2017: 174 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 105 complaints, 3 recalls2019: 107 complaints, 2 recalls20192020: 57 complaints, 3 recalls2021: 459 complaints, 16 recalls2022: 195 complaints, 4 recalls2023: 231 complaints, 5 recalls20232024: 69 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 50 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 27 complaints, 3 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Tahoe model year. The 2015 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952466
19962833
19974100
19982632
19995521
20002826
20015125
20024493
20035074
20044672
20052935
20061143
20071,1774
20085864
20093065
20103194
20114576
20121804
20132345
2014934
201566316
201625710
20171744
20181053
20191072
2020573
202145916
20221954
20232315
2024693
2025501
2026273

Among the Tahoe model years in NHTSA's data, 2015 has the second-highest complaint count at 663[3]. Only 2007 is higher, with 1,177 complaints[3]. Its 16 recalls tie 2021 for the most of any year[3].

Nearby years look quieter. The 2014 Tahoe has 93 complaints and 4 recalls, and the 2016 Tahoe has 257 complaints and 10 recalls[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat these as a rough guide. They are useful for comparing years of the same model, not different models.

Should you buy a used 2015 Tahoe?

The 2015 Tahoe has a heavy recall history and the most complaints of any year except 2007[3]. Brakes are the biggest complaint group and brake-related recalls exist, so test the brakes and ask for a VIN recall check[2][19][13]. Steering and four-wheel-drive complaints are also worth asking about[8][9]. The recalls have free remedies listed, which helps if the work is done on the vehicle you are looking at[18][15]. Safety ratings are 4 stars overall, and fuel economy is 18 MPG combined[5][4].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe?
Brakes have the most NHTSA complaints at 199 out of 663[1][2], followed by electrical at 135[6]. Steering has 70[8]. In the small samples we read, owners describe hard brake pedals, failing screens and controls, and steering that locks or loses assist[2][6][8].
How many recalls does the 2015 Chevy Tahoe have?
NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2015 model year, covering brakes, steering, air bags, seat belts, the ignition and the transmission among other areas[3][19][15][23][25][28]. Check your VIN at NHTSA to see which apply.
What is the gas mileage of the 2015 Tahoe?
EPA rates it at 16 city, 23 highway and 18 combined MPG with rear-wheel drive, and 16 city, 22 highway and 18 combined with 4-wheel drive[4][29].
How safe is the 2015 Tahoe?
NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side crashes and 3 stars for rollover[5][32].
Is 2015 a bad year for the Chevrolet Tahoe?
It has 663 complaints and 16 recalls, which is more than the nearby 2014 and 2016 years[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so use them as a guide only.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 663 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe (30 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 18 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 199 complaints name the brakes component group (17 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Tahoe model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Tahoe C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 135 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 90 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 70 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 55 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 52 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,942). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 52 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 52 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,750). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 19V645, filed September 6, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 14V301, filed June 6, 2014: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 18V586, filed September 7, 2018: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 14V719, filed November 10, 2014: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 14V246, filed May 14, 2014: Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 21V245, filed April 8, 2021: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 19V761, filed October 24, 2019: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 18V578, filed August 30, 2018: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 18V291, filed May 3, 2018: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 17V437, filed July 10, 2017: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 16V651, filed September 8, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  24. Recall 16V069, filed February 5, 2016: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. NHTSA recall database
  25. Recall 15V640, filed October 9, 2015: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  26. Recall 14V451, filed July 23, 2014: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
  27. Recall 14V374, filed June 27, 2014: Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive). NHTSA recall database
  28. Recall 14V152, filed March 31, 2014: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines. NHTSA recall database
  29. EPA rating for Tahoe K1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Tahoe C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Tahoe K1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TAHOE 4DR SUV AWD: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,545 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TAHOE 4DR SUV RWD: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,309 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.