Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 88 of 410 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Steering. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 104 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
24 crash reports3 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
410 reports
80,000 miles · May 20, 2005
Steering
STEERING ON MY 97 TAHOE HAS FOR MANY YEARS 'TWITCHED' WHEN DRIVING AT A SLOW RIGHT TURN SUCH AS ON RAMP TO FREEWAY OR SLOW CURVE IN THE ROAD. IT NEVER DOES IT ON LEFT TURNS, ONLY RIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY POPS TO THE RIGHT AND ONLY FOR A SECOND. IT THEN REPEATS THAT IF THE TURN ON THE ROAD IS CONTINUALLY TO THE RIGHT. I…
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STEERING ON MY 97 TAHOE HAS FOR MANY YEARS 'TWITCHED' WHEN DRIVING AT A SLOW RIGHT TURN SUCH AS ON RAMP TO FREEWAY OR SLOW CURVE IN THE ROAD. IT NEVER DOES IT ON LEFT TURNS, ONLY RIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY POPS TO THE RIGHT AND ONLY FOR A SECOND. IT THEN REPEATS THAT IF THE TURN ON THE ROAD IS CONTINUALLY TO THE RIGHT. IF ANYONE OTHER THAN ME DRIVES THE TAHOE, IT WILL SURPRISE THEM AND CAUSE AND ACCIDENT. IVE READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN MANY FORUMS ONLINE AS WELL AS HERE AT THE NHTSA SITE. GM SHOULD BE RECALLING THIS DANGEROUS STEERING PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA ODI #10121679
97,254 miles · May 19, 2005
Power Train
NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS: LIGHT TRAFFIC, NON-TOWING, NON-FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
NHTSA ODI #10121435
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2005
Unknown Or Other
MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKES KICK IN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR AND WE HAD THE PARTS REPLACED ON ONE SIDE (BUT DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT DATE). IT IS NOW HAPPENING AGAIN, AND WE BELIEVE THE OTHER SIDE NEEDS REPLACEMENT. ALSO HAD THE PROBLEM ONE TIME WHEN I WAS JUST GOING SLOW IN A PARKING LOT AND N…
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MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKES KICK IN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR AND WE HAD THE PARTS REPLACED ON ONE SIDE (BUT DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT DATE). IT IS NOW HAPPENING AGAIN, AND WE BELIEVE THE OTHER SIDE NEEDS REPLACEMENT. ALSO HAD THE PROBLEM ONE TIME WHEN I WAS JUST GOING SLOW IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT APPLYING BRAKES. ALSO HAVING A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE KNOCK. MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A DEFECT WITH THE CYCLINDER.
NHTSA ODI #10119409
82,000 miles · Apr 28, 2005
Steering
NOTICED ERRATIC STEERING DURING RIGHT TURN. BECAME MORE SEVERE OVER TIME, TO THE POINT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. HAD VEHICLE INSPECTED BY LOCAL MECHANIC. FAILED EVO (ELECTRONIC VARIABLE ORIFICE) SENSOR IN STEERING WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10118660
88,000 miles · Jan 13, 2005
Visibility
FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR BECOME INOPERATIVE DURING INCLEMENT CONDITIONS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10107318
228,000 miles · Dec 1, 2004
Power Train
NOTICED A HUMMING VIBRATION UNDER ACCELERATION. HAD TRANSMISSION SERVICED BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. THEN WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (70) WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND RPMS JUMPED WAY UP. VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION CASES WAS CRA…
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NOTICED A HUMMING VIBRATION UNDER ACCELERATION. HAD TRANSMISSION SERVICED BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. THEN WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (70) WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND RPMS JUMPED WAY UP. VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION CASES WAS CRACKED. THE CRACK OCCURED DUE TO THE U-JOINT BREAKING. THE U-JOINT COULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED FOR UNDER $100 BUT NOW TO FIX THE TRUCK WILL COST $1700. BAD DESIGN IN MY OPINION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10100848
104,200 miles · Nov 17, 2004
Electronic Stability Control
WHILE DRIVING AT 40-60 MPH AND WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT CONSUMER LOST CONTROL FOR A FRACTION OF A SECOND, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO STRAIGHT, THEN PULLED TO THE RIGHT. IT FELT LIKE DRIVING OVER A PATCH OF BLACK ICE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10101205
80,000 miles · Nov 4, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED, JUST BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO STOP,THE BRAKE RELEASES AND THE VEHICLE ROLLS 2-3FEET. BEFORE IT STOPS. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT EXPENSE TO MYSELF REPLACING BRAKE PARTS THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK I RECENTLY FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT DESCRIBES THIS PROBLEM. I THOUGHT IT SHOULD…
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AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED, JUST BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO STOP,THE BRAKE RELEASES AND THE VEHICLE ROLLS 2-3FEET. BEFORE IT STOPS. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT EXPENSE TO MYSELF REPLACING BRAKE PARTS THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK I RECENTLY FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT DESCRIBES THIS PROBLEM. I THOUGHT IT SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT GMC EXPENSE FOR A POOR DESIGN BUT THEY DO NOT AGREE. THE VEHICLE IS A 1997 CHEVROLET TAHOE
NHTSA ODI #10098264
143,000 miles · Oct 29, 2004
Visibility
THE CONSUMER WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS RECALL#03V159000 REGARDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE, BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10099038
30,000 miles · Oct 29, 2004
Service Brakes, Air
I OWN A 1997 CHEVROLET TAHOE WHICH I PURCHASED FROM A PRIVATE PARTY ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE WAS IN THE MID 20,000, AND IS NOW JUST UNDER 35,000. HAVING DRIVEN JUST 15,00 MILES DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS MAKES IT EVIDENT THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED. I HAVE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED FREQUENT PROBLEM…
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I OWN A 1997 CHEVROLET TAHOE WHICH I PURCHASED FROM A PRIVATE PARTY ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. THE MILEAGE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE WAS IN THE MID 20,000, AND IS NOW JUST UNDER 35,000. HAVING DRIVEN JUST 15,00 MILES DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS MAKES IT EVIDENT THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED. I HAVE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED FREQUENT PROBLEMS WITH THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH OFTEN IS ACTIVATED FOR NO APPARENT REASON, RESULTING IN A EXPENSIVE BRAKE JOB WAY BEFORE THAT TYPE OF REPAIR WOULD NORMALLY BE ANTICIPATED. MY MECHANIC HAS SEEN THIS SAME PROBLEM IN SEVERAL OTHER GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES, AND IS CONVINCED THE PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THE WHEEL SPEED SENSORS. HE IS ALSO OF THE OPINION THAT GENERAL MOTORS HAS KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME, YET HAS FAILED TO ISSUE A RECALL WHICH WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER. WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN ADDRESSED, AND ARE THERE ANY PLANS TO DO SO? THANK YOU.
NHTSA ODI #10098003
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4
PE01023 · Seat Belt Anchorage Separation
Opened Jul 17, 2001 · Closed Dec 20, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
ODI HAS RECEIVED ONE (1) COMPLAINT ALLEGING THAT THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER-SIDE SEAT BELT RELEASE BUCKLE ANCHOR DETACHED FROM SEAT FRAME DURING A SIDE IMPACT CRASH.DURING THE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WAS THROWN FROM HIS SEAT, PARTIALLY EJECTED THROUGH THE REAR QUARTER WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE.OCCUPANT SUSTAINED INJURY.GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED SEAT BELT ANCHORING DESIGN IN MY 2000. ODI HAS COMPLETED A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND HAS DETERMINED THAT FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO DETERMINE WHETHER A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS.
EA00013 · Battery Leaks Acid
Opened May 2, 2000 · Closed Jun 28, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE99073 · Battery Leaks Acid
Opened Dec 3, 1999 · Closed May 2, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ODI HAS RECEIVED 21 COMPLAINTS WHERE OWNERS ALLEGE THAT THE STANDARD GM FACTORY SUPPLIED AC DELCO BATTERY CASE FAILED, RESULTING IN THE LEAKAGE OF SULFURIC ACID.OF THE 21 COMPLAINT VEHICLES, SIX SUBURBAN, THREE TAHOES, AND ONE YUKON OWNER(S) COMPLAINED ABOUT A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID FROM DETERIORATION OF THE RIGHT FRONTBRAKE LINE AS A RESULT OF SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION.THE REMAINING 11 COMPLAINTS PERTAIN PRIMARILY TO SULFURIC ACID LEAKAGE FROM THE BATTERY CASE.AT LEAST ONE COMPLAINANT STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT BATTERY ALSO FAILED.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS NOTE THAT THE LEAKING ACID HAD COME IN CONTACT WITH A WIRE HARNESS AT THE FRAME IN THE VICINITY OF THE STEEL BRAKE LINE.A FIELD INSPECTION BY ODI INDICATES THAT THE DESCRIBED HARNESS IS THE ABS CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR.PRIOR TO THE BATTERY CASE FAILURE, THERE IS USUALLY NO WARNING (SHORT OF AN UNDERHOOD INSPECTION), AND THE ENSURING DAMAGE (SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION) IS PROGRESSIVE.OF THE KNOWN BATTERY FAILURES, THERE MAY BE A TEMPERATURE CORRELATION, AS 60% OF THE OWNER COMPLAINTS CAME FROM FOUR STATES; CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA AND TEXAS.THERE IS ALSO A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND ENGINEERING CHANGE NOTICE TO ADD 1% SILVER TO THE BATTERY'S POSITIVE SIDE TERMINALL, WITH THE EARLIEST IMPLEMENTATION DATE FOR THIS BEING FEB 2, 1998.THE EFFECT OF THIS DESIGN CHANGE IS AS YET UNKNOWN; FURTHER REVIEW IS WARRANTED.AN EA IS BEING OPENED TO GATHER FURTHER APPROPRIATE INFORMATION, CLARIFY ANY DEFECT TRENDS, AND TO ASSESS THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS AND RISKS CONCERNING THESE FAILURES.
EA99011 · Erratic Power Steering Assist While Driv
Opened May 12, 1999 · Closed Feb 27, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
THE OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION (ODI) HAS INVESTIGATED ALLEGATIONS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST FLUCTUATIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.FOR DETAILS AND A BASIS FOR THE INVESTIGATION CONCLUSIONS, PLEASE SEE THE CLOSING REPORT IN THE EA99-011 PUBLIC FILE.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.FUTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.THE ENGINEERING IS CLOSED.
1997 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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