The Lemon Index2011 Chevrolet Tahoe.
The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 35 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 37, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 17 to 21 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Tahoe year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 455 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Tahoe year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 47K to 90K miles on the car (281 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 46K–90K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 45K–89K miles
- stability control complaints mostly came at 46K–78K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- electrical 2014
In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Show all 5 recalls
- steering 2011
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES.
- suspension 2011
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VE…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1672 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/hummer/pontiac/saab: oil consumption and/or exhaust…
- There is an intermittent engine light on due to five possible internal trouble codes
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chevrolet Tahoe SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe owner · NHTSA complaint 10546168
More owner reports
Dashboard cracked through to the airbag cavity, also on top of main gauge display. It is beginning to fork in two directions.
NHTSA complaint 10659820
While I was driving on 678 highway my traction control and stabilik turned off and the engine mode light turned causing my truck drop in speed from 55 to 40. Had to pull over and shut the truck off and was able to make it home.
NHTSA complaint 10559199
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 37; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Tahoe year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (40%), stability control (23%) and engine (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
17 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 47,600 and 90,000 miles. The middle report was at 69,100 miles, from 281 complaints.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl.
What Chevrolet Tahoe year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2010 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works