The Lemon Index2012 Chevrolet Tahoe.
The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 10 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 12, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 17 to 21 mpg combined. It's the best Chevrolet Tahoe year we track.
One of the most reliable. 8.3× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2015
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 179 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Tahoe year. 2012 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 51K to 90K miles on the car (123 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 60K–88K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 42K–90K miles
Recalls 3
- 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.
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 1729 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The front or rear door may not open from the inside or outside handle, the door will not…
- Loss of high speed gmlan communications, intermittent no crank, ip gage fluctuation,…
- Seat rattle and/or hard to latch and unlatch, power release fold and tumble not fully functioning
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 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
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
The hvac actuators of all sides are very regularly damaged and must be recalled, even newer version like 2012 are facing such issues.
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe owner · NHTSA complaint 10782268
More owner reports
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. Consumer states problem with oil gauge and states instrument cluster panel is defective
NHTSA complaint 10446509
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 8.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 12; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (30%), engine (30%) and body structure (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
3 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 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
17 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 51,500 and 90,000 miles. The middle report was at 70,000 miles, from 123 complaints.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl.
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