The Lemon Index2013 Chevrolet Tahoe.
The 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe is better than average by owner complaints: 54 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 53, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 4 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 233 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Tahoe year. 2013 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 42K to 85K miles on the car (163 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 45K–80K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 40K–74K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 40K–125K miles
Recalls 4
- 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 chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
Show all 4 recalls
- steering 2013
102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have be.
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 1796 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…
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
- Some customers may comment that the vehicle has reduced acceleration at low speed and/or…
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 RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| 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
There is a crack in my dash next to the passenger airbag. Car is always parked in garage! Can hear the dash shifting occasionally while I am driving.
2013 Chevrolet Tahoe owner · NHTSA complaint 10908047
More owner reports
The dashboard on my 2013 chevy Tahoe (53,000 miles) has cracked near the passenger airbag.
NHTSA complaint 10928227
The entire frame and all supporting bolts of the vehicle is rusting and rotting.
NHTSA complaint 10780244
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 53; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Tahoe year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (19%), airbags (19%) and electrical (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
4 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 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
17 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 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 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 42,000 and 85,000 miles. The middle report was at 60,000 miles, from 163 complaints.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl.
What Chevrolet Tahoe year is better than the 2013?
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