2012 Chevrolet Tahoe
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 178
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
34% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 178 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 19 |
| 1995 | 246 |
| 1996 | 283 |
| 1997 | 410 |
| 1998 | 263 |
| 1999 | 552 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 512 |
| 2002 | 449 |
| 2003 | 507 |
| 2004 | 467 |
| 2005 | 293 |
| 2006 | 114 |
| 2007 | 1,176 |
| 2008 | 528 |
| 2009 | 284 |
| 2010 | 314 |
| 2011 | 447 |
| 2012 | 178 |
| 2013 | 233 |
| 2014 | 90 |
| 2015 | 659 |
| 2016 | 256 |
| 2017 | 175 |
| 2018 | 104 |
| 2019 | 108 |
| 2020 | 57 |
| 2021 | 460 |
| 2022 | 195 |
| 2023 | 229 |
| 2024 | 69 |
| 2025 | 52 |
| 2026 | 26 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
34% · 61 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was rear ended while stopped by another truck that was going 60+ mph. None of the airbags in my 2012 Chevy Tahoe deployed. The backside of the driver and passenger seats fell off - unsure if that is airbag related but nothing deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-26
I was driving west bound on 176TH st and as I approached the light I could not brake or turn my car to the right in which I had a head on collision with another vehicle. On in packed my airbags did not deploy!
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-09
Also filed under Service brakes
While turning left (Tahoe) with a protected green arrow at an x-shaped intersection, vehicle (Kia sedan) at fault failed to yield and entered the intersection at speeds upwards of 40 MPH from the left of the Tahoe.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-13
Structure
21% · 37 reportsMost commonly citing body and dashboard.
Show complaint excerpts
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. Consumer writes in regards to crash while driving safely *tgw the consumer stated the driver of the vehicle was driving across a parking lot, when suddenly he struck a light pole and caused over $10,000 worth of damage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-19
Electrical system
7% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. Consumer states problem with oil gauge and states instrument cluster panel is defective *tgw the consumer stated while driving, he noticed the oil pressure gauge showed zero pressure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-02-09
Engine
5% · 9 reportsPower train
4% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to slow for a traffic light and the vehicle jerked while shifting into low gear.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-12
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2015-02-12Electrical system14V827000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015.
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2021-05-11Air bags21V051000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021.
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2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021.
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I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 61 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 37 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 14V827000 · Electrical system
- Recall 21V051000 · Air bags
- Recall 21V054000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.