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 PER YEAR
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 | 466 |
| 2005 | 292 |
| 2006 | 114 |
| 2007 | 1176 |
| 2008 | 528 |
| 2009 | 283 |
| 2010 | 314 |
| 2011 | 446 |
| 2012 | 178 |
| 2013 | 231 |
| 2014 | 90 |
| 2015 | 657 |
| 2016 | 252 |
| 2017 | 168 |
| 2018 | 98 |
| 2019 | 101 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2021 | 421 |
| 2022 | 174 |
| 2023 | 196 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2026 | 17 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
34% of complaints: air bags — 61 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20230926
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, 20190409
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, 20140813
17% of complaints: structure — 30 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY5% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH4% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show 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, 20241212
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 14V827000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V051000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V054000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (61 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V827000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V051000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V054000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.