1994 Chevrolet Tahoe problems
The Chevrolet Tahoe, and its badge-engineered GMC Yukon counterpart, are full-size SUVs and other trucks from General Motors, offered since 1994 and 1991, respectively. Since 1982, Chevrolet and GMC sold two different-sized SUVs under their "Blazer" and "Jimmy" nameplates, by introducing the smaller S-10 Blazer and GMC S-15 Jimmy for the 1983 model year, below the full-size Blazer and Jimmy models. This situation lasted into the early 1990s. GMC first rebadged the full-size Jimmy as the "Yukon" in 1991. Chevrolet however waited until 1994, when they rebadged the redesigned mid-size S-10 Blazer the "new Blazer," while renaming the full-size Blazer as the "Tahoe." The name Tahoe refers to the rugged and scenic area surrounding Lake Tahoe in the western United States, and was originally used as a trim level on S-10 models. The name Yukon refers to the Yukon territory of northern Canada.
For the 1995 model year, the Tahoe and Yukon gained a new, longer four-door model, slotting in size between the two-door models and the longer-wheelbase Chevrolet/GMC Suburbans.
The Tahoe is sold in North America, parts of Asia such as the Philippines, and the Middle East, plus other countries including Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Angola as a left-hand-drive vehicle. The Yukon is only sold in North America and the Middle East.
The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are part of General Motors' full-size SUV family and are differentiated from the similar Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL primarily by the length of the passenger and cargo area behind the C-pillar. An upscale trim GMC Denali sub-model joined the Yukon lineup as the top-of-the-line trim for the 1999 model year; the Cadillac Escalade is a closely related upscale version sharing the same platform. The Denali is available on both standard and XL versions.
The Tahoe has regularly been the best-selling full-size SUV in the United States, frequently outselling its competition by two to one.
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Common 1994 Chevrolet Tahoe problems
The Chevrolet Tahoe, produced since 1995, has been a popular full-size SUV for various purposes, including off-road exploration, towing, and daily commuting. However, like any other vehicle, the Tahoe has some common problems reported by its owners. Here are the most frequently mentioned issues based on the search results:
- Four-wheel-drive transfer case position sensor/selector switch failure: This problem has been reported by over 480 owners of multiple model years from 1995 to 2016. When the 4WD transfer case position switch fails, a "Service 4WD" message appears on the gauge display, indicating fault codes from the transfer case control module.
- Upper dash cracking: This issue has been reported by 450 owners of various model years from 1994 to 2014. The upper dash cracking is a cosmetic problem that can be frustrating for owners, but it is not a severe safety concern.
- Heating and A/C temperature and air delivery mode door actuator failure: Over 420 owners of model years from 1995 to 2017 have reported this problem. If the HVAC system isn't blowing as cold or warm as expected, it could be a problem with the mode door actuator, which typically fails after about 148,000 miles and causes fault codes in the A/C system.
- Power steering problems: The 1st generation Chevy Tahoe (1992-2000) has been reported to have power steering issues, with the power steering pump tending to fail. Loss of power steering requires more manual effort to turn the steering wheel, and visible damage or leaking from the power steering pump can indicate the need for replacement.
- Windshield wiper issues: Moisture accumulation inside the windshield wiper board can cause the wipers not to work, and a bad windshield wiper stalk can also cause problems. Tapping the board or the motor with a hammer can temporarily fix the issue, but a failed board needs to be replaced, ideally along with the wiper motor.
- Door handle issues: The inside and outside door handles can break or snap off the door, requiring replacement. The door latch can bind, and the inside door handle can break from a weak spot, while the outside door handle can creak and break.
In summary, the Chevrolet Tahoe has several common problems reported by its owners, including four-wheel-drive transfer case position sensor/selector switch failure, upper dash cracking, heating and A/C temperature and air delivery mode door actuator failure, power steering problems, windshield wiper issues, and door handle problems. These issues vary in severity and impact on the vehicle's performance and safety.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Tahoe?
Chevy Tahoes have issues with their lifters getting stuck or locked in place within newer models equipped with 5.3L L84 V-8 and 6.2L L87 V-8 EcoTec3 engines. An improperly functioning lifter triggers the check engine light and causes: Ticking and banging noises. Misfires.
What year Tahoes have transmission problems?
Transmission Problems
Early models, particularly around 2002-2004 and 2007-2009, have been reported to have transmission issues.
What year Tahoe is the most reliable?
CarComplaints.com awarded the 2009 Tahoe the “Awesome” seal of approval for its top-notch reliability. Both 2010 and 2011 Tahoe SUVs also received the “Awesome” badge of approval from CarComplaints. Although they also had the cracked dashboard issue from the 2007 model, they're not widespread and hardly a big deal.
Is the Chevy Tahoe a reliable vehicle?
The 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Tahoe?
Chevy Tahoes have issues with their lifters getting stuck or locked in place within newer models equipped with 5.3L L84 V-8 and 6.2L L87 V-8 EcoTec3 engines. An improperly functioning lifter triggers the check engine light and causes: Ticking and banging noises. Misfires.
What year Tahoe has engine problems?
What year Chevrolet Tahoe has engine problems? Some of the early 2000s models, particularly the 2007-2008 Tahoe years, have been known for engine problems, including excessive oil consumption and issues with the automatic transmission. It's advisable to be cautious with these model years.
Are old Chevy Tahoes reliable?
Quick Answer: Avoid Chevrolet Tahoe Year Models 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2015. There have been several faulty year models in the Chevrolet Tahoe's long history. We recommend avoiding the 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2015 Tahoes.
Are Tahoes expensive to fix?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Tahoe is $744, compared to an average of $573 for midsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
1994 Chevrolet Tahoe car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Tahoe problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Chevrolet Tahoe complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Chevrolet Tahoe.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-01
- VIN: 1GNDT13W1R2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET TAHOE S10. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ABS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKING ABILITY. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO CURRENT RECALLS THAT APPLIED TO HIS VIN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 176,000.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GNEK18K9RJ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WAS DEFECTIVE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THIS MAKE/MODEL AND YEAR; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-01
- VIN: 1GNCS13W6R0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY S10 TAHOE BEGAN SPUTTERING AND STALLING COMPLETELY WITHOUT WARNING LAST WEEKEND. I JUST PICKED IT UP FROM THE SHOP AFTER HAVING THE EGR VALVE CLEANED (AMONG SEVERAL OTHER THINGS), ONLY TO HAVE IT LAST FOR THE 20 MINUTE DRIVE HOME BEFORE IT STARTED ACTING UP AGAIN. I WAS TOLD THAT IT MAY STILL BE THE EGR VALVE BEING CLOGGED AGAIN - AND TO EXPECT THAT TO BE A REGULAR PROBLEM. IF IT'S NOT THE EGR THAT IS THE MAIN PROBLEM, THEN IT IS LIKELY THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. THE PROBLEM IS, THE LITTLE PLASTIC TUBE THAT I NEED ON THE REGULATOR CANNOT BE BOUGHT ALONE. RATHER, I HAVE THE BUY THE WHOLE KIT AND PAY OVER $500 AND IT MAY NOT FIX IT BECAUSE THE EGR IS GOING TO BE ON ONGOING PROBLEM. I HAVE SPENT THE LAST WEEK RESEARCHING CHEVY COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL AND HAVE READ COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT PROBLEM. LIKE MOST OF THE CHEVY OWNERS THAT POSTED COMPLAINS ON VARIOUS SITES, I AM COMPLETELY FURIOUS THAT A VORTEC ENGINE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE SO WONDERFUL, IS SEEMINGLY JUNK. WHY AM I GOING TO HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE MY EGR VALVE CLEANED A MINIMUM OF ONCE A WEEK JUST TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD? WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR A $500 "KIT" WHEN ALL I NEED IS A SMALL PLASTIC TUBE? I'M SORRY, I KNOW THAT SOME PARTS ARE EXPENSIVE ON CARS, BUT THIS IS A RIDICULOUS WAY TO ROB THE CONSUMER! THIS SUV IS A DEATH-TRAP IN MY OPINION! JUST DRIVING AROUND MY NEIGHBORHOOD TO SEE IF IT WOULD STALL, I ALMOST HIT A LITTLE BOY ON A BICYCLE WHEN IT DID STALL AND I LOST ALL POWER! I AM TERRIFIED TO PUT THIS TRUCK ON THE ROAD! I NEED TO HAVE TRANSPORTATION TO GET TO WORK AND I PRAY TO GOD THAT I DON'T STALL OUT PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. ANY HELP OR ASSISTANCE THAT YOU CAN LEND WOULD BE SO APPRECIATED. THANK YOU!*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: A INTERNAL FUEL LINE INSIDE OF VORTEC MOTOR RUPTURE AND FUEL SPILL ALL OVER HIS ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-01
- VIN: 1GNEK18K3RJ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED. THE CONSUMER STATES THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THOSE PARTS BUT THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE VIN. *YH
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-15
- VIN: 1GNEK18K8SJ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH DRIVER SEATBACK BROKE, NO INJURIES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-06
- VIN: 1GNDT13W5R0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: IN DECEMBER 2001 THE BRAKE SYSTEM TOTALLY FAILED FOR AN INSTANT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC VERY NEARLY CAUSING A REAR END COLLISION. AGAIN ON FEB 6, 2002 THE SAME THING OCCURRED, AGAIN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I WILL PRESENT THE VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET DEALER IN HOPES OF HAVING IT FIXED. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-15
- VIN: 1GNEK18K6RJ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: RECALL 98 V 150 000/WINDSHIELD WIPER WIRING: WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY, RESULTING IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH; DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. AK *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-01
- VIN: 1GNCS13W4R2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DURING WET CONDITIONS, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP ABS BRAKES LOCK UP, AND VEHICLE WILL SLIDE TO A STOP. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED A SENSOR IN ABS; HOWEVER, THIS HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *AK *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
- VIN: ADD
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: HAD TO HAVE GEAR BOX REPLACED, PLEASE ADD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
- VIN: 1GNAT13W3R2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VACUUM SWITCH CHANGED DUE TO RECALL ALTHOUGH DUE TO LENGTH OF TIME IT TOOK FOR MANUFACTER TO CHANGE MAY HAVE DAMAGED CENTRAL ELECTRONIC SYSTEM THAT OPERATES FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES ON WET OR DRY PAVEMENT THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER CAN NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-02
- VIN: 1GNCS13W9R2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: PARTICULARLY IN WET WEATHER WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURS. BRAKES REPLACED AND ABS SYSTEM IS STILL DEFECTIVE. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT REMEDY PROBLEM. NO RECALL ESTABLISHED. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, DURING A DECLINE, VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN ENOUGH BY THE PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE PEDAL. DEALER SAYS IT'S NO PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-19
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GNDT13W0R2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: APPLIED BRAKES, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. VEHICLE WENT INTO AN INTERSECTION, HIT BY ANOTHER MOVING VEHICLE IN DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ONTO PASSENGER'S SIDE. DRY WEATHER; 35 MPH PRIOR TO STOPPING. VEHICLE TOTALED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
- VIN: 1GNDT13W3RO
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EGR VALVE HAS CARBON BUILD UP, CAUSING LOSS OF ALL POWER
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND REAR ENDING OF OTHER VEHICLE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GNDT13W3R0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, APPLIES BRAKES , DOES NOT SEEM THEY WILL GRAB. STOPPED ON TIME, BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ABOUT 30 FEET SOONER THAN DRIVING A REGULAR VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GNDT13W0R2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: HAD AT GARAGE 4 TIMES FOR BRAKES & ON 5TH SET NOW. WHEN APPLYING ABS BRAKES, FRONT BRAKES LOCKUP; VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE; REAR BRAKES WOULD NOT HOLD. GOING 10MPH & HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON. ROAD DRY W/LOOSE GRAVEL & SAND. *AK
1994 Chevrolet Tahoe recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1994 Chevrolet Tahoe.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
- Summary: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
- Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
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