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2008 Chevrolet Tahoe

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that offers a blend of capability and comfort. Available engines include the 4.8L V8 (295 hp, 305 lb-ft of torque), the 5.3L V8 (320 hp, 340 lb-ft of torque), and the 6.0L V8 (366 hp, 380 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic (4L60E) with the 4.8L V8 and a 4-speed automatic (4L60E) or 6-speed automatic (6L80E) with the 5.3L and 6.0L V8 engines. Owners generally appreciate the Tahoe’s spacious interior, towing capacity, and comfortable ride. Common dislikes include its large size making it hard to park, subpar fuel economy, and some reported reliability issues.

Engine

4.8L V8

  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Can lead to engine damage if not monitored.
    • Solution: Replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or in severe cases, a complete engine rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8 (Including AFM/DOD)

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Dynamic Oil Pressure Management (DOD) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or knocking noises from the engine, rough idling, misfires, and reduced power. Check engine light may illuminate. Occurs due to AFM lifters collapsing and damaging the camshaft.
    • Solution: Replacing the failed lifters, camshaft, and potentially the VLOM (Valve Lifter Oil Manifold). AFM disable kits are also available to prevent future issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Can lead to engine damage if not monitored. Can be exacerbated by AFM issues.
    • Solution: Replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or in severe cases, a complete engine rebuild. AFM disable kits may help if related to AFM issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Knocking Noise
    • Description/Symptoms: A loud knocking noise may be heard at the front of the engine. This is more common in the 5.3L engines with AFM. The noise is a result of a failed lifter. The noise will start off quiet and gradually grow to become more loud as the lifter worsens.
    • Solution: Replace the failed lifter. Replace the camshaft if it has been damaged. Disable AFM/DOD to prevent future failure.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

6.0L V8

  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Can lead to engine damage if not monitored.
    • Solution: Replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or in severe cases, a complete engine rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L60E (4-Speed Automatic)

  • Harsh or Delayed Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough shifts, delays when shifting between gears, or slipping. Can be caused by worn clutches, valve body issues, or solenoid failures.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild, valve body replacement/repair, or solenoid replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Complete Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission stops working completely. Can be caused by complete destruction of internal parts.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

6L80E (6-Speed Automatic)

  • Harsh or Delayed Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough shifts, delays when shifting between gears, or slipping. Can be caused by worn clutches, valve body issues, or solenoid failures.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild, valve body replacement/repair, or solenoid replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: A shudder or vibration felt during light acceleration, particularly at lower speeds.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement or transmission flush with updated fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Complete Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission stops working completely. Can be caused by complete destruction of internal parts.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Autoride Air Suspension Failure (if equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sagging, compressor running constantly, or a “Service Ride Control” message displayed. Caused by leaks in the air springs (bags) or a failing compressor.
    • Solution: Replacing the air springs, compressor, or both. Conversion to a standard coil spring suspension is also an option.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ per air spring, $300 - $800+ for the compressor, $500-$1500+ for coil conversion.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Clunking Noises
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises when going over bumps.
    • Solution: Replace worn ball joints, sway bar end links, or shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 per part
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door locks not working or working intermittently. Often affects multiple doors.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per door
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Panel Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), backlight failure, or the entire cluster going blank.
    • Solution: Replacing or repairing the instrument panel cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Loss of Power
    • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle has an issue causing complete loss of power while driving, which causes the vehicle to shut off.
    • Solution: Replace the fuel pump relay
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
    • Recalls: #07V029000

Exterior

  • Rear Liftgate Strut Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear liftgate not staying open or closing unexpectedly.
    • Solution: Replacing the liftgate struts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Cracked Dashboard
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, especially in hot climates.
    • Solution: Replacing the dashboard or using a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Steering Shaft Rattle
    • Description/Symptoms: A rattling noise from the steering column, often heard when driving over bumps or on rough roads.
    • Solution: Replacing the intermediate steering shaft.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, while offering a comfortable ride and ample space, is prone to several issues. The most concerning are the engine problems, particularly with the 5.3L V8, due to AFM lifter failure and oil consumption. Transmission issues, especially with the 4L60E and 6L80E, are also common. Suspension issues with the Autoride system, if equipped, can lead to costly repairs. While some electrical and interior issues are present, the engine and transmission problems tend to be the most severe and expensive to address. Addressing these potential issues will require spending a considerable amount of money on repairs.

Chevrolet, Tahoe
Chevrolet Tahoe 2008
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