2012 Chevrolet Tahoe
Introduction:
The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior, powerful engine options, and impressive towing capacity. It comes with a choice of two V8 engines, paired with either a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic transmission.
Engine
5.3L V8
- Intake Manifold Bolt Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Broken intake manifold bolts can cause coolant and oil leaks, rough idling, and engine performance issues.
- Solution: Replace the affected intake manifold bolts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: N/A
- Engine Oil Consumption:
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-ups.
- Solution: Repair or replace the piston rings, valve seals, or PCV valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: N/A
6.2L V8
- Fuel Injector Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning fuel injectors can cause engine misfires, poor acceleration, and increased fuel consumption.
- Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: 14V345000
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission Gear Slipping:
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip out of gear or fail to engage properly, causing jerking or hesitation.
- Solution: Replace or repair the faulty transmission solenoids.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
- Recalls: 13V245000
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission Shudder or Vibration:
- Description/Symptoms: The transmission may exhibit shuddering or vibration, especially when accelerating or shifting gears.
- Solution: Reprogramming the transmission control module (TCM) or replacing the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: N/A
Suspension
- Rear Axle Clunking:
- Description/Symptoms: A loud clunking noise from the rear axle when hitting bumps or potholes.
- Solution: Replace the differential pinion bearings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: N/A
- Front Control Arm Bushing Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: Worn-out control arm bushings can cause poor handling, uneven tire wear, and excessive vibration.
- Solution: Replace the affected control arm bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side
- Recalls: 14V348000
Electrical
- Tail Light Wiring Harness Issue:
- Description/Symptoms: Faulty wiring harness can cause tail lights to malfunction or fail completely.
- Solution: Replace the affected wiring harness.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: N/A
- Battery Terminal Corrosion:
- Description/Symptoms: Corroded battery terminals can cause poor electrical connections, leading to starting problems and electrical system issues.
- Solution: Clean or replace the corroded battery terminals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
- Recalls: N/A
Exterior
- Side Mirror Shake:
- Description/Symptoms: The side mirrors may vibrate or shake excessively when driving at higher speeds.
- Solution: Replace or tighten the side mirror mounting bolts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
- Recalls: N/A
Interior
- Dashboard Rattle:
- Description/Symptoms: A rattling noise coming from the dashboard, especially when driving over rough surfaces.
- Solution: Tighten or replace the loose dashboard components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
- Recalls: N/A
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure:
- Description/Symptoms: The HVAC blower motor may fail, resulting in no air flow from the vents.
- Solution: Replace the faulty blower motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: N/A
Summary:
The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe is a reliable vehicle overall, with a spacious interior and powerful engine options. However, it is not without its share of issues. Some of the more severe problems, such as engine oil consumption and transmission slippage, can be expensive to fix. Other issues, like interior rattles and exterior shaking, are less significant but still annoying. It is advisable to research these potential problems before purchasing a 2012 Tahoe and to consider the potential repair costs.