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2013 Chevrolet Tahoe

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe, organized by category and component.

The 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV known for its spaciousness and towing capacity. It offered several engine options including a 4.8L V8 (270 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque), a 5.3L V8 (320 hp, 335 lb-ft of torque), and a 6.2L V8 (403 hp, 417 lb-ft of torque). A 6-speed automatic transmission was the standard transmission for each engine option. Owners appreciate the Tahoe’s comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and capability. However, some common complaints include lower fuel economy, size can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and some reliability concerns as it ages.

Engine

4.8L V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, cylinder deactivation malfunctions, rough idling, and potential engine damage. The AFM system is designed to shut off cylinders to improve fuel economy, but it can lead to increased wear and tear on certain components.
    • Solution: Disabling the AFM system, replacing the AFM lifters, or a complete engine rebuild if damage is severe.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the severity of the damage and the chosen solution.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Failed Oil Pressure Sensor
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil pressure gauge fluctuating erratically or reading zero, check engine light, potential engine damage if not addressed.
    • Solution: Replacing the oil pressure sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, cylinder deactivation malfunctions, rough idling, and potential engine damage. The AFM system is designed to shut off cylinders to improve fuel economy, but it can lead to increased wear and tear on certain components.
    • Solution: Disabling the AFM system, replacing the AFM lifters, or a complete engine rebuild if damage is severe.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the severity of the damage and the chosen solution.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Failed Oil Pressure Sensor
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil pressure gauge fluctuating erratically or reading zero, check engine light, potential engine damage if not addressed.
    • Solution: Replacing the oil pressure sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

6.2L V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, cylinder deactivation malfunctions, rough idling, and potential engine damage. The AFM system is designed to shut off cylinders to improve fuel economy, but it can lead to increased wear and tear on certain components.
    • Solution: Disabling the AFM system, replacing the AFM lifters, or a complete engine rebuild if damage is severe.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the severity of the damage and the chosen solution.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Failed Oil Pressure Sensor
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil pressure gauge fluctuating erratically or reading zero, check engine light, potential engine damage if not addressed.
    • Solution: Replacing the oil pressure sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6L80 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during light acceleration, especially at highway speeds. Often caused by worn torque converter clutches.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement or transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Delayed or Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delay when shifting gears, harsh or jerky shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear. Can be caused by valve body issues or worn internal components.
    • Solution: Valve body repair or replacement, transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, air suspension warning light illuminated, compressor running constantly or not at all.
    • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Autoride Shock Absorber Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, potential leaks from the shock absorbers.
    • Solution: Replacing the Autoride shock absorbers (can be expensive).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per shock absorber
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Power Window Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window not operating, clicking sound from the door when the switch is activated.
    • Solution: Replacing the power window motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the remote or door switch.
    • Solution: Replacing the door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Radio/Navigation System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Radio freezing, screen going blank, navigation malfunctions.
    • Solution: Software update (if available), replacement of the radio/navigation unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $1,000+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Rocker Panels and Lower Body Panels
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust spots on the lower areas of the vehicle.
    • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, and repainting.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the severity of the rust
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Cracked Dashboard
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, often due to sun exposure.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement or dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the solution
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Headliner Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: Headliner fabric detaching from the roof.
    • Solution: Headliner replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe, while a capable and spacious SUV, has some known issues to watch out for. The most significant concerns revolve around the Active Fuel Management system in the engines, which can lead to excessive oil consumption and potential engine damage. Transmission problems, especially torque converter shudder, are also relatively common. Other issues such as electrical failures and suspension problems can also occur. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission work. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed to identify any existing or potential problems.

Chevrolet, Tahoe
Chevrolet Tahoe 2013
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