2017 Chevrolet Tahoe

2017 Chevrolet Tahoe

Overview

The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV known for its robust towing capacity and spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families and those needing significant hauling capabilities. Generally, the 2017 model year demonstrated good reliability, particularly with its powertrain. However, like any vehicle, some owners have reported specific issues that, while not universal, are worth noting for potential buyers. This analysis focuses on documented technical issues beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into common problem areas and their potential repair costs.

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Engine

5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (L83)

Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Issues

• Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, potential engine knocking or ticking noises, check engine light illumination.
• Solution: Replacement of lifters, camshaft, and potentially the oil pump. Some owners opt for AFM disabragment.
• Cost: $1,500 - $3,000

Oil Consumption

• Symptoms: Excessive oil burning between oil changes, blue smoke from exhaust.
• Solution: Can be due to worn piston rings, valve seals, or PCV system issues. Repair involves engine internal work or component replacement.
• Cost: $1,000 - $2,500

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (6L80/6L90)

Harsh Shifting / Delayed Engagement

• Symptoms: Jerky gear changes, difficulty engaging drive or reverse, transmission slipping.
• Solution: Transmission fluid and filter change, software update, or internal transmission repair/rebuild.
• Cost: $500 - $3,500

Suspension

Standard Chassis

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

Electrical

Infotainment System

Screen Freezing / Unresponsiveness

• Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system freezes or reboots randomly.
• Solution: Software update, infotainment unit reset, or replacement of the unit.
• Cost: $300 - $1,200

Battery Drain

Intermittent Battery Drain

• Symptoms: Battery dies unexpectedly, vehicle may not start.
• Solution: Diagnosis to find parasitic draw from modules or accessories, repair wiring or replace faulty module.
• Cost: $200 - $800

Exterior

Body Panels & Trim

No Major Issues

• Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
• Solution: No widespread issues reported.
• Cost: No widespread issues reported.

Interior

HVAC System

Blower Motor Failure

• Symptoms: No air coming from vents or intermittent airflow, unusual noises from dashboard.
• Solution: Replacement of the blower motor or blower motor resistor.
• Cost: $250 - $600

Seat Actuators

Power Seat Malfunction

• Symptoms: Power seats fail to move forward, backward, or adjust height.
• Solution: Replacement of faulty seat motor/actuator.
• Cost: $300 - $700

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Summary Verdict

The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe is generally a reliable large SUV, with its 5.3L V8 engine and automatic transmission being the core strengths. The most commonly reported significant issues revolve around the Active Fuel Management system’s lifters and potential oil consumption, which can be costly to repair. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and intermittent battery drain, are also noted. Interior components like the HVAC blower motor and power seat actuators can occasionally fail. Despite these points, for a vehicle of its size and capability, the 2017 Tahoe offers a solid ownership experience when these potential issues are addressed.