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2019 Chevrolet Tahoe

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, formatted for your website, separated by category, and including available engine/transmission configurations:

The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe is a popular full-size SUV known for its spaciousness, towing capability, and comfortable ride. Engine options include a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 generating 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3L is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 6.2L uses a 10-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Tahoe’s comfortable ride, especially on long trips, and its ability to haul both passengers and cargo. Common dislikes include its size (making it challenging to park in tight spaces) and fuel economy. Some owners also find the third-row seating a bit cramped for adults.

Category: Engine

5.3L EcoTec3 V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough running, excessive oil consumption, and potential for complete engine failure. This occurs when the AFM/DFM lifters collapse due to a design flaw, preventing cylinders from firing correctly.
    • Solution: Replace the affected lifters, often requiring removal of the cylinder head. Many owners choose to delete the AFM/DFM system entirely, replacing the lifters with standard ones and reprogramming the engine control unit (ECU).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent topping off between oil changes. This can be caused by worn valve seals, piston rings, or issues related to the AFM/DFM system.
    • Solution: Diagnosis is key to determine the root cause. Potential fixes range from replacing valve seals or piston rings to addressing AFM/DFM issues. Deleting AFM/DFM is a common solution if that’s the cause.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (valve seals) - $5,000+ (piston rings or AFM/DFM delete)
    • Recalls: None Found

6.2L EcoTec3 V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Identical to the 5.3L V8; Engine misfires, rough running, excessive oil consumption, and potential for complete engine failure. This occurs when the AFM/DFM lifters collapse due to a design flaw, preventing cylinders from firing correctly.
    • Solution: Replace the affected lifters, often requiring removal of the cylinder head. Many owners choose to delete the AFM/DFM system entirely, replacing the lifters with standard ones and reprogramming the engine control unit (ECU).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent topping off between oil changes. This can be caused by worn valve seals, piston rings, or issues related to the AFM/DFM system.
    • Solution: Diagnosis is key to determine the root cause. Potential fixes range from replacing valve seals or piston rings to addressing AFM/DFM issues. Deleting AFM/DFM is a common solution if that’s the cause.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (valve seals) - $5,000+ (piston rings or AFM/DFM delete)
    • Recalls: None Found

Category: Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (paired with 5.3L V8)

  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifts, especially between certain gears. Transmission may slip under load, causing a loss of power.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter change may resolve minor issues. More severe cases may require valve body repair or replacement, or a complete transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (rebuild)
    • Recalls: None Found

10-Speed Automatic (paired with 6.2L V8)

  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 6-speed, but some owners report hesitation when accelerating from a stop, as well as erratic shifting behavior.
    • Solution: Software updates are often the first step. If the problem persists, valve body issues or internal damage may require repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $3,500+ (rebuild)
    • Recalls: None Found

Category: Suspension

  • Magnetic Ride Control (If Equipped) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the magnetic ride control shocks, resulting in a bouncy or harsh ride. Warning lights may illuminate on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty magnetic ride control shocks. These shocks are significantly more expensive than standard shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (per axle)
    • Recalls: None Found

Category: Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the parasitic draw, followed by repair or replacement of the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Infotainment System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, glitches, or becomes unresponsive. Bluetooth connectivity issues are also common.
    • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,200+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Category: Exterior

  • Power Liftgate Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: The power liftgate may fail to open or close properly, or may make unusual noises during operation.
    • Solution: Check the liftgate struts, motor, and latch mechanism. Replacement of the faulty component is usually required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Category: Interior

  • Cracked Dashboard
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking or warping of the dashboard, especially in hot climates.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, while generally a reliable SUV, does have some common issues to watch out for. The most significant concerns revolve around the Active Fuel Management system in both engine options, which can lead to costly repairs. Transmission issues, while less frequent, can also be expensive to address. Electrical problems and suspension issues are also reported by some owners. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchase.

Chevrolet, Tahoe
Chevrolet Tahoe 2019
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