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The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are GM's full-size SUV twins, with the long-wheelbase Suburban and Yukon XL alongside them. Two generations matter for owners: the 2015–2020 SUVs and the current ones, redesigned for 2021, the generation that introduced an independent multilink rear suspension. The off-road models are the Tahoe Z71 and the Yukon AT4; the Z71 gets the AutoTrac two-speed transfer case, Hill Descent Control, a skid plate and all-terrain tires, with Air Ride height adjustment available.
At a Glance
| If your SUV is a… | What to know |
|---|---|
| 2015–2020 Tahoe or Yukon | Earlier generation: separate body parts and suspension from the 2021-on SUVs |
| 2021-on Tahoe or Yukon | Independent rear suspension; Magnetic Ride and Air Ride on many trims |
| Tahoe Z71 or Yukon AT4 | AutoTrac two-speed case (Z71), skid plate, recovery hooks, high-approach front fascia |
| Suburban or Yukon XL | Long-wheelbase versions; for 2025 the Suburban was rated to tow 200 lb less than the Tahoe |
Generations and Model Years
IIHS applies its crash ratings for the earlier Tahoe to 2015–2020 models and notes that the Tahoe was redesigned for the 2021 model year. Chevrolet says the multilink independent rear suspension was introduced with the current Tahoe and Suburban and was retuned for 2025, when the SUVs also got new styling, a new dashboard and the second-generation 3.0L Duramax diesel. The Yukon and Yukon XL are GMC's versions of the Tahoe and Suburban, and NHTSA recall filings routinely group all four with the Cadillac Escalade, which is why so many campaigns in the table below list several models.
The SUVs share engines and the AutoTrac transfer case with the Silverado and Sierra 1500 and appear in several of the same recall campaigns, but body, suspension and bumper parts are specific to the SUV.
4WD System
Chevrolet lists the AutoTrac two-speed active transfer case and Hill Descent Control on the Tahoe Z71. AutoTrac's modes work the same way as on GM's pickups:
- 2WD drives the rear wheels for normal roads with good traction.
- Auto engages the front axle as needed and can be used on any surface; it is meant for wet roads and winter.
- 4 Hi is for gravel and loose or slippery ground, not dry pavement.
- 4 Lo multiplies torque for sand, mud, snow, rocks and steep grades; don't exceed 45 mph, and shift into or out of it below 3 mph.
Air Ride Adaptive Suspension, available on the High Country, Z71 and (since 2025) RST, levels the load automatically, lowers the body at highway speed to cut drag and lets the driver raise it for more ground clearance off-road. Magnetic Ride Control, standard on Premier and High Country and available on RST and Z71, reads the road 1,000 times a second and adjusts the dampers. The Z71 also has a 20-inch all-terrain Goodyear Wrangler Territory tire, an aluminum skid plate, red recovery hooks and a high-approach front fascia. GMC's Yukon AT4 and AT4 Ultimate get a high-clearance front fascia with a front skid plate, the AT4 adds red recovery hooks, and GMC lists four-corner Air Ride as available on the Yukon.
Engines and Towing
| Engine (Tahoe, 2027) | Output | Where you find it |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3L V8 | 355 hp, 383 lb-ft | Standard on all but High Country |
| 6.2L V8 | 420 hp, 460 lb-ft | Standard on High Country; optional on RST, Z71, Premier |
| 6.2L V8, RST Performance Edition | 433 hp, 467 lb-ft | RST Performance Edition |
| 3.0L Duramax diesel I-6 | 305 hp, 495 lb-ft | Optional on LT, RST, Z71, Premier, High Country |
The 5.3L and the diesel use a 10-speed automatic. Chevrolet says the second-generation diesel, launched for 2025, makes 10% more power and 7.6% more torque than the first-generation engine's 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, and was offered on the Z71 for the first time. The 5.3L runs on regular 87-octane fuel and the 6.2L on premium 91. Chevrolet rates the Tahoe at up to 8,400 lb of towing and the 2025 Suburban at 8,200 lb; GMC quotes up to 8,400 lb for the Yukon.
Recall History (NHTSA)
NHTSA's recall API returns 41 campaigns for 2015–2026 Tahoe model years. Almost all are shared with the Suburban, Yukon and Escalade, and several with the Silverado and Sierra, so unit counts are campaign totals.
| NHTSA campaign | Filed | Tahoe model years | Problem | Units (all models) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19V761 | Oct 2019 | 2015–2020, 5.3L, 3.08 axle, 4WD | A failed wheel-speed sensor at 41–60 mph in 4WD or Auto can brake one wheel and pull the SUV to one side | 652,967 |
| 25V274 | Apr 2025 | 2021–2024, 6.2L V8 | Connecting rod or crankshaft defects can cause engine failure; inspect, repair or replace engine | 597,571 |
| 14V152 | Mar 2014 | 2015, 6-speed automatic | Transmission oil cooler line may not be seated; leaking fluid can start a fire | 489,936 |
| 22V617 | Aug 2022 | 2021–2022, third-row seats | Rivet holding a third-row seat-belt buckle to its bracket can fail | 484,155 |
| 14V374 | Jun 2014 | 2015 | Electrical short can shift the transfer case to neutral | 392,459 |
| 26V289 | May 2026 | 2026, plus certain 2015–2020 | A component missing from the transfer case can lock the front or rear wheels without warning; do not drive until repaired | 66 |
| 25V619 | Sep 2025 | 2021, 2023–2024, 3.0L diesel | Original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect one | 12 |
Several of these depend on equipment: 19V761 needs the 5.3L, 3.08 axle and 4WD; 25V274 the 6.2L; 25V619 the diesel. Enter a VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether a specific SUV has an open campaign; the tool below lists campaigns by year.
Tahoe & Yukon Owner Pages
- Tahoe service 4wd
- Problems & Maintenance
- Mod Priorities
- How Many Miles Will It Last?
- Chevrolet/GMC accessory fitment hub
Check for Open Recalls
Look up open NHTSA recall campaigns for this model by year. This calls NHTSA's free, public recall API directly from your browser — nothing is sent to us.
Choose a year and select “Check Recalls”.
Data from NHTSA's public recall API — this lookup is not the official record and 4x4 & Overlanding is not affiliated with NHTSA. Always confirm current recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls using your vehicle's VIN before assuming a vehicle has no open recalls.
Toyota, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Jeep and Ram are trademarks of their respective owners. 4x4 & Overlanding is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by any vehicle manufacturer.
Sources
- IIHS — 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe 4-door SUV ratings — The Tahoe was redesigned for the 2021 model year.
- IIHS — 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe 4-door SUV ratings — Ratings for the earlier Tahoe apply to 2015–2020 models.
- Chevrolet — Meet the new 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban — Independent multilink rear suspension introduced on the current Tahoe and Suburban and retuned for 2025; second-generation 3.0L Duramax (305 hp, 495 lb-ft, up 10% and 7.6% from 277 hp and 460 lb-ft), offered on Z71 for the first time; engine availability; Air Ride on High Country, Z71 and RST; Magnetic Ride Control; 8,400 lb Tahoe and 8,200 lb Suburban towing.
- Chevrolet — Tahoe — 2027 Tahoe trims, engines and outputs, RST Performance Edition output, fuel requirements, Z71 AutoTrac two-speed active transfer case, Hill Descent Control, skid plate, recovery hooks, 20-inch all-terrain tires, available Air Ride; 8,400 lb max towing.
- GMC — Yukon — Yukon trims (Elevation, AT4, AT4 Ultimate, Denali, Denali Ultimate); AT4 and AT4 Ultimate high-clearance fascia and front skid plate; available four-corner Air Ride; up to 8,400 lb towing.
- Chevrolet — How to Use AutoTrac — AutoTrac two-speed transfer case modes (2WD, Auto, 4 Hi, 4 Lo, Neutral); Auto usable on any surface; do not use 4 Hi or 4 Lo on dry surfaces; 4 Lo not above 45 mph; shifting into or out of 4 Lo below 3 mph.
- NHTSA — Recall 19V761 — 2015–2020 Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon (and 2014–2018 Silverado/Sierra 1500) with 5.3L, 3.08 axle and 4WD: wheel-speed sensor failure can trigger unintended braking, 652,967 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 25V274 — 2021–2024 6.2L V8 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade, Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500: connecting rod or crankshaft defects, 597,571 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 14V152 — 2014 Silverado/Sierra 1500 and 2015 Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon with the 6-speed automatic: transmission oil cooler line fire risk, 489,936 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 22V617 — 2021–2022 Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Escalade third-row seat-belt buckle rivet, 484,155 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 14V374 — 2015 Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon (and 2014–2015 Silverado/Sierra): transfer case can shift to neutral, 392,459 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 26V289 — 2026 GM full-size trucks and SUVs with 4WD or AWD and certain 2015–2020 SUVs: missing transfer-case component can lock the wheels; do-not-drive advisory; 66 units.
- NHTSA — Recall 25V619 — 2021, 2023–2024 Tahoe and other diesel GM SUVs: incorrect replacement fuel tank, 12 units.
- NHTSA — Datasets and APIs (Recalls API) — Recall campaign counts by model year and each campaign's reported number of potentially affected units, retrieved September 28, 2026.
- NHTSA — Recalls lookup by VIN — VIN lookup for open recall campaigns on a specific vehicle.