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Before you buy

2018 Chevrolet Tahoe inspection checklist

Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.

Inspect this Tahoe

Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.

Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.

Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.

Required checks

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Engine owner reports: 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Power Train owner reports: 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Service Brakes owner reports: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention service brakes.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum recall: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring recall: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum recall: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: This Warranty Administration bulletin is for information on General Motors New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program (U.S.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: This service bulletin provides information on GM Canada New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program for Original Equipment (OE) Tires and PDI installed Limited Production Option (LPO) Tires.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

  • Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
  • Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
  • Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

  • Service and oil-change history
  • Completed recall / campaign paperwork
  • Any dealer diagnostic reports

Why these checks are here

Engine owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Warning signs: 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Power Train owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Warning signs: 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Service Brakes owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2018.

Warning signs: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention service brakes.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2018.

Warning signs: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum recall

Official record for model year 2018.

Warning signs: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: This Warranty Administration bulletin is for information on General Motors New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program (U.S.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: This service bulletin provides information on GM Canada New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program for Original Equipment (OE) Tires and PDI installed Limited Production Option (LPO) Tires.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2020.

Warning signs: Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2020.

Warning signs: Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“During a road trip, we came to a stop and upon stepping on gas to proceed on the road and it wouldn't go. The engine revved and "pulled" until we were able to move. We took it to a dealership as well as private mechanic and was told it is an engine problem and running $3k or more to have it fixed. We have small children and consider this a safety hazard. Unfortunately, this is the only vehicle we have to commute.”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Unexpected acceleration”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“While driving home, the the FAC, forward automatic crash, indicator light came on, I applied the brakes and watched to my dismay as my vehicle slowed down but would not stop. I applied steady hard pressure until impact with another vehicle in front of me. The FAB, forward automatic braking system never kicked in. I will contact the dealer concerning the above issue.”
NHTSAcomplaintOct 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time. As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.”
NHTSArecallJun 2019Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system. Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist. A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.”
NHTSArecallJan 2020Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“This Warranty Administration bulletin is for information on General Motors New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program (U.S. Dealers Only).”
NHTSAtsbApr 2020Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“This service bulletin provides information on GM Canada New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program for Original Equipment (OE) Tires and PDI installed Limited Production Option (LPO) Tires. ”
NHTSAtsbMay 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period. ”
NHTSAtsbMay 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.”
NHTSAtsbAug 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase. If such a notice is not provided to GM, then the vehicle owner is prevented from seeking civil penalties in litigation. Vehicle owners of the applicable vehicles will be mailed an owner’s manual and warranty insert containing this information in English and Spanish. ”
NHTSAtsbJun 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase. If such a notice is not provided to GM, then the vehicle owner is prevented from seeking civil penalties in litigation. Vehicle owners of the affected vehicles will be mailed an owner’s manual and warranty insert containing this information in English and Spanish. ”
NHTSAtsbJun 2025Open source record

The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.

Check this year at your mileage