Chevy Tahoe Transmission Problems & Cost

Introduced at the start of the great American SUV craze, the Chevrolet Tahoe is still one of America’s best selling vehicles. It can carry lots of people, lots of gear, and tow big heavy trailers at the same time. The key to its success has always been its sturdy platform and durable drivetrains. However, Chevy Tahoe transmission problems can shoot that durability rating down like a target at a carnival game. So let’s figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Chevy Tahoe Transmission Models

Chevy Tahoe: 4L60E Transmission (Early Models)
Chevy Tahoe: 6L80 Transmission (Later Models)
Chevy Tahoe: 8L90 Transmission (Later Models)

Chevy Tahoe Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement Tahoe Transmission Prices:

What are the DTC codes related to Chevy Tahoe transmission problems?

Chevy Tahoe Transmission Recalls

Recall 14V152000 – Transmission cooler line leak – 6L80 Transmission
2015 Chevrolet Tahoe

Summary –
In March 2014, General Motors recalled certain 2015 Tahoe vehicles equipped with a 6L80 6-Speed Automatic Transmission. The recalled trucks may have a transmission oil cooler line that is not securely seated in the fitting.

Consequence –
If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and cause a vehicle fire.

Remedy –
Dealers were instructed to inspect the transmission oil cooler line connection and repair the vehicles, as needed, free of charge. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546 (refer to the Chevrolet Silverado recall 14121) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (refer to recall 14V152000).

Chevy Tahoe Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 01-07-30-002C – Transmission stuck in third gear with inoperable instrument cluster and multiple DTC’s – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65 Transmission
1997 – 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problem – Vehicles equipped with the 4L60E and 4L65E transmission may become stuck in third gear, the instrument cluster may not function, and the following DTC’s may be set: P0740, P0753, P0758, P0785 and P1860.
Solution – The most likely cause of this transmission problem is a blown fuse or an open on circuit 1020 between the fuse panel and the transmission. If no battery voltage is found at the fuse, the ignition switch will need to be replaced

TSB 01-07-30-023B – Harsh 1-2 upshift with P1870 DTC – 4L60E Transmission RPO M30
1996-2000 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problem – Drivers may experience an unusually harsh 1-2 shift because the ECU has commanded maximum line pressure in order to compensate for excessive wear in the bore that contains the TCC isolator and regulator valves inside of the valve body.
Solution – Replace the 4L60E valve body with revised TCC regulator and isolator valves.

To learn more now this TSB, click the link above

TSB 08-07-30-027 – No movements when transmission is shifted into Drive or third – 4L60E Transmission – 4L65E Transmission – 4L70E Transmission
2006-2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problem – It is possible to experience no movement when the transmission is shifted into Drive or the 3rd gear position. It is possible to experience normal operation when the transmission shifted into second, first or reverse.
Solution – Replace the forward sprag assembly

To learn more now this TSB, click the link above

TSB 00-07-30-022D – No reverse, second or fourth gears – 4L60E Transmission & 4L65E Transmission
1993 – 2005 GM passenger cars and light duty trucks
Problem – Drivers may experience the loss of reverse, second and fourth gears. First and third gears will seem to function normally
Solution – The reaction sun gear may fail inside of the sun shell. It will need to be replaced with a stronger heat-treated 4L60E / 4L65 sun gear.

To learn more now this TSB, click the link above

TSB 01-04-17-004B – Clunk, bump or squawk when vehicle comes to a stop, or when it is accelerating from a complete stop – 4WD/AWD vehicles with a one-piece propeller/drive shaft only
2000-2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problem – In vehicles equipped with 4WD or AWD, drivers may experience a clunk, bump or squawk noise when they come to a stop, or when accelerating from a complete stop. This may occur during the 2-3 upshift or 3-2 downshift.
Solution – Replace the rear driveshaft slip yoke with a more robust nickel plated slip yoke.

TSB 06-07-30-007A – Harsh 1-2 shift with P0894 DTC – 4L60E Transmission | 4L65 Transmission | 4L70E Transmission
2006 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problem – Drivers may experience an unusually harsh 1-2 shift with a P0894 DTC
Solution – Replace the TCC enable solenoid and/or wiring harness

TSB 08-07-30-008B – Diagnostic information for P0894 and P1870 DTC – 4L60E Transmission | 4L65 Transmission | 4L70E Transmission
2003-2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problem – This relates to drivers who experience unusually harsh 1-2 shifts, along with a P0804 and/or a P1870 DTC.
Solution – It is possible that a leaking TCC solenoid, a torque converter clutch valve or damaged turbine shaft O-ring seal could cause these two diagnostic trouble codes. However, it could also be caused by a failed torque converter.

To learn more now this TSB, click the link above

TSB PIP4051C – Harsh Shifting – Chevrolet Tahoe 4L60E
Problem – Unusually harsh gear changes, combined with a P0717 DTC for an input shaft speed sensor error, are often caused by damage to the ISS sensor wiring.
Solution – If wire damage is found (usually to the white wire), the wiring and sensor will have to be replaced. The pump cover should also be examined for sharp points/edges that could damage the wiring. If any are found, they should be smoothed with a file.

TSB 08-07-30-001 – 4L80E Transmission
Problem – Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, no forward/reverse gears. Possible DTCs: P0741, P0742, P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0894.
Solution – Rebuild or replace the valve body.

TSB 08-07-30-015 – 4L80E Transmission
Problem – Harsh shifts, delayed 2-3 shifts, 2-3 shift flare, no 3rd gear, slips in 3rd gear or reverse. Possible DTC 0757.
Solution – If none of the issues described in Bulletin 08-07-30-001 are present (debris in #11 checkball, leak in oil circuit, damage to the direct clutch), then replace the 2-3 shift solenoid due to a possible sticking pintle.

TSB 08-07-30-016 – Slipping, refusal to shift, overheating – 4L80E Transmission
Problem – Slipping between the gears, overheating, refusal to shift out of a gear, and/or DTC P0894 or P0218, may be because by friction material debonding from the torque convertor clutch (TCC).
Solution – If the friction material has circulated throughout the transmission, the entire transmission may need to be replaced. It is possible to remove the material from the internal components (like transmission cooler lines and the valve body), but it depends on the extent of the damage.

TSB PI488C – No forward or reverse and/or slipping – 6L80 Transmission | 6L90 Transmission
2010 – 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problem – Trucks equipped with the 6-speed 6L80 or 6L90 transmission may experience no forward or reverse engagement, or slipping between the gears.
Solution – This problem could be caused by a cracked or split transmission filter. If this is the case, the transmission pump should be disassembled and inspected for possible damage. Inspect for any of the following conditions: – scored pump rotor or pump vanes – scored pump cover or pump rotor pocket – cracked pump slide.

The transmission should also be evaluated for any possible distress to the clutches. GM’s testing and analysis found that split or damaged filters may be caused by a damaged transmission pump. This can send a high pressure fluid spike down the filter neck on a cold start, resulting in the filter body cracking or the filter seam splitting. The filter is not defective and this is not a filter quality issue. Important: Do not replace the filter without inspecting the pump. Failure to inspect the pump and clutches could lead to a repeat of this condition.

PIP5071 – Squawking noise on the 2-3 shift
Problem – An unusual squawking or groaning noise may be heard on the upshift from 2nd to 3rd gear.
Solution – The 3-4 friction and steel plates, clutch plate, apply plate, and selective backing plates will have to be replaced.

TSB 16-NA-014 – Delayed engagement after sitting with the engine off – Chevrolet Tahoe 8L90
Problem – Drivers may experience a pronounced delay in forward or reverse gear engagement after shifting from Park. This condition typically occurs when the vehicle has been sitting for several hours with the engine off (like overnight).
Solution – In order to correct this common 8L90 transmission problem, a new stator shaft support assembly will have to be installed.

PIP5437A – Harsh shifts – Chevrolet Tahoe 8L90
Problem – One of the more common 8L90 transmission problems is excessively hard or abrupt gear changes.
Solution – The TCM may need to be recalibrated with the latest control software. It could also be caused by one or more of the clutch fill times not being learned by the TCM. In which case, the Service Fast Learn (SFL) procedure will have to be performed.

PIP5437B – Harsh shifts – 8L45 Transmission | 8L90 Transmission
2016 – 2017 Cadillac ATS – 2016 – 2017 Cadillac CT5 – 2016 – 2017 Cadillac CT6 – 2015 – 2017 Cadillac Escalade – 2016 – 2017 Chevrolet Camaro – 2017 Chevrolet Colorado – 2015 – 2017 Chevrolet Corvette – 2017 Chevrolet Express – 2015 – 2017 Chevrolet Silverado – 2017 GMC Canyon – 2017 GMC Savana – 2015 – 2017 GMC Sierra – 2015 – 2017 GMC Yukon Denali
Problem – One of the more common 8L90 transmission problems is excessively hard or abrupt gear changes.
Solution – The TCM may need to be recalibrated with the latest control software. It could also be caused by one or more of the clutch fill times not being learned by the TCM. In which case, the Service Fast Learn (SFL) procedure will have to be performed. Should the problems persist, the valve body will need to be replaced.

TSB 16-NA-404 – Erratic shifting behavior – Chevrolet Tahoe 8L90
Problem – Drivers may experience harsh shifts, delayed shifts, unexpected downshift, stuck in a gear and/or hesitation to shift. The following DTC codes may also be set: P0747, P0777, P0797, P2715, P2724.
Solution – These problems may be caused by a programming error in the TCM, which will require a software update.

Common Chevy Tahoe Transmission Problems

Intermittent harsh shifting – Chevrolet Tahoe 4L60E
Problem – A common Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problem is an intermittent hard 1-2 shift, often accompanied by engine bogging. This condition can be caused by the torque convertor clutch applying during the shift.
Solution – To remedy the problem, the wiring harness needs to be inspected from the transmission case connector to the rear of the engine on the driver side. It’s possible that the wires for the TCC solenoid and pressure control solenoid have become frayed on a body seam. If this is the case, the wiring will need to be repaired, and the harness repositioned.

Solenoid DTC’s – Chevrolet Tahoe 6L80E
Problem – A number of diagnostic trouble codes, including P0776, P0796, P2714 and P2723, can be caused by a pressure leak at the end of the clutch regulating valve.
Solution – The bore plug will have to be replaced with updated versions, or modified to accept an O-ring kit.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

When you have Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems, the temptation might be to continue driving until it is convenient to go find a mechanic. But doing that could create serious internal damage. So do yourself a favor and have an experienced mechanic inspect your truck immediately.

How often does a Chevy Tahoe transmission need to be replaced?

The lifecycle of your Chevrolet Tahoe transmission largely depends on how you treat it and maintain it. Of course, factory design flaws play a part, and remanufactured transmissions can last considerably longer if the design flaws have been addressed. That said, average lifespan of a Tahoe transmission that we’ve seen is 130,000-180,000 miles.

How are Chevy Tahoe transmission issues diagnosed?

The onboard diagnostics system (OBDII) is designed to store error codes when there is a mechanical or electrical problem. Using a scan tool, your mechanic can download these diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to determine the source of most Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems. However if a code is not stored, then good old-fashioned mechanical detective work will have to be done.

How is a Chevy Tahoe transmission replaced?

Since it’s based on a truck chassis, removing a Chevrolet Tahoe transmission is simply a matter of unbolting it from the engine, frame, and driveshaft. Installation happens in the reverse order, but you will have to reprogram the ECU in order for it to accept the new transmission.

Recommendations for Chevy Tahoe transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Chevy Tahoe transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Chevy Tahoe Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Chevy Tahoe Transmission

To achieve a fast solution to most severe Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems, you could Google “junkyard near me” and go buy a used 4L60E / used 6L80E / used 8L90 transmission. These are fairly affordable, and usually come with some type of replacement warranty. However, you could be in for even worse problems in the future. Plus, that warranty might not cover labor charges.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Chevy Tahoe Transmission

A better solution would be to get a rebuilt 4L60E / rebuilt 6L80E / rebuilt 8L90 transmission from your mechanic or local transmission repair center. They will install a bunch of new transmission parts, then give you a warranty that might only be good at that shop. But that type of warranty coverage won’t do you any good if you’re out of town when transmission problems arise. And just because they installed a bunch of new seals and clutch plates, doesn’t mean they checked for hairline cracks and metal weakness in the hard parts (gears, valve body etc).

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Chevy Tahoe Transmission

To nearly eliminate the possibility of future Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems (unless you don’t to maintain it or put a gajillion miles on it), a remanufactured 4L60E / remanufactured 6L80E / remanufactured 8L90 transmission would be your best bet. These are built in a factory, where they test every single component that is used. Many companies also modify them to correct for factory design flaws. This results in a much longer service life, and the warranties are usually pretty good too.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Chevy Tahoe Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!