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2010 Chevrolet Tahoe

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Chevrolet Tahoe
Pictured: 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe RST, front 3.7.22. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD Ltz, 4dr SUV RWD Ls/Lt, Hybrid 4dr SUV 2WD, Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, FFV
MPG (best)
22 combined · 21 city / 22 hwy
Length
202 in
Curb weight
5,265–5,836 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints280 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 30 for similar models — most often about the air bags.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (6.0L 8-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 202 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,525 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Ltz).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (21 city / 22 highway), 6% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 280 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2010

  • Engines dropped: 4.8L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Tahoe →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD Ltz202 in77.6 in77.2 in116.1 in68.1 / 66.5 in5,525 lb51/49
4dr SUV RWD Ls/Lt202 in77.6 in77.2 in116.1 in68.1 / 66.5 in5,265 lb51/49
Hybrid 4dr SUV 2WD202 in79.1 in76.8 in116.1 in68.1 / 66.5 in5,617 lb51/49
Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD202 in79.1 in77.2 in116.1 in68.1 / 66.5 in5,836 lb51/49

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tahoe Hybrid 2WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 22 / 22+6%$3,050404
Tahoe Hybrid 4WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive21 / 22 / 21+15%$3,200423
Tahoe 1500 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-18%$3,950523
Tahoe 1500 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-7%$3,950523
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.7 MPG2010 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Chevrolet Tahoe (this car)22 MPGNot rated4
2010 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated6
2010 Ford Expedition16 MPGNot rated0
2010 Nissan Pathfinder18 MPGNot rated4
2010 Toyota Sequoia16 MPGNot rated9
2010 Nissan Armada15 MPGNot rated4
2010 GMC Acadia19 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (4)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V050000 · 2,641,272 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V053000 · 692,526 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V054000 · 1,778,128 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan · Dec 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V868000 · 49,927 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit vehicles manufactured August 24, 2009, to December 1, 2013. The affected vehicles, equipped with special equipment options for police or government service, may experience corrosion of the under-hood cooling fan assembly due to fluid intrusion, which may result in an electrical short circuit.
Risk
A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fan motor and shroud, extend the wiring and re-orient the fan motor to reduce the risk of corrosion, free of charge. The recall began on September 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16145.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

280Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
77,788 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other141
Air Bags106
Structure › Body54
Structure11
Electrical System11
Engine9
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)5
Seats4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/11: 120/12: 121/03: 221/04: 121/05: 121/10: 121/11: 121/12: 122/01: 122/02: 122/03: 122/04: 122/05: 122/06: 123/01: 123/12: 124/05: 124/06: 124/08: 224/09: 125/02: 125/07: 225/09: 125/10: 120/1121/0421/1122/0222/0523/1224/0825/07max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 106 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Structure › Body — 54 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Structure — 11 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 77,788 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Tahoe years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Tahoe24–Not rated00
2026 Tahoe24210.6 inNot rated327
2025 Tahoe24210.6 in★★★★★151
2024 Tahoe24210.6 in★★★★★369
2023 Tahoe24210.6 in★★★★★5233
2022 Tahoe24210.6 in★★★★★4197
2021 Tahoe24210.6 in★★★★★16461
2020 Tahoe18203.9 in★★★★★357
2019 Tahoe18203.9 in★★★★★2109
2018 Tahoe19203.9 in★★★★★3105
2017 Tahoe19203.9 in★★★★★4174
2016 Tahoe19203.9 inNot rated10257

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →