MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Chevrolet Tahoe Safety Ratings

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 51 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

3Recalls
51Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe's crash-test performance from NHTSA is mixed, presenting a strong side-impact result against a weaker rollover score. Its overall NHTSA Safety Index sits at 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. Three recall campaigns issued for this model year add meaningful context for any prospective owner.

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, based on federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe ranks 88 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2020 Chevrolet Tahoe safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index76 / 100 (Average)
Overall crash rating4 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 3 stars
Rollover risk21.9%
Recalls on file3
Owner complaints51 (unverified allegations)
Class rank88 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe?

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe represents a three-point Safety Index gain over the 2019 model, moving from 73 to 76 out of 100 while remaining in the Average band. That incremental improvement is visible most clearly in the crash-protection sub-score of 57 out of 70, which anchors the index. The avoidance-tech score of 6 out of 10 reflects a meaningful limitation: both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on this model year, meaning not every 2020 Tahoe on the road carries those features. Electronic stability control is the one crash-avoidance technology confirmed as standard equipment. The three recall campaigns active for this year span tires, the fuel delivery pump, and the ABS wheel speed sensor system, covering a range of safety-critical components. The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars, paired with a 22% rollover risk, is the single most consequential crash-test finding for a tall-bodied SUV of this class and warrants direct attention. The 51 owner complaints, with Power Train and Electrical System each drawing 11 alleged reports, round out a picture of a vehicle that performs adequately by federal safety measures but carries specific, identifiable areas of concern tied to this production year.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe perform in crash tests?

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe's rollover safety is a notable concern, receiving 3 out of 5 stars from NHTSA with a 22% rollover risk probability. Despite this, the dynamic tip test indicated "No Tip." In other evaluations, the Tahoe performed strongly, earning 5 out of 5 stars for side impact protection. Its frontal crash protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, contributing to an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 21.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14182

Index breakdown

Crash protection57/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record13/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe have any recalls?

Yes. The 2020 Tahoe is covered by three recall campaigns: one addressing tires across a broad GM lineup, one covering the fuel pump in the gasoline delivery system, and one targeting the wheel speed sensor and tone ring within the antilock and traction control braking system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.

TIRES21V115000

Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.

Reported 2021-02-25

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP19V837000

Risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.

Reported 2019-11-21

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING19V761000

Risk: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Reported 2019-10-24

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe?

Owners have filed 51 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2020 Tahoe. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Power Train and Electrical System, each with 11 reported cases, followed by Engine at 10. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.

51 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

4reported crash
0reported fire
8reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 11Electrical System 11Engine 10Service Brakes 6Steering 6Unknown Or Other 4

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe?

Three recalls have been issued for the 2020 Tahoe, addressing the tires, fuel pump, and wheel speed sensor. Any prospective owner should verify that all recall remedies have been completed.

  • The 2020 Tahoe's Safety Index of 76/100 is three points higher than the 2019 model's score of 73/100, a measurable year-over-year improvement that still lands in the Average band.
  • Three recall campaigns specific to this model year cover tires, the gasoline fuel pump delivery system, and the ABS wheel speed sensor and tone ring, all safety-critical systems that should be verified as remedied by VIN.
  • Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on this model year, meaning individual 2020 Tahoe units vary in their crash-avoidance equipment and the 6/10 avoidance-tech sub-score reflects that gap.
  • The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars with a 22% risk probability is the lowest individual NHTSA star score this vehicle received and is a year-specific data point that distinguishes the 2020 Tahoe's safety profile from its stronger side-impact result of 5 stars.

RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe places

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2020 Chevrolet Tahoe safety questions

Was the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 51 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Tahoe years

Rivals in SUV (2020)

Safest SUV rivals, 2020 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2020 Infiniti Qx5094/1005 of 52
2020 Mazda CX-394/1005 of 51
2020 Mazda CX-3093/1005 of 53
2020 Volvo Xc90 T593/1005 of 50
2020 Volvo Xc90 T693/1005 of 50
2020 Volvo Xc90 T893/1005 of 50
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14182), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Tahoe 2020.
  • SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 88 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
  • EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
  • VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.