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2020 Chevrolet Tahoe

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 Tahoe.

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe requires 8.0 quarts of 0W-20 viscosity oil, reflecting the service parameters of its powertrain architecture. With 53 total owner complaints and 3 recalls on record, the model year generates relatively minimal reliability noise despite the Engine category accounting for the top grievance area. Against the broader 1991–2026 complaint spectrum—where volumes range from the 3-record baseline of 1991 to the 1,176-complaint high-water mark of 2007—this model lands among the lower-complaint iterations, indicating a production cycle that researchers can treat as a comparatively stable reference point.

Model year2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity8.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified

Lug nut torque140.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 720 CCA battery, OE oil filter 12731742. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 720 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP265/65R18 112TOEM · verified

Wheel / rim8.5; Optional: 9 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	12731742
Engine air filter	23349854
Spark plug	12622441
Battery	88866309 alt 88865934
Front wiper blades	84613732
Serpentine belt	12643517 alt 12658178
Thermostat	12620318 alt 12674639
Cabin air filter	23281440

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	203.9 in
Overall width	80.3 in
Overall height	74.4 in
Wheelbase	116.1 in
Curb weight	5545 lb
Track (front / rear)	68.1 / 68.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	52/48

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Tahoe of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.7–7.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.70 sec — 2018 Premier RST Performance Package

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2018	Premier RST Performance Package 6.2L V8	5.70 sec	14.10 sec	420 hp	4x4
2018	Premier RST Performance Package 6.2L V8	5.80 sec	14.20 sec	420 hp	4x4
2018	LT Z71 5.3L V8	7.90 sec	16.20 sec	355 hp	4x4
2017	LT Z71 Midnight Edition 5.3L V8	7.00 sec	15.50 sec	355 hp	4x4
2017	Premier 5.3L V8	7.20 sec	15.50 sec	355 hp	4x4
2015	LT 5.3L V8	6.70 sec	15.10 sec	355 hp	RWD
2015	LTZ 5.3L V8	6.70 sec	15.20 sec	355 hp	4x4
2015	LTZ 5.3L V8	7.10 sec	15.60 sec	355 hp	4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 8.0 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, Synthetic · SAE 75W85 in the differential, Dot 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	10L80
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	8.1 qt
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Brake Fluid Capacity	2.11 pt
Brake Fluid	Dot 3
Brake Fluid Capacity	2.11 pt
Differential Gear Oil	Synthetic · SAE 75W85

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	18.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	18.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	18.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	18.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	11.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	Thrust plate retainer bolt: 18.0 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)	15.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)	31.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug	Front: 24.0; Rear: 24.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug	Front: 33.0, Rear: NA ft-lbs
Differential Fill Plug	24.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug	33.0 ft-lbs
Driveshaft Flange to Transmission	Front: 18.0; Rear: 18.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	140.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	140 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	15.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1–8–7–2–6–5–4–3
Cylinder Firing Order	1–8–7–2–6–5–4–3
Cylinder Firing Order	1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
Spark Plug Manufacturer	AC Delco
Spark Plug Gap	0.037–0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	15.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Manufacturer	AC Delco
Spark Plug Gap	.037-.043 in

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R1234yf
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Capacity	6.50-7.00 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	720 cca
Optional BCI Group Number	Auxiliary: 48
Optional BCI Cranking Performance	Auxiliary: 730 cca

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	46.0-84.0
Engine Compression	100
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	22
Engine Oil Pressure	55
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	22
Intake Valve Lash	Hydraulic in
Exhaust Valve Lash	Hydraulic in

Brakes

ABS Sensor Torque	Front: 9.6; Rear: 9.6
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque	Front: 170.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 148.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque	Front: 6.0; Rear: 6.0
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Vented Rotor Maximum Scoring Depth	0.059
Maximum Rotor Runout	0.002
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Front: 1.102; Rear: .728; Front: 1.516; Rear: 1.280
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after Refinish	Front: 1.122; Rear: .748; Front: 1.535; Rear: 1.299

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

85°-100°

Rear Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages

37.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45.0°

37 ft. lbs

Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages

48.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°

48 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

18.0 ft. lbs. Step 2: 85°

18 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

Use current crankshaft bolt and tighten 240.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Remove crankshaft bolt and discard., Step 3: Check for a recess of .094-.176" of the crankshaft into the balancer bore., Step 4: Use replacement bolt and tighten to 110.0 ft. lbs., Step 5: Loosen 360°., Step 6: 59.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: Balancer Bolt with Flanged Head 125°., Step 8: Balancer Bolt with rotating washer 200°.

240 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages

59.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: Internal Hex Bolt: 40°, Step 4: All Except Internal Hex Bolt: 60°

59 ft. lbs

Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	11.0 ft. lbs.	11 ft. lbs
2	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
3	45.0

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

3.7 ft. lbs. Step 2: 90°

3.7 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	3.7 ft. lbs.	3.7 ft. lbs
2	7.4

Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

Pan Bolt to Block and Front Cover Bolts 1-13 & 16

18 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 97,500 mi.

Every 7,500 mi	Accelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 15,000 mi	Windshield Wiper Blade (replace)
Every 22,500 mi	Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 45,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect)
Every 75,000 mi	Hood Hinge (inspect)
Every 97,500 mi	Spark Plug Wires (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill)
At 150,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe sits at the tail end of the fourth-generation cycle (2015–2020), and the federal data shows a clear maturity arc: complaint volume peaked at 661 in the 2015 launch year, then declined steadily to 253 (2016), 170 (2017), 98 (2018), 101 (2019), and finally just 53 in 2020 — the lowest figure of the entire generation. Recalls followed a similar downward trajectory, falling from 16 in 2015 to 3 in 2020, with zero open investigations — another generational low. By contrast, the 2021 model year — the first of the next generation — saw complaints surge back to 423 and recalls jump to 16, reinforcing that 2020 represents the fully debugged end-of-cycle product. The top complaint areas for 2020 are modest in absolute terms (Engine 8, Power Train 7, Electrical System 7, Service Brakes 4), and the data does not specify root causes for these categories; crash complaints total just 4 with zero fire complaints. The takeaway: 2020 is a strong year to buy a used Tahoe — it carries the lowest complaint and recall burden of its generation, making it the most refined iteration of the fourth-generation platform before the redesign introduced a fresh wave of issues.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

851

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

4 involved a crash · 0 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19’20’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 53 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine8

Power Train7

Electrical System7

Service Brakes4

Power Train,Engine3

Air Bags3

Fuel/Propulsion System3

Unknown Or Other2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V115000TiresReported 25/02/2021

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020… 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…

19V837000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 21/11/2019

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 851 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
PIT5509M	2026-05-14	Unknown Or Other	This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
PIT6247B	2026-05-04	Unknown Or Other	This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at…
PIT3271Q	2026-04-01	Unknown Or Other	This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel…
PIP6104	2026-03-09	Unknown Or Other	This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and…
PIP4902V	2026-03-09	Unknown Or Other	This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Tahoe. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 94R battery Vehicles taking 8.0 qt Engine oil filter 12731742 Engine air filter 23349854 Spark plug 12622441 Battery 88866309

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2020 Tahoe take?

8.0 qt of 0W-20 meeting GM Dexos 1, per the factory manual.

Does the 2020 Tahoe have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.