I am considering purchasing a 2011 Tahoe Hybrid for my wife but read some scary reviews regarding:
1) the braking system, and brake failure, and
2) the engine completely shutting down

these problems seemed to stem from the 2008/2009 models. so my specific questions are:
1) has Chevrolet recognized these issues and addressed them in the 2011 model?
2) have any of you experienced these failures or any OTHER significant defect that would make me reconsider the purchase?

THANKS!

 

From what I have observed most of the significant issues were symptomatic of the 08s ... which is somewhat understandable in the first livery of such a complicated machine.

I've had no major problems with my 09. I did have the dreaded engine shutdown, but mine was caused by human error when someone did not reinsert the hybrid battery disconnect safety lever properly and it popped out whilst driving over NYC potholes. The only engine repair was the replacement of a bad throttle body under warranty. No brake issues. Oh and my driver door lock actuator went poof, which is a legendary issue with all the GM full size suvs, but which GM has apparently remedied by replacing the guilty part supplier.

Hope that helps a little.

 

mjfrance,
Those issue were resolved, and they were on some of the 08 models.
No issues with my 2010 Tahoe for the past 2 years.

I had the same concerns when I bought mine as well

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks to both of you....I appreciate it!

 

I have a 2009 and no issues at all and have been cranking lots of miles already with nary a hint of failure. they replaced the battery a year ago when it died while listening to the nfl playoffs with key in ACC and xm radio on while detailing the hybrid.

 

I appear to own the resurgence of shutting down and brake failure. Own a 2010 Tahoe Hybrid. Was in the shop for a month, with GM engineers trying to figure out what the problem was, before it was finally resolved. That was June 2011. A week ago, the brakes went. I have no faith in this car and would never purchase one like it again.

 

Have an 08 Yukon Hybrid. At 62,500 started running ragged. They replaced the entire engine. Got a 76,000 mile truck with 12,000 on the engine! Still the original brakes. Had them checked during routine PR last week, and they said only about 60% worn. Get about 21 mpg.

 

I have over 60k on my 2008 yukon and it has never let me down. It has had a few very minor problems and other than 1 software upgrade for the hybrid system, the truck has been flawless.

 

4K thus far on my '13 and loving it. had some quirks I had to recognize as normal behavior. mpg is pegged at 18.5 winter time hauling 80+ lbs per corner due to my bigger wheel/tire setup.

 

Give me about a year and I'll take it off your hands. These trucks are great. and the 4WD version is pretty darn tossable for such a big vehicle. I've 4-wheel drifted one (a little). Half the early problems with the regenerative brake system is the dealers didn't know how to program and initialize it properly. It's about a 5 minute process just for the brake controller, and you have to NOT TOUCH the brake while it's in process. There have been numerous updates to the brakes to improve feel and avoid the dreaded "push through." Make sure you have the latest version for 2010 model year. Memory is getting hazy now but there was a steering angle sensor supplier change, after 2009 I think. Systems are otherwise identical but the slightly different sensor drove a different calibration. I'm pretty sure 2010-2012 brakes are the same (Hillbilly, check my fading memory ;-). For 2013 they got a different spec pedal assembly, so 2013 brake cal releases are different and are not backwards compatible. So if a dealer tries to tell you your 2010 needs the latest update meant for 2013s, politely let them know that if it isn't a service cal meant for your specific model year, then you aren't interested. I was planning to get a next gen 2014 before they cancelled it. Now I have to hope there's still a 2013 around next spring when my current payment is over.