2009 Chevrolet Tahoe

Above average

Owners filed 284 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
78,000 milesMedian miles at failure

188 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags93
000
Unknown or Other63
002
Structure › Body32
000
Electrical System23
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages14
001
Engine10
100
Structure8
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)6
000
Power Train4
000
Vehicle Speed Control3
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V050000
Filed Feb 5, 20212,641,272 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Module21V053000
Filed Feb 5, 2021692,526 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Module21V052000
Filed Feb 5, 2021557,023 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 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 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, 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." 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.

Remedy. 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 23, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 20, 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 N212328780.

Electrical System10V240000
Filed Jun 4, 20101,365,070 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.

Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Fuel System, Gasoline09V154000
Filed May 6, 200927,188 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING 27,188 MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE HYBRID, ESCALADE ESV, AND ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, TAHOE HYBRID, AND COLORADO; AND GMC YUKON, YUKON HYBRID, YUKON XL, AND CANYON VEHICLES. THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH AN ADHESIVE SEPARATION OF THE ROOM TEMPERATURE VULCANIZING (RTV) SEAL BETWEEN THE SEAL AND THE HOUSING MAY ALLOW WATER TO SEEP INTO THE MODULE.

Risk. WATER IN THE MODULE COULD CAUSE A SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT, ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP, SETTING OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES OR THE ENGINE MAY BE HARD TO START, MAY NOT START OR MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Filed Jul 31, 2026WY

I have contacted [XXX] for my concerns. I sent pictures and videos. the metal harness that is usually located behind the car seats is stuck under the seat and I can't unloosen my daughters straps now thats she's grown some. its concerning because she can't even use her car seat at this moment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Jul 8, 2026OR

The dash and front and rear lights keep going on and off. And I changed all my lights on from and rear and it still happens there is a smell coming from my glove box. I can show you in person so we can see what can be done to fix this problem.

Power Train
Filed May 14, 2026TX

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed oil leaking from the vehicle with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the JB Weld and the driveshaft had failed, causing the transmission to fail and needed to be replaced. . The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted;. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. The VIN was not available.

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 28, 2026NY

System detected a slide that didn’t happen causing traction control to counter steer making the vehicle slide into a pole

Electrical System
Filed Nov 10, 2024MN

P2138 code causing the car to have reduced engine power causing unsafe driving conditions and danger to other traffic. Vehicle has been to dealer multiple times for issue, ECM replaced costing thousands and still not working.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 10, 2024MO

Dash cover is falling apart, a well known defect. I worry that an airbag deployment could cause dangerous shrapnel to be projected throughout the passenger compartment causing injuries like skin cuts and eye injuries.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 20, 2024AZ

I Keep getting code p2138 car stalls check engine light turns on, stability control flashes. I have to erase code to get it drive again, but will do it again soon. Been doing it for 4+ years now. The worst time it has done it is when I'm in the freeway where I have to pull off to the side if I can, I almost got into a bad accident because of this issue. Took it to my mechanic and he says take it to the dealer. I've replaced gas pedal, throttle body and it still does it.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 21, 2024CA

My vehicle's throttle position sensor malfunctioned while I was driving on a busy highway at 55-60MPH, causing it to suddenly enter limp mode and display the error code P2138. This resulted in a rapid and unsafe reduction of speed to 30MPH, then down to 15MPH posing a hazard to myself and other drivers. Despite replacing both the gas pedal and the sensor itself in an attempt to rectify the issue, the problem persists. There are no prior reports made to the police, dealership, or insurance company regarding this matter.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 4, 2024CA

Cracked 2009 Tahoe Dash

Air Bags
Filed Sep 30, 2023TX

I have this car since 2018. The dashboard of this car was in good condition however in the last few months we have see cracks developing near the airbag and the driver steering wheel. These are deep cracks. The car was 100% parked inside the garage. We are concerned if the airbag function will be impacted due to this cracks

Air Bags
Filed Apr 30, 2023CA

The Side area bags are Deployed a The vehicle is parked an not be operated. It wasn’t involved in any collision, The front Dash board airbags & steering wheel air bags aren’t Deployed an are in tact….there is No Body Damged or The Vehicle was Parked Not Being Operated for Over a month I Don’t understand How The Side air bags Have ruptured without any Cause That is Very Big Danger to My self an Family…There is No warning Lamps On Or Check Engine Light activated,

Unknown or Other
Filed May 9, 2022IL

Cracked dashboard. Took it to the dealer for the Airbag recall and they cracked it even worse. The dealer said well it happens to all of them. They had no solution or anything.

Service Brakes
Filed May 4, 2022MA

I purchased the gm sts2 software and program my truck and now I have no brakes, have all lights on with calibration and rams problem I’m sure that the calibration they provided to me, costed this problem and none off the lights are turning off, the truck lost brakes I have to stand on the paddle to stop the truck. Now I have no choice to send it the GM for there mistake. I spoke to acdelco sts2 rep. And he couldn’t figure out the problem. And the hybrid system issue also. Both front air bag impact sensors cracks in the middle turns the light on. That’s been a fault with all gm trucks. They need to update this problem.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 17, 2021MD

The dash board is completely falling apart. There are now 5 cracks and I am afraid that this could be a very dangerous situation. Apparently, there are many trucks like mine that have the same problem, but no action has been taken.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 6, 2021FL

Recall #09V154000 should have been performed on my vehicle according to the list of VIN #'s affected, but it never was and I was never notified of the recall. I purchased this vehicle the month before this recall was announced in 2009 and did not start having safety issues until after my new SUV warranty had expired (how convenient). Over the years, I have spent thousands of dollars replacing all kinds of sensors, relays, batteries and various other parts trying to alleviate the unsafe electrical and loss of power issues that this faulty part continues to cause. I have taken this vehicle to my local dealership on countless occasions, complaining that the vehicle intermittently: does not start, the engine suddenly dies while driving on the highway or turning a corner (becoming unsteerable and the brakes won't work), suddenly decelerates, door locks cycle rapidly while driving, the check engine light and other warning lights/alarms come on, headlights and dash lights suddenly shut off, windows or AC stops working, and now the fuel gauge only reads 1/4 tank when I just filled it up. I took the SUV to my local dealer again today, explained the intermittent electrical and loss of power issues and history again and asked why this recall had not been performed or was not scheduled to be performed at any previous time that I had brought the vehicle in for diagnostics or service on these related issues. The service manager admitted that the recall had never been performed, but denied

Power Train
Filed Jun 22, 2021145,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk, accelerate independently and stall. The contact stated that the failures all occurred on different occasions. The contact stated the service engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the auxiliary transmission fluid pump and auxiliary transmission control module were replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repairs as of yet. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection
Filed Apr 29, 2021FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR THE AIR BAGS RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PRESTON HOOD CHEVROLET (212 HOLLYWOOD BLVD NW, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32548) FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SOON AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE, THE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS MADE AN ABNORMAL CRACKING SOUND WHILE ACTIVATED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 1, 2021NV

DASH CONTINUES TO CRACK. WORRIED ABOUT INTEGRITY OF DASH IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENT DUE TO PLACEMENT OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. GM JUST RECALLED PASSENGER AIRBAG DUE TO 'SHRAPNEL' WHICH COULD ALSO BE PART OF THE DASH EXPLODING. FURTHERMORE, ONLY OPTION IS TO ADD A 'GLUE ON' COVER TO BUILD QUALITY TO OEM, BUT HAS POSSIBILITY TO COVER PASSENGER AIR BAG OR MAKE RECALL OF AIRBAG NOT POSSIBLE (OR OTHER REPAIRS POSSIBLE). GM SHOULD OFFER DASH REPLACEMENT AS A RECALL ALONG WITH PASSENGER AIRBAG.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 6, 2021100,000 milesWA

FRONT DASHBOARD HAS TWO CRACKS. THIS IS NOT DUE TO SUN DAMAGE OR NEGLIGENCE. THIS IS A PRODUCT FAILURE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 11, 2020100,500 milesTX

2009 TAHOE HAS A CRACKED DASHBOARD IT'S VERY ENJOYING SOMETIMES CAN CAUSE A DISTRACTION FROM LITTLE BUMPS IN THE ROAD MAKING LOUD NOISES AND MAKES A CAR'S INTERIOR LOOK HORRIBLE IT'S RIDICULOUS THAT GM WON'T REPLACE THESE UNDER THE LEMON LAW IT WAS JUST SITTING IN THE GARAGE WHEN IT HAPPENED TO CRACK

20 of 284 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202624300Do not drive
202548110Routine
202466300Routine
2023218500Above average
2022186430Routine
20214491630Above average
202055300Routine
2019105200Do not drive
2018103301Fatalities reported
2017173410Do not drive
2016256810Do not drive
20156581421Do not drive
201490301Fatalities reported
2013232400Above average
2012178310Routine
2011446520Above average
2010314400Above average
2009 — this page284500Above average
2008528450Above average
20071,1774270High concern
2006114440Routine
20052937140Above average
2004467571Fatalities reported
2003507791Fatalities reported
2002449684Fatalities reported
2001512878Fatalities reported
20002821050Above average
199955231210Fatalities reported
1998263470Above average
1997410231Fatalities reported
1996283552Fatalities reported
1995246853Fatalities reported
199419200Routine
19938000Routine
19926000Routine
19913000Routine

Compare every Tahoe year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 5, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.