2011 Chevrolet Tahoe

Above average

Owners filed 447 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Tahoe years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Tahoe years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
66,801 milesMedian miles at failure

273 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe problems

182 of the 447 complaints (41%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags180
210
Unknown or Other149
110
Structure › Body · body and frame52
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control12
000
Structure · body and frame9
000
Electrical System8
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system6
000
Power Train · transmission5
101
Visibility3
000
Engine3
000

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe airbags problems

41% of all complaints

182 of the 447 complaints are about the airbags.

Share of the 182 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
67,000 mi
median of 89 reports
Peak year of filing
2017
60 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 1 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the airbags
“I confirmed the vehicle has a recall. Called the Dealer and they informed me that the dash may crack while performing the recall but is not included in the recall. Any cracks in the dash would be customer pay. This doesn't seem right.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 27, 2024
“I took my vehicle into sunset Chevrolet in Sumner Washington, in November of 2022 and had them complete the Takata air bag recall on the vehicle. I drove it for a few months and put it in storage. Since the recall the dash is now cracked where the dealer replaced the passenger airbag recall. It was not cracked prior to the replacement. I have talked to the dealer and they are saying they will not cover this.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 11, 2023

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2010: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags'102011: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags2012: 5 complaints, 1 about the airbags'122013: 12 complaints, 0 about the airbags2014: 12 complaints, 3 about the airbags'142015: 39 complaints, 13 about the airbags2016: 97 complaints, 32 about the airbags'162017: 113 complaints, 60 about the airbags2018: 65 complaints, 32 about the airbags'182019: 45 complaints, 21 about the airbags2020: 24 complaints, 8 about the airbags'202021: 16 complaints, 6 about the airbags2022: 4 complaints, 1 about the airbags'222023: 3 complaints, 2 about the airbags2024: 5 complaints, 3 about the airbags'242025: 2 complaints, 0 about the airbags2026: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags'26Recall 11V007000 (suspension)Recall 11V339000 (steering)Recall 14V827000 (electrical system)Recall 21V050000 (airbags)Recall 21V054000 (airbags)
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2011 Tahoe peaked in 2017, with 113 filed that year. Owners had filed 171 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 21V050000 in February 2021; 11 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

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 Module21V054000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,778,128 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. 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.

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 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.

Electrical System › Ignition14V827000
Filed Dec 30, 201484,192 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.

Risk. If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.

Steering › Linkages11V339000
Filed Jun 28, 2011739 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ATTACHING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.

Risk. THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLTS ARE TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle11V007000
Filed Jan 6, 201130,566 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.

Risk. THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2011 Tahoe.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …

Technical service bulletins

1,672 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2011 Tahoe. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 552electrical system 269engine 226transmission 99equipment adaptive/mobility 61body and frame 56fuel system 46visibility 43
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …

PIT5236FService campaignAug 3, 2015electrical system

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …

12138Service campaignOct 25, 2012equipment

12138 - CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. NORMAL ENGINE VIBRATION WHILE IN ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT (AFM) MODE MAY CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE TO FATIGUE AND FRACTURE. IF THIS OCCURS, IT COULD CAUSE A TICK OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK TUBE FOR A FRACTURE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. IF …

18-NA-094Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 5, 2024airbags

This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.

18-NA-094Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 26, 2024airbags

This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046, 15406,15438, 15442, 15815, 15816,15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811,17478, 18015, N192273760, N192278940, N212328760, N212328770, N212328780, N212328790, …

PIT5821CService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 9, 2022airbags

This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.

PIT5821BService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 25, 2022airbags

This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.

PIT5821AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 26, 2021airbags

This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.

PIC5650JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 21, 2021airbags

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the …

Showing the newest 6 of 11 bulletins about the airbags, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★22.8%
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV RWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★24.6%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 4, 2026NE

The plastic used to make the dash is not made to with hold the exposure of sun and heat. My dash is cracking and becoming very brittle. It is exposing the electrical components in the dash and around the air bag is cracked and continues to Crack in more places. Even the lower parts not exposed to direct sun light is cracking.i feel this needs to be recalled or replaced by the manufacturer.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 16, 2025GA

Fuel pump failure caused my vehicle to stall not once, not twice, but THREE times in the middle of the interstate on my way back home from out of state. This was terrifying, especially since my kids were in the car with me. The entire vehicle shut off in the middle of traffic and I was in the far left lane

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 17, 2025VA

Tailgate opens on its own repeatedly. Has been happening for several months, even when just sitting parked. Afraid it will happen while driving. Will drain battery as well, as it happens constantly.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 27, 2024NC

I confirmed the vehicle has a recall. Called the Dealer and they informed me that the dash may crack while performing the recall but is not included in the recall. Any cracks in the dash would be customer pay. This doesn't seem right.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 15, 2024GA

Stability track issues Trunk issues want open or go up Tires keep having to replace for no reason at all Airbag recall Traction control

Air Bags › Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light
Filed Aug 19, 2024MI

See attached document for complaint

Electrical System
Filed May 12, 2024CA

Stability trac, ABS, traction control, passenger air bag, locks are locking and unlocking, voltage to high, car will lose power while driving then shut off after alternator replaced, truck is worse also back trailer brake sensor appears to, no engine lights on went to two mechanics and unable to find the problem, very dangerous my car will randomly turn off while driving and cars in back slamming on their brakes to avoid hitting me

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 1, 2024GA

1. Dashboard has been cracking for years, now the defrost vent fins are breaking off. Happens when I clean the inside of the windshield. Makes flapping noise when I use defroster. 2. The interior light switch on the passenger side front door does not work anymore. 3. The cruise control will randomly turn itself off and other times speed up by itself.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 11, 2023WA

I took my vehicle into sunset Chevrolet in Sumner Washington, in November of 2022 and had them complete the Takata air bag recall on the vehicle. I drove it for a few months and put it in storage. Since the recall the dash is now cracked where the dealer replaced the passenger airbag recall. It was not cracked prior to the replacement. I have talked to the dealer and they are saying they will not cover this. This is a hazard issue and can cause additional shrapnel to come flying at you if the vehicle is involved in an accident. The vehicle was stored in the garage and not driven. The dealer won't even examine the vehicle to see if the bolts were inadvertently overtightened on the technicians side. This is not right and this is something that should be covered. The vehicle has about 88k miles on it. My dash was not cracked at the time of the repair and now it is. This is not right to put me at more risk than what I was at prior to the recall. I read that the Takata airbag recall stated to repair the cracked dashes. Mine cracked after gm performed the recall. This is a hazard and is something that should be taken care of. I am disabled individual.

Air Bags › Passenger Side Frontal › Cushion
Filed Oct 27, 2023SC

I spoke with GM a couple of times and GM refuses to help with the cost of dash repair that could happen if the airbag recall is fixed. My dash is already damaged so the repair would totally ruin the dash and can cost over $2000.00 if repairs are made, therefore my airbag recall cannot be completed

Electrical System
Filed Apr 5, 2023NC

I was sold a vehicle by a small car dealer who claims to have a dealers license. He advertised the car as having 125,000 miles and that is what the odometer says. After receiving the title and looking it up on car fax I found that the vehicle actually has 255,000 miles on it. Dealer states it was a cash deal and not his problem

Suspension
Filed Jun 15, 202245,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the "suspension service" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle no longer felt stable. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V007000 (Suspension). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 7, 2022122,500 milesFL

Takata Recall. The contact's wife owns a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who completed the recall repair; however, while driving the vehicle a week later, the contact's wife noticed that the dashboard was shaking significantly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's wife drove back to their residence, where the contact inspected the dashboard and noticed that it was severely cracked on the driver's side behind the steering wheel and on the passenger's side. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the dashboard replacement would be at his own expense as the manufacturer would not cover the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the dealer should have informed them that the dashboard would be cracked prior to the recall repair and after the failure; however, the manufacturer did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 122,500.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 28, 2022FL

My dashboard is cracked in multiple places. It is broken around the airbag. My vehicle has been garage kept. My concern is that in an accident the dashboard could shatter sending shrapnel toward driver and passenger. Further because the crack is around the airbag it could puncture the airbag on deployment rendering it ineffective resulting in serious injury or death.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 13, 2022AZ

Dashboard is cracking at passenger side air bag, and on the driver side instrument cluster. This is a known Chevy defect and Chevy not wanting to fix the problem so to faulty engineering design. Class action lawsuit got no where. We need you help so other owners of Tahoes, Yukons, Sierra’s, and Silverados can have their faulty dashboard replaced. Definitely a safety issue due pieces of the dash flying out in a accident.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 13, 2021NE

Dash cracked by the passenger side airbag. Concerned if I do get in an accident that the piece will break and fly into the passenger.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 3, 2021KS

Dash has 2 different cracks in it. Unrelated to anything.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 15, 2021CA

The dashboard is cracked from different areas throughout the dashboard. I'm concerned the dashboard will break completely while driving. I can't afford to fix the problem and replace the dashboard. The trunk door won't open. I had to pay the dealer $900 to have it replaced. I would like to get reimbursed since a car should open its trunk door. Its an SUV and I should be able to put things in the trunk without any problems.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 26, 2021NJ

During refueling the fuel does not fill up and backs up coming out onto person fueling vehicle along with fuel pouring onto vehicle as well property. This is a major fire hazard and can cause serious burns to whomever is fueling vehicle let alone what can happen if the spill is ever to ignite from a electronic spark. This is a major problem and needs to be rectified as soon as possible, for it is eminent that someone will be injured and possible killed.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 26, 2021CA

I have had this vehicle since 2011 and it is used as my vehicle to and from work. It’s stored in the garage and covered at work. During COVID, I did not work on site, so it was stored in the garage for 18 months. When I returned to work, I noticed a crack in the dash board in two places. It has no sun damage, no exterior damage. I am aware of a class action lawsuit with cracked dashboards. I was also informed by repair shop and my insurance that Tahoe’s (2007-2014) have issues with the dashboards cracking. Repair shop said my car is in excellent condition and this is a defect with this car. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.carparts.com/blog/the-latest-on-the-gm-cracked-dash-issue/amp/

Engine
Filed May 1, 2021170,000 milesMI

JUST PURCHASED TRUCK IT HAS NOT BEEN 30 DAYS AND THE SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE FASTER ON ITS OWN. WHICH WAS VERY SCARY WITH KIDS IN THE CAR NOW MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON PLUS TRACTION CONTROL AND IT SOMETIMES WON'T GO OVER 70 MPH. I FEEL LIKE I WAS TOLD TRUCK WAS IN GREAT CONDITION BUT IT'S NOT AND SCARED IT MIGHT ACCELERATE ON ITS ON WITH KIDS IN CAR. I WAS ON HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED I WORK FROM HOME SO I HAVEN'T REALLY HAD CHANCE TO DRIVE TRUCK BUT I FEEL UN SAFE DRIVING IT BERGER CHEVROLET SHOULD BE SHAMED I HAVE CALLED MULTIPLE MANAGERS WITH NO CALL BACK

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 28, 2021155,062 milesFL

THE DASHBOARD CONTINUES TO CRACK AND DETERIORATE IT HAS NOW CRACKED NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IT HAS HAPPENED OVER TIME

Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 15, 2021113,000 milesMI

DASHBOARD IS CRACKED FROM THE CORNER OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG COVER TO THE SEAM IN THE DASH PANEL NEED THE DEFROSTER. WE WERE INVOLVED IN A REAR END ACCIDENT AND THE CRACK APPEARED AFTER THE ACCIDENT. I'M CONCERNED IT COULD AFFECT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 25, 202190,000 milesSC

THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED IN MULTIPLE AREAS CAUSING RATTLING AND PLASTIC BITS BREAKING OFF AND FALLING INTO THE DASH AREA. I'M CONCERNED THIS POORLY STRUCTURED DASH WILL LOSE INTEGRITY ENOUGH TO CAUSE DAMAGE OR POTENTIALLY CAUSE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS IN OTHER AREAS UNDERNEATH THE DASH. THIS POOR DASH DESIGN IS WELL KNOWN IN THE TAHOE COMMUNITY. THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS SOMETIMES AND COMPLETELY DOESN'T WORK OTHER TIMES. THERE IS NO CONSISTENCY OF WHEN IT WILL WORK OR NOT WORK. WHEN I HIT THE INITIAL START UP BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THE LIGHT ON THE WHEEL WILL LIGHT UP. HOWEVER, IF I HIT THE 'SET' BUTTON ON THE WHEEL, THE ACTUAL CRUISE CONTROL WILL SOMETIMES ACTIVATE AND THE LIGHT ON THE DASH WILL COME ON CONFIRMING IT IS SET AND WORKING. BUT SOMETIMES WHEN I HIT THE 'SET' BUTTON, NOTHING HAPPENS AND THE CRUISE CONTROL NEVER ACTIVATES. THIS IS AT ANY SPEED.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 14, 202195,000 milesWV

THE DASH IS CRACKING. VEHICLE LOOKS BRAND NEW EXCEPT FOR THE DASH. STARTING TO GET CRACKS ON EACH SIDE. WHAT I HAVE SEEN, THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 10, 20211,200,000 milesAR

THE DASH HAS CRACKED IN THREE PLACES TWO ARE WHERE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS ON THE DASH. THE WORST ONE IS ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. IT CRACKED BAD SPLIT A PIECE FELL DOWN INSIDE. WE HAVE TAPE OVER IT TO KEEP IT TOGETHER. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF A COLLISION HAPPENS. THIS TAHOE IS KEPT IN OUR GARAGE. UPON RESEARCHING YOUR WEB SITE I SEE 45 COMPLAINTS PERTAINING TO THE SAME PROBLEM. I STOPPED ON PAGE SIXTEEN. THAT SEEMS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO MAKE THE MANUFACTURE TO REPLACE THE DASH AT THEIR EXPENSE. THE QUALIFIED DEALERSHIP CHARGES OVER $1000 TO REPLACE THE DASH. PLEASE HELP.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 3, 2021SC

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB

Air Bags
Filed Feb 17, 2021CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 16, 2021AZ

ITS THE DASH THAT KEEPS CRAKING FOR NO REASON

Air Bags
Filed Feb 8, 2021110,000 milesSC

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN ALL SIX AIR BAGS ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE PANELS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED NO ONE WAS INJURED OR SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER MIKE REICHENBACH CHEVROLET (10 UNIVERSITY PKWY, OKATIE, SC 29909, (877) 846-8391) WHERE THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND HAD THE VEHICLE INVESTIGATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.*DT*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jan 6, 2021TX

MY DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED ABOVE BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS. WHILE LOOKING TO SEE IF THESE CRACKS ARE REPAIRABLE I LEARNED THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH CERTAIN TAHOES (BETWEEN CERTAIN YEARS) AND COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE CONCERNING AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND WAS ADVISED TO REPORT IT HERE. (I DON'T THINK IT PERTAINS TO MY ISSUE, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME THE CRACKS APPEARED)

Electrical System
Filed Dec 22, 202086,410 milesCA

VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL TURNS ON AND OFF UPON START UP AND WHILE DRIVING CAUSING DRIVER TO NOT KNOW HOW FAST ONE IS GOING, IT THEY HAVE GAS, ETC. THIS IS A COMMON KNOWN ISSUE WHICH AFFECT MANY GM OWNERS AS WELL AS THE GM BRAND.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 15, 2020110,000 milesSC

DRIVING ~25 MPH IN RESIDENTIAL AREA, ALL SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. NOTHING WAS HIT BY THE VEHICLE AND NOTHING HIT THE VEHICLE. ONE PASSENGER DRIVING VEHICLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 13, 2020172,240 milesUT

THE STABILTRAK TURNED OFF ON ITS OWN AND LAUNCHED OUR VEHICLE TO THE SIDE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING 55 MPH.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 9, 2020TX

THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES AND HAS AN IMPACT ON THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 23, 2020LA

DASH IS CRACKED IN 2 PLACES ON PASSENGER AIR BAG, ABOVE DRIVER CONTROL PANEL AND RIGHT OF GLOVE BOX

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 17, 2020134,000 milesNJ

MY 2011 STARTED MAKING A CHIRPING NOISE. THE MECHANIC THOUGHT IT WAS THE BELTS SO HE REPLACED THEM. STILL CHIRPED. HE TOOK IT TO A CHEVY DEALER AND THEY SAID ITS THE LIFTERS. WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM ON THAT TYPE OF ENGINE. BECAUSE IT GAS 135,000 MILES THEY SAY ITS NOT COVERED. MANY REPORTED ISSUES ON LINE BUT NO RECALL

Air Bags
Filed Sep 29, 202073,000 milesNJ

DASHBOARD CRACKING AROUND AIRBAG MAY CAUSE DANGEROUS DEBRIS IF THE AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED IN A CRASH

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 23, 202085,000 milesPA

2011 TAHOE - DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT. CRACK ON DASH IS LOCATED ON DRIVER'S SIDE IN FRONT OF STEERING WHEEL. FROM VIEWING DATABASE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WHICH GM HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS - ESPECIALLY IF A CRASH OCCURS AND FRAGMENTS OF DASH COULD CAUSE FURTHER INJURY TO DRIVER/PASSENGERS AND/OR CAUSE AIRBAG ISSUES.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 2020SC

FOR OVER TWO YEARS I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT OF AIR BAGS. GM RECALL NUMBER 2049151 SAID WAITING FOR REMEDY FROM MANUFACTURER, WHAT THE HECK IS TAKING SO LONG LONG ?

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 6, 2020100,000 milesTX

SHORTLY AFTER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED, MY DASHBOARD BEGAN TO CRACK. WITHIN TWO YEARS, IT DEVELOPED THREE SUBSTANTIAL CRACKS WHICH LED TO SHIMMYING OF THE DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING. THE BECAME A CHRONIC AND CONTINUAL PROBLEM.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 3, 202040,000 milesTN

DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED, ALMOST COMPLETELY OUT, 2011 TAHOE WITH, 60000 MILES.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 27, 202094,500 milesKS

DASH IS CRACKED IN MULTIPLE PLACES INCLUDING CLOSE TO AIRBAG LOCATION

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 1, 202065,000 milesTX

CRACKING IN DASH DUE TO POOR QUALITY AND BUILD. POSSES POTENTIAL HAZARD SHOULD AIRBAGS DEPLOY. *TR

Structure
Filed Jun 9, 2020GA

DASH CRACKING REAL BAD. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 1, 2020150,000 milesLA

HI. MY 2011 CHEVY TAHOE "SERVICE AIRBAG" LIGHT IS ON. MY VIN # IS [XXX]. I FOUND A RECALL FOR IT ON THE CHEVY WEBSITE BUT IT SAYS ITS 'RECALL INCOMPLETE, REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE'. I BELIEVE THEY HAVE FAILED TO REMEDY THIS SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER. DATE OF RECALL: MAY 27,2016 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER 2049151 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 16V381. IM JUST WONDERING IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP? SINCE MY "SERVICE AIRBAG" LIGHT IS ON NOW I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS THE RECALL STATES THE FOLLOWING: THE PROPELLANT IN SOME TYPES OF TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATORS CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME, ESPECIALLY AFTER LONG TERM EXPOSURE IN HOT AND HUMID REGIONS. IF THE PROPELLANT DEGRADES TO A CERTAIN LEVEL, THE INFLATORS MAY RUPTURE DURING DEPLOYMENT, CAUSING SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURIES. SEPARATELY AND ADDITIONALLY, THE DASH HAS CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE WIDTH OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS CRACKED ON THE COVER TO THE AIRBAG AS WELL. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. IT JUST CRACKED ONE DAY. A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED AND I HAVE ATTACHED THE PDF. CLEARLY THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT IS HAPPENING TO ALOT OF PEOPLE. A CRACKED DASHBOARD COULD COMPOUND THE SEVERITY OF A CAR CRASH AND IT COULD SHATTER INTO PIECES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND SEND SHARDS OF DASHBOARD FLYING AT BOTH THE DRIVER AND THEIR PASSENGERS. BETWEEN THE AIRBAG RECALL AND THE DASH CRACKING IT IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. GM IS UNWILLING TO HELP ME. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT IMMEDIATE ACTION CAN BE TAKEN SO MYSELF AND MY

Air Bags
Filed May 29, 202070,000 milesPA

MY DASH BOARD IS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES. IT CRACKED TO THE DOME PART OVER THE GAUGES AND IT CRACKED TO MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE TRANSPORTING PEOPLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR *BF*JB

Structure
Filed May 20, 2020LA

DASH BOARD CRACKED. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 8, 2020170,000 milesGA

THE DASH IS CRACKING IN MULTIPLE AREAS AND IS VERY CONCERNING TO ME FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. WHILE DRIVING THE DASH IS BOUNCING APPROXIMATELY 1-2 INCHES AND WORRIES ME THAT IT WOULD SEND PIECES OF PLASTIC FLYING IF EVER INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 25, 2020TX

I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO DON RINGLER CHEVROLET, TEMPLE, TX AS SOON AS I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION, IN 2016. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE , THEY WOULD CALL ME WHEN THEY GET THE PARTS. I CALL THEM ONCE A MONTH AND I WENT BY LAST WEEK AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT IN

Complaints 1-50 of 447, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202628300Do not drive
202552110Routine
202469300Routine
2023233500Above average
2022197430Routine
20214641630Above average
202057300Routine
2019109200Do not drive
2018105301Fatalities reported
2017175410Do not drive
2016256810Do not drive
20156591421Do not drive
201490301Fatalities reported
2013233400Above average
2012178310Routine
2011 — this page447520Above average
2010314400Above average
2009284500Above 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 →

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe: questions buyers ask

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe a good car?

It is not among the Tahoe years to avoid. Owners filed 447 complaints, against about 283 for a typical Tahoe year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (41%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 4 stars overall.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe?

The airbags: 182 of the 447 complaints (41%) are about it. The typical report comes at 67,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 5, 2021. The largest, 21V050000, covered 2,641,272 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 66,801 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 67,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe?

Yes, once. EA21002 ("Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture") was opened Sep 17, 2021 and is still open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe?

The manufacturer filed 1,672 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (269), the engine (226) and the transmission (99). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

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.