2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 586 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 7 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 21 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 21V052000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 21V050000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemJun 4, 2010
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.
IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
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.
Campaign 10V240000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical systemAug 28, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC AT 1-866-996-9436; OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Campaign 08V441000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
244 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Nov 30, 2025
We were sitting in a parking lot with the engine running and heard an explosion in the vehicle. Later we discovered that the left rear, side curtain air bag had deployed. Horn has been inoperable for months cruise control hasn't worked in years steering wheel radio controls don't work. No appointment reason for any of it. Pass air bag off warning light red Air bag light is usually on but not always.
Steering, Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2023, crash
I was involved in an accident last year where I took out a gaurd rail next to a building. My air bags never deployed and now my car will not run.
Air bags, Sep 14, 2021
I was sent a notification in February 2021 to notify of a recall for the airbags on my Tahoe. I have received no further information from General Motors, Chevrolet or the local dealer. The notice says a severe injury or death could result from the malfunction. Seven months is not timely. I checked the General Motors website and it states no parts or repairs are available. I will contact them also so see if this can be escalated. Dangerous.
Air bags, Sep 7, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. While the contact's daughter was entering traffic at 65 MPH, the vehicle in front made an abrupt stop. As a result, the contact's daughter was unable to stop the vehicle in time and crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The contact was concerned that no air bags deployed during the impact. In addition, the contact stated that the OnStar feature failed to activate and it was concluded that it was due to the sensors. During the impact, the contact's daughter's head hit the steering wheel and caused an injury in which physical therapy was required on the weekly basis. The vehicle was towed and a police report was filed. The contact also wanted to advise that vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number 21V52000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.
Air bags, Mar 15, 2021
RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE GM RECALL: N212328760. MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL WORK COMPLETED WITH SIMPSON CHEVROLET IN IRVINE CA. WHEN WE LEFT THE CAR WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAVE TO GO UNDER THE DASH TO DO THE WORK, AND IF THEY BREAK OR CRACK THE DASHBOARD, WE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. WE DID NOT HAVE THE WORK COMPLETED AS THE NOTICE SAYS THE SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FOR YOU AT NO CHARGE. THEY ALSO INFLATED THE MILEAGE BY 9,000 MILES.
Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 28, 2021
SAFETY RECALL ON AIR BAGS THAT THEY CAN'T FIX AND COULD CAUSE DEATH
Air bags, Feb 9, 2021
RECEIVED NOTICE OF FAULTY AIR BAGS ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2021
CRACKED DASHBOARD AND INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Air bags, Jan 24, 2021
I WAS NOTIFIED JULY 2016 BY US MAIL THAT MY VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN GM RECALL 49152 FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATOR. I HAVE NEVER RECV'D ANY FURTHER COMMUNICATION FROM GM. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA 4/10/19 (ODI #11195391). I MAILED REQUESTED DOCS TO NHTSA 5/15/19. I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM ANYONE AND THE ISSUE WITH THE TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATOR HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED AFTER 4 YEARS OF WAITING FOR A REMEDY.
Air bags, Jan 13, 2021
OPEN AIR BAG RECALL ON MY VEHICLE SINCE 2016! THIS IS CRAZY. WHEN WILL THIS BE RECTIFIED! NOT SAFE
Air bags, Jan 6, 2021
IT'S BEEN OVER 4 YEARS SINCE THIS MANDATORY RECALL AND CHEVROLET STILL HAS NO FIX FOR THE AIRBAGS. HAVING A CAR THAT I SPENT SO MUCH ON AND MAINTAINING IT CAUSE I LOVE IT BUT I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE IT SINCE I DON'T FEEL WE AS A FAMILY IS SAFE. I WASTED OVER $40K FOR IT TO JUST BE THERE...CAUSE WHO KNOWS WHAT CAN HAPPEN WITH THAT AIRBAG.
Air bags, Dec 31, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V383000 (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. THE CONTACT WENT TO WILSON COUNTY CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (903 S HARTMANN DR, LEBANON, TN 37090, (877) 220-3161) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BUT WAS NOT PROVIDED ANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Dec 30, 2020
MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER2049151 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER16V381 I'VE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND BEEN INFORMED THAT NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER. HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE THIS CAN BE RESOLVED AND THIS CAN POSSIBLY RESOLVE THE ISSUE FOR THE AIR BAG.
Air bags, Nov 30, 2020
THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL SINCE MAY, 2016 FOR THE AIRBAGS. I HAVE REPEATEDLY REQUESTED FROM CHEVROLET (GM) TO HAVE THIS RECALL COMPLETED (AT LEAST 3 TIMES/YEAR), BUT TO DATE (11/30/20), IT HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED.
Air bags, Nov 25, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ANDEAN CHEVROLET (527 ATLANTA RD, CUMMING, GA 30040; (770) 887-2316) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Sep 3, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE WESTSIDE CHEVROLET DEALER LOCATED AT 23001 KATY FWY, KATIE, 77450, AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Sep 1, 2020
I HAVE RECALL #49151 FOR TAKATA AIRBAGS DATED JULY 2016. BOTH G.M. AND DEALER I BOUGHT CAR FROM SAY RECALL IS PENDING AND CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE . IF SOMETHING CHANGES I WILL BE NOTIFIED. IS THIS TRUE OR SHOULD THEY BE MAKING THE REPAIR?
Air bags, Jul 7, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V383000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED POHANKA CHEVROLET (13915 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HWY, CHANTILLY, VA 20151, 703-592-4741) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jun 12, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT'S FATHER OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ARROYO GRANDE CHEVROLET (303 TRAFFIC WAY #3336, ARROYO GRANDE, CA 93420, (805) 202-4641) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jun 8, 2020
I HAVE AN OUTSTANDING RECALL WITH NO REMEDY AVAILABLE SINCE 2016. I HAVE IMPORTED THE VEHICLE TO CANADA AND I'M UNABLE TO COMPLETE THE IMPORT PROCESS DUE TO THIS RECALL. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE AS I AM UNABLE TO OBTAIN REGISTRATION DUE TO THIS OUTSTANDING RECALL. I WANT TO KNOW HOW LONG IS CHEVROLET OR TAKATA GOING TO TAKE TO COMPLETE THIS RECALL. 4 YEARS SEEMS LONG ENOUGH TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS. I WANT MY VEHICLE FIXED. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 17, 2020
THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON MY AIRBAGS FOR YEARS. FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS NOW MY SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGE HAS BEEN ON. IT CAME ON WHEN I STARTED MY CAR ONE DAY AND HAS REMAINED THERE. THE 2ND ISSUE IS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL. I CAN BE DRIVING AND I'LL LOSE ALL POWER AND LIGHTS/RADIO FOR 5-20 SECONDS AND THEN POP BACK ON. THAT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. OR I'LL GET OUT OF MY CAR AND GO TO LOCK IT AND HAVE NO POWER. BOTH TIMES THAT HAS HAPPENED , I POPPED THE HOOD AND THE POWER CAME BACK ON WITHOUT ME DOING ANYTHING.
Air bags, Mar 4, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB
Air bags, Feb 12, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V383000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER BREDEMANN CHEVROLET (1401 W DEMPSTER ST, PARK RIDGE, IL 60068 WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE.THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOLS CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2020
DASH CRACKED IN TWO PLACES, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. CONCERNED MORE ABOUT PASSENGER SIDE DUE TO AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE IS NOT MY EVERYDAY VEHICLE WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE AND KEPT INSIDE ITS WHOLE LIFE IN AN WELL INSULATED FULLY COVERED GARAGE.
Air bags, Dec 6, 2019
NO RESOLUTION TO CURRENT AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 16V383. GM TELLS ME IT IS SAFE AND NHTSSA SAYS I MIGHT DIE.