2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 306 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 5 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 9 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 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."
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 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.
Campaign 21V053000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Fuel system, gasolineMay 6, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 09V154000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: structure
54 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 28, 2020
CRACKED DASHBOARD. *TR
Structure, Jan 30, 2020
I HAVE A PROBLEM WHERE THE DASH CRACKS RIGHT NEXT TO THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WHICH SPLITS THE DASH AND MAKES IT WEAKER.
Structure, May 22, 2019
I HAVE A LARGE CRACK IN MY DASH. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OF ANY KIND DONE. IT JUST SPLIT.
Structure, Nov 16, 2018
CRACKED DASHBOARD ABOVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND LEFT UPPER PORTION OF PASSENGER SIDE DASH AIRBAG, VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, CAME OUT ONE MORNING AND CRACKS SHOWED UP, ABOUT A MONTH WENT BY AND PIECES OF DASH STARTED BREAKING OFF DASHBOARD AND FALLING INSIDE DASH AREA
Structure, Sep 18, 2018
DASH CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES. PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND HEARD A 'POP' SOUND, STOPPED CAR AND NOTICED THAT THE DASH HAD CRACKED. I FEAR THAT PIECES OF THE DASH WOULD BE SENT FLYING IN THE EVENT OF AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2018
IN REGARDS OF MY 2009 CHEVY TAHOE LTZ THIS VECHICLE HAS HAD SOME ISSUES IN THE FEW MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. WHEN EVER THE CAR IS PARKED AN YOU EXIT THE SUV TO LOCK IT IT DOES NOT LOCK YOU HEAR THE CLICKING SOUND LIKE ITS LOCKED BUT WHEN YOU TRY TO OPEN THE DOOR THAT SHOULD BE LOCKED IT OPENS RIGHT UP AN THE ALARM GOES OFF AN TO MENTION THE DOOR HANDLES ARE CHIPPING AWAY AN THE PLASTIC CUTS ALMOST EVERY PERSON THAT OPENS MY DOORS THAT ARE NOT CAREFUL. AN IVE HAD TO PATCH ALMOST 5 PLACES ON MY COOLANT AN A/C LINES THAT ARE ALUMINUM VERY CHEAPLY MADE.
Structure, Jun 3, 2018
WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE LIFTGAGE, EITHER MANUALLY OR BY PUSHING THE BUTTON, THE LIFTGATE OPENS PARTIALLY THEN SUDDENLY FALLS. I HAVE SEEN A RECALL FOR THIS, HOWEVER I AM NOT ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL SPECIFICALLY FOR A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. "THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE GAS STRUTS THAT HOLD THE POWER LIFTGATE UP WHEN OPEN," SAID NHTSA IN ITS RECALL SUMMARY. "THESE STRUTS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE OPEN LIFTGATE MAY SUDDENLY FALL. IT MAY STRIKE A PERSON, INCREASING THEIR RISK OF INJURY."
Air bags, Structure, May 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD HAD A THREE TO FOUR INCH CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A ONE INCH CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (MUSSON PATOUT BUICK GMC, 214 W. HWY 90 FRONTAGE RD., NEW IBERIA, LA 70560) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AIR BAG PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,415.
Structure, Feb 22, 2018
DOOR LOCK WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK
Structure, Oct 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, INCLUDING WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS LOCATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
Structure, Jun 19, 2017
DASHBOARD IS CRACKED ON THE DRIVER SIDE ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL.
Structure, May 7, 2017
THE DASHBOARD ABOVE THE STEERING COLUMN AND GAUGES PANEL IS CRACKED ON TWO PLACES AND JUST KEEPS GETTING BIGGER. IT RATTLES LOUDLY AS I DRIVE DOWN THE STREET.
Structure, May 2, 2017
DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED AROUND THE AIRBAG
Structure, Apr 7, 2017
THE DASHBOARD CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES ALTHOUGH THIS CAR HAS ALWAYS GARAGED AND THE SUN SHIELD USED CONSISTENTLY. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AFFECTING SAFETY THROUGH AIRBAG PERFORMANCE OR SHARP PIECES OF DASH FLYING DURING AN ACCIDENT.
Structure, Mar 29, 2017
MY VEHICLE DASH BOARD HAS A LOT OF CRACKS IN IT. I HAVE ONE NEAR MY AIRBAGS AND TWO NEAR MY STEERING WHEEL.IT RATTLES SO BAD WHEN I DRIVE. THE CRACKS KEEPS GETTING WORST.
Structure, Mar 2, 2017
DASH BOARD CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROS DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. CRACK CONTINUED UNTIL IT MET THE SEAMS OF DASHBOARD TO AIRBAG.
Structure, Dec 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE COATING ON THE DOOR HANDLES BEGAN TO PEEL WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 02/14/17*LJ
Air bags, Structure, Nov 25, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKING WHERE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS WERE LOCATED. THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Structure, Nov 4, 2016
DASH HAS CRACKED BY THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND ALSO ON THE DRIVER SIDE AT THE JOINT AND CLIMBING TOWARDS THE STEERING HUMP. THE CRACKS SHOWED UP ALMOST AT THE SAME TIME. NO IMPACT TO THE DASH AND ONLY WIPE THEM DOWN WITH A DAMP CLOTH OR DUSTER.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 11, 2016
MY DASH HAS 2 CRACKS THAT HAVE APPEARED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE DASH IS STARTING TO BOUNCE AS I DRIVE AND IM WORRIED IT WILL BECOME SEPARATED AND HIT SOMEONE IN THE TRUCK. THERE ARE SO MANY TAHOE OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT IT IS A DEFECTIVE PART. I HAVE A CRACK IN THE CENTER AND 1 OVER THE DRIVER SIDE GAUGES.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2016
I BOUGHT THE 2009 USED CHEVY TAHOE ON AUGUST 1ST 2015. I BEGAN TO NOTICE THE PLASTIC DASHBOARD CLOSE TO THE PASSENGER AIRBAG BEGAN TO CRACK AND VIBRATE. THE VIBRATION GOT SO BAD THAT THE CRACK SPREAD AND A NEW CRACK APPEARED ON THE PLASTIC DASH ABOVE THE SPEEDOMETER. BOTH CRACKS MAKE THE ENTIRE DASH RATTLE WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN OVER 45 MPH. I AM WORRIED THAT IF THE AIRBAGS WERE TO DEPLOY, THE PLASTIC WILL FLY INTO THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. I'VE TRIED CONTACT COVERT GMC IN AUSTIN, TX WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND THEY SAID I HAD TO SPEND $1300 TO REPLACE THIS DEFECT.
Electrical system, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED IN FOUR PLACES AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS EXPOSED. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED ON ALL FOUR DOORS AND THE RUNNING BOARDS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Structure, Jul 6, 2016
THERE IS A CRACK IN THE AIRBAG AREA OF THE DASHBOARD. I REPORTED THIS TO GM IN MARCH 2016 AND THEY REFUSE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. TODAY, THERE IS A NEW CRACK ON THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE DRIVERS SIDE NOW. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE CARS. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY 2007 CHEVY AVALANCHE, AND IN 2010, GM REPLACED IT WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. NOW WITH THE TAHOE, THEY REFUSE. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED UNDER A GARAGE AWNING AND WE NEVER USE ANYTHING BUT A DRY RAG TO CLEAN THE DASHBOARDS. THIS IS NO FAULT OF OURS, AND APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH CHEVY MANUFACTURING.
Structure, Apr 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE CLEANING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Structure, Apr 14, 2016
DASH HAS CRACKED IN TWO PLACE. THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED IN OUR 2011 CHEV. SILVERADO PICK UP.