2011 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 456 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 6 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 3 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 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.
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 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.
Campaign 21V054000 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 system, ignitionDec 30, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 14V827000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkagesJun 28, 2011
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.
THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 11V339000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, axle, spindleJan 6, 2011
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.
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
Campaign 11V007000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
213 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2025
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, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2024
Stability track issues Trunk issues want open or go up Tires keep having to replace for no reason at all Airbag recall Traction control
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2024
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, Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2023
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2022
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2021
Dash has 2 different cracks in it. Unrelated to anything.
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2021
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/
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2021, crash
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, Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2021
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, Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2021
ITS THE DASH THAT KEEPS CRAKING FOR NO REASON
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2021
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)
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2020
THE STABILTRAK TURNED OFF ON ITS OWN AND LAUNCHED OUR VEHICLE TO THE SIDE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING 55 MPH.
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2020
THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES AND HAS AN IMPACT ON THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2020
DASH IS CRACKED IN 2 PLACES ON PASSENGER AIR BAG, ABOVE DRIVER CONTROL PANEL AND RIGHT OF GLOVE BOX
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2020
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, Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2020
DASHBOARD CRACKING AROUND AIRBAG MAY CAUSE DANGEROUS DEBRIS IF THE AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED IN A CRASH
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2020
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2020
DASH IS CRACKED IN MULTIPLE PLACES INCLUDING CLOSE TO AIRBAG LOCATION
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2020
DASH CRACKING REAL BAD. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 29, 2020
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
Other or unspecified, Mar 8, 2020
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.