Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2018 to Dec 2019
The most reported issue is unknown or other problems (64 complaints). 5 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fire.
Open Safety Recalls (5)
NHTSA Campaign: 21V053000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V052000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 21V050000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 09V154000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Fix: 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.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V240000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Fix: 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.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 303)
Unknown Or Other →4 issues
Your Tahoe keeps throwing a P2138 error code that causes the engine to stall and the check engine light to turn on, while the stability control flashes. You have to clear the code to drive again, but it happens repeatedly—sometimes dangerously on the freeway. You've already replaced the gas pedal and throttle body, but the problem persists, suggesting the issue may be deeper in the throttle control or sensor system.
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Your dashboard has cracked and you noticed a smoke smell coming from it. Now you're hearing a clicking noise from the dash area, which you suspect might be related to the heating and air conditioning system. The clicking could indicate an issue with the HVAC blend door or actuator that controls airflow.
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Your dashboard has a crack in it, and it got worse when you took your Tahoe to the dealer for an airbag recall repair. The dealer acknowledged the problem happens frequently but offered no solution or repair option.
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Your dashboard has developed cracks, likely from sitting in the garage. The cracks make creaking or popping noises when you hit small bumps in the road, which can be distracting while driving. The damage also affects the appearance of your car's interior. Fixing this typically involves dashboard replacement or repair, which may be covered under warranty depending on your vehicle's age and mileage.
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Air Bags,unknown Or Other →4 issues
You've noticed deep cracks developing on your dashboard near the airbag and steering wheel over the last few months, even though the car has been parked in a garage. You're worried these cracks might affect how the airbag works. The repair would likely involve replacing the dashboard panel and possibly inspecting the airbag system to ensure it functions properly.
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Your dashboard is cracking and breaking apart in multiple places. You're concerned that these cracks could be dangerous, possibly because they might affect airbag deployment or create sharp edges. The fix would likely involve replacing the dashboard panel.
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Your dashboard is cracking and you're concerned about how it might behave if the passenger airbag deploys in an accident. GM has recalled the passenger airbag for a potential shrapnel issue, and you worry that dashboard pieces could also become dangerous projectiles during deployment. The only repair option available is a glue-on cover, but this could potentially interfere with the airbag or make other repairs difficult.
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Your dashboard has developed two cracks that aren't from sun damage or wear and tear—they appear to be a manufacturing defect. This is a cosmetic issue with the dashboard panel itself. Fixing this would likely involve replacing the entire dashboard assembly.
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Air Bags →2 issues
Your side airbags deployed while your vehicle was parked and not being driven, even though there was no collision or damage to the car. The front dashboard and steering wheel airbags did not deploy and remain intact, and no warning lights appeared on your dashboard. This unexpected deployment is a serious safety concern for you and your family. The issue will likely require replacement of the deployed side airbags and a diagnostic inspection to determine what caused them to activate without impact.
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Your dashboard cover is falling apart, which is a known issue on this model. You're concerned that if an airbag deploys, pieces of the deteriorating dash cover could become dangerous projectiles and cause injuries like cuts or eye damage to passengers. Fixing this typically involves replacing the dashboard cover.
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Steering →1 issue
Your car's traction control system falsely detected a slide that wasn't actually happening, which caused it to automatically counter-steer and make your vehicle slide into a pole. This resulted in a crash. The system may be malfunctioning and incorrectly activating stability control when it shouldn't.
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Power Train,electrical System →1 issue
Your vehicle is displaying a P2138 error code that's causing the engine to run at reduced power, making it unsafe to drive. Even after the dealer replaced the engine control module (ECM) at significant cost, the problem persists. This issue involves both the electrical and powertrain systems working together.
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Vehicle Speed Control →1 issue
Your vehicle's throttle position sensor failed while driving on the highway at 55-60 MPH, causing it to suddenly go into limp mode and drop your speed to 30 MPH, then 15 MPH without warning. This created a serious safety hazard for you and other drivers. Even after replacing both the gas pedal and throttle position sensor, the problem continues to occur. The fix will likely require professional diagnostic testing to identify why the sensor replacement didn't resolve the issue, possibly involving the throttle body or engine control module.
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Steering,power Train,service Brakes →1 issue
After installing GM STS2 software on your truck, your brakes stopped working properly and you now have to press hard on the brake pedal to stop. Multiple warning lights are on including a calibration error, and the software update appears to have caused these issues. Your airbag sensors also have cracks that trigger warning lights. Resolving this will likely require GM to reprogram or recalibrate your vehicle's computer system and potentially replace the cracked airbag sensors.
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Electrical System,exterior Lighting,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your 2009 Tahoe was included in recall #09V154000 but you were never notified and the dealership never performed it. Over the years, you've experienced intermittent electrical problems including engine stalling while driving (which can cause loss of steering and brakes), failure to start, sudden power loss, rapidly cycling door locks, warning lights turning on and off, headlights and dashboard lights shutting off unexpectedly, and fuel gauge reading incorrectly. The recall is designed to address these electrical and power loss issues, and addressing it will likely involve inspecting and replacing the defective fuel sender control module that the recall targets.
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Power Train →1 issue
Your vehicle jerks, accelerates on its own, and stalls while driving at various speeds, with the service engine warning light coming on. An independent mechanic replaced the auxiliary transmission fluid pump and transmission control module, but the problem may not be fully resolved. The issue likely involves the transmission system and may require further diagnosis or additional repairs.
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Steering,electrical System,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your car stalls (shuts off) when you're making turns, sitting at a stop light, or moving slowly in traffic. This could indicate an issue with the fuel system, electrical system, or steering components that needs to be diagnosed by a mechanic.
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Steering,engine →1 issue
Your engine stalled without warning while sitting idle or in slow traffic, and at the same time, you lost power steering assist. After restarting the vehicle, it ran normally again. The dealership told you this is a known issue but there's no recall for it.
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Steering,air Bags,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your dashboard has developed a crack. The exact cause isn't specified in your complaint, but this could involve the steering wheel area, airbag system, or other dashboard components.
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Lane Departure →1 issue
After taking your 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe to the dealer for an airbag recall repair, you noticed the blind spot detection system stopped working properly. You also heard an abnormal cracking sound coming from the turn signals when you used them. The dealer told you there would be a diagnostic fee to figure out what's wrong, but the vehicle hasn't been repaired yet. The repair will likely involve diagnosing and replacing the blind spot detection module or wiring, and addressing the turn signal electrical issue.
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