repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2009 Chevrolet TahoeProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 284 owner complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-050 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 31, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe has problems
284 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
97Air bags
52Structure2 crash/fire/injury
33Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
22Latches/locks/linkages1 crash/fire/injury
14Engine
13Electronic stability control (ESC)
12Power train
9Service brakes
9Fuel/propulsion system
3819 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 97 | 0 |
| Structure | 52 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 33 | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 22 | 1 |
| Engine | 14 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 13 | 0 |
| Power train | 12 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 9 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 9 | 1 |
| 19 other systems | 38 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
97kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 42 air bags complaints. 55% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles23under 100k miles19100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Tahoe year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tahoe median. How we score
'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe safety ratings
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (22.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Tahoe owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Dash cover is falling apart, a well known defect. I worry that an airbag deployment could cause dangerous shrapnel to be projected throughout the passenger compartment causing injuries like skin cuts and eye injuries.
I have this car since 2018. The dashboard of this car was in good condition however in the last few months we have see cracks developing near the airbag and the driver steering wheel. These are deep cracks. The car was 100% parked inside the garage. We are concerned if the airbag function will be…
The Side area bags are Deployed a The vehicle is parked an not be operated. It wasn’t involved in any collision, The front Dash board airbags & steering wheel air bags aren’t Deployed an are in tact….there is No Body Damged or The Vehicle was Parked Not Being Operated for Over a month I Don’t…
Own a 2009 Tahoe?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.