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.
2011 Chevrolet TahoeProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 447 owner complaints about the 2011 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 October 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe has problems
447 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
185Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
81Structure1 crash/fire/injury
17Electrical system
15Electronic stability control (ESC)
11Engine
7Fuel/propulsion system
6Vehicle speed control
5Power train
4Suspension
2712 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 185 | 3 |
| Structure | 81 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 15 | 0 |
| Engine | 11 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 1 |
| Suspension | 4 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 27 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2011 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 Q4
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 · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. 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,…
no report yet
Steering: linkages
Risk. THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Axle: spindle
Risk. THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
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?
67kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 92 air bags complaints. 78% were reported before 100,000 miles.
7under 30k miles72under 100k miles20100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 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
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe safety ratings
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- 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 2011 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.
I confirmed the vehicle has a recall. Called the Dealer and they informed me that the dash may crack while performing the recall but is not included in the recall. Any cracks in the dash would be customer pay. This doesn't seem right.
Stability track issues Trunk issues want open or go up Tires keep having to replace for no reason at all Airbag recall Traction control
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…
Own a 2011 Tahoe?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.