repaired · 2023 Q2
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.
2012 Chevrolet TahoeProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 179 owner complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-051 the manufacturer reports only 39% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 10, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe has problems
179 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
62Air bags9 crash/fire/injury
37Structure3 crash/fire/injury
13Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
9Engine
7Power train
6Service brakes
5Electronic stability control (ESC)
4Steering
3Wheels
85 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 62 | 9 |
| Structure | 37 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 2 |
| Engine | 9 | 1 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 3 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 2 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 8 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2012 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,…
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?
74kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 38 air bags complaints. 79% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles30under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 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
2012 Chevrolet Tahoe safety ratings
2012 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 2012 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 received a code on my dash about my airbag needing service, I know my 2007 Tahoe had a airbag recall and not sure if my 2012 might need the same thing.
My 2012 Chevy Tahoe Dashboard is completely cracked up. This seems to be a very common issue as I read online. I am very concerned about the Safety with the Dashboard being cracked in multiple areas. What do I need to do to get Chevy to replace this at no cost to me?
I was rear ended while stopped by another truck that was going 60+ mph. None of the airbags in my 2012 Chevy Tahoe deployed. The backside of the driver and passenger seats fell off - unsure if that is airbag related but nothing deployed. My car was totaled my insurance.
Own a 2012 Tahoe?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.