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2009 Chevrolet Tahoe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 246.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

189 reports with mileage · 95 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports0 fire reports6 injury reports

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

22 reports
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140,000 miles · Jul 29, 2016
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED IN FOUR PLACES AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS EXPOSED. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED ON ALL FOUR DOORS AND THE RUNNING BOARDS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED IN FOUR PLACES AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS EXPOSED. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED ON ALL FOUR DOORS AND THE RUNNING BOARDS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #10891600

69,000 miles · Apr 23, 2015
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAIL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000. ....UPDATED 07/22/15 *BF UPDATED 10/11/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10712493

60,000 miles · Apr 15, 2015
Latches/locks/linkages

THE LOCK ON THE REAR, DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. IT WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND GM REFUSES TO COVER THE REPAIRS UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY SON IS IN A CAR SEAT AND IS NOT ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR HIMSELF. THERE ARE MULTIPLE THREADS ONLIN…

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THE LOCK ON THE REAR, DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. IT WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND GM REFUSES TO COVER THE REPAIRS UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY SON IS IN A CAR SEAT AND IS NOT ABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR HIMSELF. THERE ARE MULTIPLE THREADS ONLINE OF PEOPLE ALL COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. IT'S AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. SHAME ON GM FOR NOT COVERING THIS WHEN IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10705805

52,000 miles · Jan 4, 2015
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

I OWN A 2009 CHEVY TAHOE AND I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH DOOR LOCK PROBLEMS FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AT THIS POINT AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM TIME TO TIME. AT THIS MOMENT WE HAVE 2 WORKING DOORS, BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY THESE REMAINING 2 CURRENTLY WORKING DOORS WILL…

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I OWN A 2009 CHEVY TAHOE AND I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH DOOR LOCK PROBLEMS FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AT THIS POINT AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM TIME TO TIME. AT THIS MOMENT WE HAVE 2 WORKING DOORS, BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY THESE REMAINING 2 CURRENTLY WORKING DOORS WILL NOT OPEN EITHER AND MY FAMILY MAY BE TRAPPED. SOMEONE SUGGESTED WE CONTACT THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD AND FILE A COMPLAINT TO SEE IF MAYBE WE CAN FORCE GM INTO A RECALL SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. IS THIS SOMETHING YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO HELP US WITH? PLEASE ADVICE ON HOW I SHOULD PROCEED WITH THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP AND COOPERATION WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10669917

75,000 miles · Sep 30, 2014
Latches/locks/linkages

POWER LOCKS ON DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY ( WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK ) . THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM IF IN A VEHICLE CRASH AS I WOULD HAVE TROUBLE ACCESSING MY CHILD IN THE REAR SEAT. COULD YOU IMAGINE A CAR ON FIRE AND NOT BEING ABLE TO REACH YOUR CHILD. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL TO HAVE THE …

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POWER LOCKS ON DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY ( WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK ) . THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM IF IN A VEHICLE CRASH AS I WOULD HAVE TROUBLE ACCESSING MY CHILD IN THE REAR SEAT. COULD YOU IMAGINE A CAR ON FIRE AND NOT BEING ABLE TO REACH YOUR CHILD. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL TO HAVE THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS REPLACED. THIS CAME UP AS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WHILE SEARCHING FOR A REMEDY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10640067

45,000 miles · Jul 9, 2014
Latches/locks/linkages

DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED ON THE TWO FRONT DOORS AND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR CREATING SIGNIFICANT DIFFICULTY IN BOTH ENTERING AND LEAVING THE VEHICLE. OF PARTICULAR CONCERN WAS THE GREAT DIFFICULTY IN REMOVING CHILDREN FROM THE BACKSEAT OF THE CAR. THE MANUAL LOCKS ARE OUT OF REACH OF AN ADULT IN THE FRONT SEAT WHICH ULTIMATE…

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DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED ON THE TWO FRONT DOORS AND THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR CREATING SIGNIFICANT DIFFICULTY IN BOTH ENTERING AND LEAVING THE VEHICLE. OF PARTICULAR CONCERN WAS THE GREAT DIFFICULTY IN REMOVING CHILDREN FROM THE BACKSEAT OF THE CAR. THE MANUAL LOCKS ARE OUT OF REACH OF AN ADULT IN THE FRONT SEAT WHICH ULTIMATELY REQUIRES RETURNING THE KEY TO THE IGNITION AND LOWERING THE REAR WINDOW TO REMOVE A CHILD FROM THE CAR. THIS PROCEDURE IS TIME-CONSUMING AND I HOPE THAT NO ONE EVER NEEDS TO PERFORM THAT PROCEDURE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION SUCH AS A FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10609237

71,000 miles · Mar 20, 2014
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

DRIVER DOOR AND REAR DOOR ON DRIVER SIDE DO NOT LOCK/UNLOCK CONSISTENTLY WITH KEY FOB NOR DO THEY LOCK/UNLOCK WITH POWER LOCK BUTTON. I HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK BOTH DOORS MOST OF THE TIME. THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THEY REPLACED THESE A FEW YEARS BACK UNDER WARRANTY SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A…

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DRIVER DOOR AND REAR DOOR ON DRIVER SIDE DO NOT LOCK/UNLOCK CONSISTENTLY WITH KEY FOB NOR DO THEY LOCK/UNLOCK WITH POWER LOCK BUTTON. I HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK BOTH DOORS MOST OF THE TIME. THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THEY REPLACED THESE A FEW YEARS BACK UNDER WARRANTY SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW OR MECHANICAL ISSUE CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN. NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE TO MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK MY DOORS WHEN I LEAVE THE VEHICLE. PASSENGER SIDE DOORS APPEAR TO WORK FINE ALL THE TIME. THE COST IS CLOSE TO $300 PER DOOR TO CORRECT AND I BELIEVE ONLY A 30 DAY WARRANTY. SO IT DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE A PERMANENT RESOLUTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10573675

28,942 miles · Nov 18, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

VEHICLE'S REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK STOPPED FUNCTIONING. DOOR LOCK WILL NOT RESPOND TO WIRELESS TRANSMITTER, NOR UNLOCK BUTTON IN THE VEHICLE. LOCK CAN BE MANUALLY OPENED OR CLOSED FROM WITHIN THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT DOES NOT DO ME ANY GOOD WHEN I HAVE A 4 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552783

47,813 miles · Nov 17, 2013
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

LEFT SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR DOES NOT FUNCTION, WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH EITHER MANUAL BUTTON ON ARMREST OR REMOTE KEYFOB. ASSEMBLY RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL TO LOCK/UNLOCK BUT MECHANISM DOES NOT TRAVEL ENOUGH TO COMPLETE FULL LOCK/UNLOCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552622

74,000 miles · Oct 28, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

BOTH BACK DOORS ON MY TAHOE BEGAN TO STOP UNLOCKING AND LOCKING WHEN USING THE CLICKER. A MONTH LATER THEY STOPPED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING USING THE UNLOCK/LOCK BUTTON INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AT THE TIME I HAD A TWO MONTH OLD WHO I WAS HAVING TO CARRY THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND CRAWL THROUGH TO THE BACK TO PUT HIM IN HIS CAR S…

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BOTH BACK DOORS ON MY TAHOE BEGAN TO STOP UNLOCKING AND LOCKING WHEN USING THE CLICKER. A MONTH LATER THEY STOPPED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING USING THE UNLOCK/LOCK BUTTON INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AT THE TIME I HAD A TWO MONTH OLD WHO I WAS HAVING TO CARRY THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND CRAWL THROUGH TO THE BACK TO PUT HIM IN HIS CAR SEAT. I ASKED THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS & I WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST ME AROUND $600 PER DOOR. BY THAT TIME, MY FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HAD ALSO STOPPED WORKING. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS NOT A RECALL. WHAT IF THERE WERE A FIRE AND I COULD NOT GET TO MY CHILDREN? OR HEAVEN FORBID I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND I CAN'T UNLOCK THE VEHICLE TO GET TO MY KIDS. I HAVE DONE PLENTY OF RESEARCH ON THIS MATTER AND IT SEEMS AS IF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. CHEVROLET HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR VEHICLE OF CHOICE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVROLET VEHICLE AFTER THIS. MY HUSBAND WAS JUST LOOKING AT BUYING ONE OF THE 2014 TRUCKS AND I FORBID HIM TO DO SO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549913

Official recalls

5

21V050000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: 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.

21V052000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 5, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: 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.

21V053000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 5, 2021

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: 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.

10V240000 · Electrical System

Jun 4, 2010

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy: 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.

09V154000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

May 6, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.