CRACK IN DASHBOARD NEAR PASSENGER AIRBAG. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tahoe years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Structure complaints
52 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD IN THE VEHICLE HAD A THREE INCH CRACK STARTING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG TO THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,525.
OUR 2009 TAHOE HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE DASH AT THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG. THIS IS ABOVE THE LEFT UPPER AIRBAG AREA. WE LEARNED FROM FRIENDS THAT THIS IS A COMMON. WE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM THE RESEARCH ON-LINE TO REALIZE THAT THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MAJOR PRODUCT DEFECT. I AM ALSO SOMEWHAT CONCERNED THAT THIS DEFECT IS AT T…
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OUR 2009 TAHOE HAS DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE DASH AT THE PASSENGER-SIDE AIRBAG. THIS IS ABOVE THE LEFT UPPER AIRBAG AREA. WE LEARNED FROM FRIENDS THAT THIS IS A COMMON. WE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM THE RESEARCH ON-LINE TO REALIZE THAT THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MAJOR PRODUCT DEFECT. I AM ALSO SOMEWHAT CONCERNED THAT THIS DEFECT IS AT THE JUNCTION OF THE AIR BAG LID- A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. THE INTEGRITY OF THE DASH AT THE AIRBAG JUNCTION IS SUSPECT OF BEING COMPROMISED. THE OTHER CONCERN IS THAT GM TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED MY SHARE OF COST WILL BE $300.00. OUR ONE FRIEND HAS HAD HIS DASH REPLACED 3 TIMES, TWO OF WHICH WERE AT THE AIRBAG JUNCTION. HE TOLD ME OF ANOTHER FRIEND WITH MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS. HE ADVISED ME THAT HE WOULD EXPECT THAT MY NEW DASH WOULD LIKELY CRACK IN THE SAME PLACE WITHIN 1-2 YEARS. OUR LOCAL DEALER (REGAL/LAKELAND) HAS ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND DID NOT DISPUTE THE POTENTIAL FOR THE NEW DASH TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE- NOTING THAT THE DASH IS QUITE THIN. *TR
I NOTICED A CRACK IN MY DASHBOARD GOING TO MY AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD COULD POSSIBLY ALTER THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND HAS COMPROMISED THE INTEGRITY OF THE DASHBOARD AS A WHOLE. THERE HAVE SINCE DEVELOPED TWO ADDITIONAL, LARGER CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD, FURTHERING THE DASHBOARD INT…
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I NOTICED A CRACK IN MY DASHBOARD GOING TO MY AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD COULD POSSIBLY ALTER THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND HAS COMPROMISED THE INTEGRITY OF THE DASHBOARD AS A WHOLE. THERE HAVE SINCE DEVELOPED TWO ADDITIONAL, LARGER CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD, FURTHERING THE DASHBOARD INTEGRITY PROBLEM. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO CHEVY AND GM AND THEY BOTH REFUSE TO ACCEPT THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. SEVERAL HUNDRED PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM (AND COUNTLESS, UNKNOWN PEOPLE HAVE NOT REPORTED IT, OR DON'T KNOW HOW TO, OR WHERE TO REPORT IT, OR WHO TO REPORT IT TO.) BOTH GM AND CHEVY REFUSE TO PUT ANYTHING IN WRITING AND WILL ONLY DISCUSS THE ISSUE OVER THE PHONE AND HAVE TOLD CUSTOMERS THEY WILL NOT REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE DASHBOARDS FOR FREE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH GM TRUCKS (1500, TAHOE, SUBURBAN, YUKONS, ETC.) *TR
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
THE 2009 TAHOE FUEL MODULE CONTROL BOARD ASSEMBLY EXHIBITED FAULTY ADHESIVE AND ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER AND CREATE ONE OR MORE SHORTS IN THE FUEL MODULE. THIS PROMPTED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP (BUCKALEW CHEVROLET, CONROE, TX). AFTER CHECKING THE VIN, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT NO AC…
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THE 2009 TAHOE FUEL MODULE CONTROL BOARD ASSEMBLY EXHIBITED FAULTY ADHESIVE AND ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER AND CREATE ONE OR MORE SHORTS IN THE FUEL MODULE. THIS PROMPTED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP (BUCKALEW CHEVROLET, CONROE, TX). AFTER CHECKING THE VIN, THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT NO ACTIVE RECALLS WERE FOUND AND THAT THE FUEL MODULE HAD BEEN EXPOSED TO TOO MUCH WATER. I WAS ASKED IF I TOOK THE TAHOE "OFF-ROADING" OR USED BOAT-RAMPS EXCESSIVELY. I REPLIED THAT THE TAHOE HAD NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO ANY FORM OF OFF-ROADING OR ABNORMALLY WET CONDITIONS AND HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO ANY BOAT RAMPS OR BODIES OF WATER. I WAS TOLD THE CONDITION WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY AND THEREFORE REQUIRED REPAIRS THAT HAD TO BE PAID BY THE VEHICLE OWNER. I HAVE SINCE FOUND A GM RECALL THAT MATCHES THE SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS EXACTLY (GM RECALL NO. 08411), BUT AFTER CALLING THE NATIONAL HOTLINES LISTED FOR CHEVROLET AND GM (AS WELL AS THE LOCAL DEALER), I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MY VIN DOES NOT MATCH THOSE LISTED UNDER THE RECALL. THE 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE IS STILL EXPERIENCING SEVERAL ISSUES WITH ADHESIVE FAILURE IN AREAS REQUIRING WATER SEALS (FUEL MODULE AGAIN, CABIN LEAKS, DOOR LEAKS CAUSING SHORTS IN POWER WINDOWS AND POWER LOCKS IN TWO DOORS). DESPITE MANY ATTEMPTS, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO PROMPT CHEVROLET/GM TO TAKE ANY APPROPRIATE ACTION IN ASSISTING/RESOLVING THE ISSUE. *TR
FRONT PASSENGER DOOR FAILS TO LOCK AT PRESELECTED VEHICLE SPEED. WILL NOT LOCK WITH REMOTE OR DOOR LOCK SWITCH. REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK BY ANY ELECTRONIC MEANS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DOOR ACTUATOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DOOR ACTUATOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. *TR
CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE HAVE BEEN APPEARING OVER THE PAST 7 MONTHS. GM AND CHEVROLET REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE A FLEETWIDE PROBLEM AND WILL ONLY PAY FOR PARTIAL REPAIRS. ONE OF THE CRACKS IS IN APPROXIMATION TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND HOW THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WILL AFFECT THE DASHBOARD (AND VICA VERS…
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CRACKS IN THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE HAVE BEEN APPEARING OVER THE PAST 7 MONTHS. GM AND CHEVROLET REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE A FLEETWIDE PROBLEM AND WILL ONLY PAY FOR PARTIAL REPAIRS. ONE OF THE CRACKS IS IN APPROXIMATION TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND HOW THE AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WILL AFFECT THE DASHBOARD (AND VICA VERSA) IS UNKNOWN AND WORRISOME. GM AND CHEVROLET REFUSE TO PAY FOR A DEFECTIVE PART REPLACEMENT ON THEIR VEHICLES FOR THIS ISSUE THAT AFFECTS HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF THEIR VEHICLES. *TR
BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF THIS VEHICLE, A 2009 CHEVY TAHOE LTZ, WHICH HAVE A CHROME COLORED PLASTIC COATING, HAVE BECOME SHARP AS A RESULT OF PEELING ON THE TOP OF THE HANDLE, CAUSING CUTS TO THE FINGERS OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS OF THE OCCUPANTS. CALLS TO GENERAL MOTORS WERE MET WITH ACKNOWL…
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BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF THIS VEHICLE, A 2009 CHEVY TAHOE LTZ, WHICH HAVE A CHROME COLORED PLASTIC COATING, HAVE BECOME SHARP AS A RESULT OF PEELING ON THE TOP OF THE HANDLE, CAUSING CUTS TO THE FINGERS OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS OF THE OCCUPANTS. CALLS TO GENERAL MOTORS WERE MET WITH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AN EXISTING AND KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR PART IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE AND TRIM LEVEL, HOWEVER ACCOMMODATIONS ARE ONLY BEING MADE TO REPLACE/REPAIR THOSE THAT WERE INSTALLED IN MODEL YEAR 2007. THE AREA OF THE PEELING "CHROME" IS IN AN IDENTICAL LOCATION ON THE IDENTICAL PART ON THE IDENTICAL TRIM LEVEL OF THE IDENTICAL MODEL OF VEHICLE INCLUDED IN THE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH GM HAS LIMITED ITS INCLUSION OF REPLACEMENT/REPAIR TO A LIMITED AMOUNT OF VEHICLES AS MANDATED/SUGGESTED BY NHTSA BASED UPON ITS INVESTIGATION, HOWEVER IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE SCOPE OF THE INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE WIDENED TO INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES AND OWNERS WHO ARE/WERE AFFECTED BY THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE DOCUMENTED THE INJURIES WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO GM REQUESTING REPLACEMENT/REPAIR HAVE PROVED UNSUCCESSFUL. *TR
Official recalls
521V050000 · 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
1EA21002 · 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.
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