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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

What owners actually said

284 reports
39,000 miles · Dec 19, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK WHEN UTILIZING THE ELECTRONIC KEY FOB FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY, ONLY MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK WHEN UTILIZING THE ELECTRONIC KEY FOB FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONTACT WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY, ONLY MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10489244

1,000 miles · Nov 30, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

AUTO DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THIS HAS CONTINUED THRU SEVERAL REPAIRS INCLUDING TODAY - 11/30/2012. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10486533

40,000 miles · Aug 29, 2012
Electrical System

ACTUATOR FAILED ON 3 OUT OF FIVE DOORS, SO FAR. SEVERAL FORUMS HAVE A LOT OF REPORTS OF FAILURE. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOMEONE LOOKING INTO THIS. TODAY, I AM PAYING OUT OF POCKET OVER $500 TO HAVE THIS FIXED AT A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. YOU CAN NEVER BE SURE A DOCK IS LOCKED OR UNLOCK, WHICH POSES A SAFETY RISK FOR MY CHILD WHO COU…

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ACTUATOR FAILED ON 3 OUT OF FIVE DOORS, SO FAR. SEVERAL FORUMS HAVE A LOT OF REPORTS OF FAILURE. I WOULD APPRECIATE SOMEONE LOOKING INTO THIS. TODAY, I AM PAYING OUT OF POCKET OVER $500 TO HAVE THIS FIXED AT A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. YOU CAN NEVER BE SURE A DOCK IS LOCKED OR UNLOCK, WHICH POSES A SAFETY RISK FOR MY CHILD WHO COULD OPEN THE DOOR WHILE I AM GOING DOWN THE ROAD; NOT TO MENTION THE RISK OF SOMEONE ENTERING THE CAR WHILE IT IS STOPPED (ATTENDED OR NOT). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10472912

80,000 miles · Jun 26, 2012
Latches/locks/linkagesPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR AND THEY DETECTED THAT THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK HAD BROKEN. IN ADDITION, BOTH FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR AND THEY DETECTED THAT THE TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK HAD BROKEN. IN ADDITION, BOTH FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10463163

34,936 miles · Jun 12, 2012
Power Train

2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE TRANSMISSION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SIX SPEED TRANSMISSION SHIFTED CONSTANTLY, AND HARD. IT DIDN'T MAINTAIN SPEED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET. THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL MODULES AND SENSORS WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10461526

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2012
Electrical SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

THE BATTERY GAUGE WILL DROP OR FLUCTUATE. IT DOES NOT OCCUR IMMEDIATELY, BUT AFTER DRIVING FOR A COUPLE MINUTES. ONCE THE BATTERY GAUGE DROPS MANY THINGS ARE AFFECTED. THE CAR HESITATES TO INCREASE SPEED, BRAKING IS AFFECTED, CRUISE CONTROL IS AFFECTED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL TURN ON UNEXPECTEDLY AT TIMES. WHEN NEEDING TO ACCEL…

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THE BATTERY GAUGE WILL DROP OR FLUCTUATE. IT DOES NOT OCCUR IMMEDIATELY, BUT AFTER DRIVING FOR A COUPLE MINUTES. ONCE THE BATTERY GAUGE DROPS MANY THINGS ARE AFFECTED. THE CAR HESITATES TO INCREASE SPEED, BRAKING IS AFFECTED, CRUISE CONTROL IS AFFECTED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL TURN ON UNEXPECTEDLY AT TIMES. WHEN NEEDING TO ACCELERATE IT HESITATES AND ONCE IT GOES THE ENGINE PUTS OUT MORE THAN IS NEEDED OR EXPECTED. BRAKING IS SLOW AND PULSATES SLIGHTLY AS THE TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING. THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND APPEAR TO BE IN WORKING ORDER AND NOTHING WRONG WITH EITHER OF THEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10461264

57,000 miles · May 10, 2012
Electrical SystemPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE IN WHICH IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY RESIST ACCELERATION ACCOMPANIED BY A WARNING CHIME SOUNDING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY LOCK AND UNLOCK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED TRAVELED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE IN WHICH IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY RESIST ACCELERATION ACCOMPANIED BY A WARNING CHIME SOUNDING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY LOCK AND UNLOCK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED TRAVELED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 07/06/12 *BF ON FOUR OCCASIONS THE DOOR BEGAN LOCKING, UNLOCKING, CHIMING AS IF THE DOORS WERE OPEN. THE WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE QUICKLY AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND THE ACCELERATOR WAS UNRESPONSIVE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 07/17/12

NHTSA ODI #10457989

38,000 miles · Apr 29, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages

I HAVE HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK NOT LOCKING PROPERLY. IT SEEMS THAT THE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ACTUATOR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND THAT IT IS A HUGE PROBLEM FOR MANY TAHOE OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10456828

69,000 miles · Mar 4, 2012
Electrical System

I HAVE AN 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE LTZ THAT HAS SEVERAL ELECTRICAL ISSUES. MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER (LAKESIDE CHEVROLET IN WARSAW) HOOKED IT UP ON THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM AND CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, SO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THIS USED VEHICLE (THEAUTOPARK.NET) REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH BECAUSE THEY "THINK" THAT MAY BE WHAT'S …

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I HAVE AN 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE LTZ THAT HAS SEVERAL ELECTRICAL ISSUES. MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER (LAKESIDE CHEVROLET IN WARSAW) HOOKED IT UP ON THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM AND CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, SO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THIS USED VEHICLE (THEAUTOPARK.NET) REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH BECAUSE THEY "THINK" THAT MAY BE WHAT'S CAUSING MY VEHICLE ISSUES. BELOW ARE THE VARIOUS ISSUES THAT I AM EXPERIENCING: 1. PERIODICALLY, THE DOOR LOCKS WILL CYCLE UP AND DOWN AND THE POWER ON THE DASH (RADIO, HEADLIGHTS, ETC) GOES BLACK AND THE VEHICLE SPUTTERS LIKE IT'S GOING TO DIE (EVEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY) 2. AFTER THAT HAPPENS, AND THE VEHICLE COMES OUT OF THIS STATE, BUT IF YOU SMASH DOWN ON THE PEDAL THE WHOLE THING WILL OCCUR AGAIN (HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY...NO HEADLIGHTS AND DECREASING SPEED) 3. SOMETIMES, THE VEHICLE WON'T START (NOTHING HAPPENS) 4. THE CD PLAYER SOUNDS LIKE THE MOTOR INSIDE IS CONSTANTLY RUNNING. THE DEALER (THEAUTOPARK.NET) SAID THIS IS A COOLING FAN...BUT IT ALWAYS RUNS? 5. THE VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY DIE WHEN PLACING THE CAR IN PARK AND SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE (NO POWER....NOTHING. COASTS TO A HALT.) NOTE: WE'VE ALREADY REPLACED THE BATTERY AND STILL HAVE ALL OF THE AFOREMENTIONED ISSUES. UPDATE: THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT WAS A HUGE FAIL. ON THE WAY HOME LAST NIGHT, THE VEHICLE DID SOME REALLY WACKY THINGS WHEN I USED MY TURN SIGNAL (THE VEHICLE SLOWED DRAMATICALLY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS FLICKERED OFF AND ON). ALL OF THIS HAS MADE ME ANGRY ENOUGH THAT I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY OVERNIGHT TO REBOOT THE COMPUTER....I DON'T KNOW IF THIS HELPED OR WORKED, BUT I AM DESPERATE ENOUGH TO TRY ANYTHING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE MY FAMILY'S SAFETY IS IN JEOPARDY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10450199

23,000 miles · Feb 28, 2012
Tires

2009 CHEVY TAHOE BRIDGESTONE TIRES ARE DRY ROTTING OFF THE VEHICLE WITH 23K MILES ON THEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10449523

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.