← New search

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
41,500 miles · Nov 28, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine And Engine CoolingTraction Control System

MY TAHOE WILL JERK BACKWARDS REALLY HARD. THEN I GET ERROR MESSAGES STATING THE "STABILITAK HAS MALFUNCTIONED" "TRACTION CONTROL OFF" "SERVICE ENGINE" AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST "REDUCING ENGINE POWER". I CANNOT GO OVER 15 WHEN THIS HAPPENS, WHICH MAKES IT REALLY HARD TO GET OFF THE ROAD WHEN THIS IS ALL HAPPENING. THE …

Read full complaint

MY TAHOE WILL JERK BACKWARDS REALLY HARD. THEN I GET ERROR MESSAGES STATING THE "STABILITAK HAS MALFUNCTIONED" "TRACTION CONTROL OFF" "SERVICE ENGINE" AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST "REDUCING ENGINE POWER". I CANNOT GO OVER 15 WHEN THIS HAPPENS, WHICH MAKES IT REALLY HARD TO GET OFF THE ROAD WHEN THIS IS ALL HAPPENING. THE WHOLE VEHICLE BUCKS BACK AND FORTH WILDLY AS THE CYCLINDERS ARE SHUTTING DOWN. THIS IS A TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE SINCE I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME. NOW MY CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. IF I DO TRY TO DRIVE IT IT GRINDS AND MAKES HORRIBLE NOISES AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW PERMANENTLY ILLUMINATED ON MY GAUGES. I CANNOT TURN THE VEHICLE WITH OUT IT COMPLETELY STOPPING. ON ITS OWN. MY FOOT WILL STILL BE ON THE GAS. ALSO IT ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. WE LIVE IN ND AND GET TONS OF SNOW AND ICE. THIS THING IS A DEATH TRAP. I HAVE PURCHASED A VEHICLE THAT I CANNOT DRIVE. BUT STILL MUST MAKE PAYMENTS ON. IT IS A TOTAL LEMON! *KB

NHTSA ODI #10437531

37,500 miles · Sep 28, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET A LITTLE OVER 20MPH, GETTING READY TO GET ON HIGHWAY, WHEN MY 2009 TAHOE ABRUPTLY, FORCIBLY, AND INSTANTLY DANGEROUSLY DROPPED DOWN TO ALMOST 10MPH. THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO ABRUPTLY STOP TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH MY TRUCK. TRIED TO INCREASE SPEED TO OVER 10MPH AND TRUCK KEPT FORCIBLY JERKING. I WAS A…

Read full complaint

WAS DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET A LITTLE OVER 20MPH, GETTING READY TO GET ON HIGHWAY, WHEN MY 2009 TAHOE ABRUPTLY, FORCIBLY, AND INSTANTLY DANGEROUSLY DROPPED DOWN TO ALMOST 10MPH. THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO ABRUPTLY STOP TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH MY TRUCK. TRIED TO INCREASE SPEED TO OVER 10MPH AND TRUCK KEPT FORCIBLY JERKING. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID A FEW COLLISIONS BY TURNING ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND WAVING OUT MY HAND TO TRAFFIC. DEFINITELY DID NOT GET ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE MY TRUCK WOULD NOT INCREASE SPEED AND CONTINUOUSLY, FORCIBLY, AND ABRUPTLY JERKED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE DEALER (APPROXIMATELY 9 MILES, 20 MINUTES DRIVING). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10427771

28,000 miles · Aug 23, 2011
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPPIED. IN ADDITION, THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT PROVIDE AN ACCURATE READING. THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TH…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPPIED. IN ADDITION, THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT PROVIDE AN ACCURATE READING. THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS BUT THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.

NHTSA ODI #10421142

10,000 miles · Aug 9, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ON OR ABOUT 8-9-10, WE FELT A SHUDDERING FEELING IN OUR VEHICLE. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A GM DEALER AND THEY STATED THE BRAKES NEEDED TO HAVE THE ROTORS TURNED. GM DEALER COMPLETED REPAIRS AND ON OR ABOUT MAY OF 2011, VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHUDDER AGAIN. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME GM DEALER AND THE ROTORS WERE BAD AGAIN.…

Read full complaint

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

NHTSA ODI #10418894

12,975 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT TIRES WERE WEARING DOWN MUCH FASTER THE REAR TIRES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT END WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADS. THE MANUFACTURER STA…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT TIRES WERE WEARING DOWN MUCH FASTER THE REAR TIRES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT END WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN ON PAVED ROADS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VEHICLES ALIGNMENT WAS NOT COVERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 12,975. UPDATED 09/02/11*LJ UPDATED 09/14/11*JB

NHTSA ODI #10413994

35,000 miles · Jul 12, 2011
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, FOLLOWED BY ABNORMAL ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR NEEDED TO BE CLEANED YET, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE VEHIC…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, FOLLOWED BY ABNORMAL ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR NEEDED TO BE CLEANED YET, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER WHO THEN REPLACED THE CONVERTER BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP FOR A SECOND OPINION WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND THE TRANSMISSION WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #10411959

9,000 miles · Jan 13, 2011
Power Train

THE VEHICLE IS A 2009 CHEVY TAHOE LTZ. AT ABOUT 9000 MILES THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS. WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT AND HAD TO STOP IN THE FIRST 1/2 MILE OR SO, WHEN YOU TRIED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD JUMP FORWARD AND THEN LOCKUP AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF IT WAS 30 DEGREES …

Read full complaint

THE VEHICLE IS A 2009 CHEVY TAHOE LTZ. AT ABOUT 9000 MILES THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS. WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT AND HAD TO STOP IN THE FIRST 1/2 MILE OR SO, WHEN YOU TRIED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD JUMP FORWARD AND THEN LOCKUP AND THE ENGINE WOULD DIE. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF IT WAS 30 DEGREES OR 60 DEGREES OUT. IT HAPPENED EVERYTIME THE STOP HAD TO BE DONE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NO CODES SO NOTHING COULD BE WRONG, GM WAS CONTACTED AND THE DEALERSHIP CALLED BACK AND HAD ME LEAVE THE TAHOE THERE. THEY WERE TOLD IT ONLY HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST STARTED OR WHEN IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR ABOUT 5 HOURS. IT WAS TRIED SHORTLY AFTER I LEFT IT AND THEY CALLED AND SAID NOTHING HAPPENED SO THEY WERE GOING TO LEAVE IT OVERNIGHT AND TRY IT IN THE MORNING. THEY DID AND I GOT A CALL THAT IT ALMOST PUT THE SERVICE PERSON RIDING IN THE PASS SEAT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. LONG STORY SHORTENED, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS MANUFACTURED WITH OUT ONE OF THE MAIN BEARINGS, THIS WAS THEIR ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM AND AFTER ABOUT THREE WEEKS IT WAS FINALLY REPAIRED AND I GOT IT BACK. GM, CHEVY KNOWS ABOUT THIS AS THEY WERE PART OF THE NOTIFICATION PROCESS AS THEY HAD TO OK ALL REPAIRS ON THE REBUILDING OF THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT INSTALL A NEW ONE. DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS A BEARING OR NOT AS THE TAHOE RAN FINE FOR ABOUT 9000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10376496

37,000 miles · Dec 8, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages

THE LOCKS ON MY 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE DO NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE I HAVE 4 CHILDREN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10369608

923 miles · Oct 13, 2010
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE RACK AND PINION GEAR WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE GEARS REPLACED AGAIN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTUR…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE RACK AND PINION GEAR WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE GEARS REPLACED AGAIN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,040. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 923.

NHTSA ODI #10360298

4,810 miles · Feb 9, 2010
Electrical System

2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE - WITH 5,194 MILES INTERMITTENT AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF ALL GAUGES ON INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ALSO INTERMITTENT CYCLING OF DOOR LOCKS AND HORN AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE BEING LOCKED BY USING THE REMOTE. THE FAILURE OF THE GAUGES HAS OCCURRED TWICE IN THE LAST 200 OR SO MILES AND THE DOOR LOCK CYCLING HAS HAPPE…

Read full complaint

2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE - WITH 5,194 MILES INTERMITTENT AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF ALL GAUGES ON INSTRUMENT PANEL AND ALSO INTERMITTENT CYCLING OF DOOR LOCKS AND HORN AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE BEING LOCKED BY USING THE REMOTE. THE FAILURE OF THE GAUGES HAS OCCURRED TWICE IN THE LAST 200 OR SO MILES AND THE DOOR LOCK CYCLING HAS HAPPENED ONCE DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF TIME. THERE IS NO APPARENT PATTERN TO THE DESCRIBED PROBLEM. SINCE THERE ARE NO GAUGES WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, THE DRIVABILITY OF THE VEHICLE IS SEVERELY LIMITED; THE SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, OIL, TEMPERATURE AND TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTION INDICATOR ARE INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE IS SCHEDULED TO BE INSPECTED ON 02/10/2010 BY THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE IS BEING PROVIDED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF SERVICE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10307946

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.