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Chevrolet TahoeModel year report

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems

Compared with other Chevrolet Tahoe years

Typical for this model

51/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010, 2012

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
284filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
77,756miles, 188 complaints with mileage
Recalls
5campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
16 mpgcombined, 4.8L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe most often report a cracked dashboard, especially around the passenger airbag area, and door locks that stop responding to the key fob or interior buttons. Scattered complaints also describe intermittent electrical glitches (gauges, radio, locks cycling), transmission or engine stalling and harsh shifting, and peeling interior door handles. Many dashboard and lock complaints show up well past 60,000 miles, and the dashboard cracks are commonly described as appearing gradually under normal use.

  1. Body and structure

    Cracked dashboard around passenger airbag

    • 175 complaints (62%)
    • median 90,000 mi at 7.3 yrs old (105 state mileage)
    • filed 2013–2024

    Complaints describe cracks appearing in the instrument panel, most often around the passenger-side airbag cover and above the gauge cluster. Owners say the cracks develop gradually during ordinary driving and parking, sometimes spreading until the panel separates or flaps. Many state that a dealer or the manufacturer declined to replace the dash, and some worry about how the airbag would deploy through a cracked cover. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 130,000 miles, often on vehicles kept outside in hot climates.

    What to check: Inspect the top of the dash carefully, especially the seam around the passenger airbag cover and above the instrument cluster, and look for cracks or lifting. Ask whether the dash has ever been repaired or replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The dash over my steering has busted as well as the dash around my airbag in my truck for unknown reason. The cracks continue to run. I was going to check about having it possibly patched but found that this is a common problem with hundreds of people including some I know personally. The cracking around the airbag is kind of scary.”

    NHTSA complaint #10637490, filed 2014-09, 72,000 miles

    “The dashboard of my 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is cracked in the passenger side where the airbag is located. I see many chevy Tahoe owners with the same issue but there is no recall yet and it seems that this problem could not only get worst but potentially dangerous based on the location of the crack.”

    NHTSA complaint #10838750, filed 2016-02, 67,000 miles
  2. Latches, locks and linkages

    Door locks stop working (actuator failure)

    • 40 complaints (14%)
    • median 60,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (37 state mileage)
    • filed 2010–2021

    Owners report doors that no longer lock or unlock with the key fob, the interior lock button, or the automatic lock at speed. Complaints describe hearing the actuator click or the lock tab move slightly without actually locking, and say the problem often moves from one door to another after a repair. Several owners were quoted per-door replacement costs by the dealer. Typically reported between about 30,000 and 100,000 miles, affecting individual doors first and often spreading to others over months.

    What to check: Try every door with both the fob and the interior lock button before buying, and ask whether any lock actuators have already been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The door does not lock or unlock at certain times, you see the locks try to move up yet it doesn't happen. I need to use the key. I've changed the batteries on the remote thinking it was the reason but it did no good. I know a few others that have a 2009 with same issue to include the cracking of the dash board.”

    NHTSA complaint #10508753, filed 2013-04, 80,000 miles

    “Vehicle's rear passenger side door lock stopped functioning. Door lock will not respond to wireless transmitter, nor unlock button in the vehicle. Lock can be manually opened or closed from within the vehicle, but that does not do me any good when I have a 4 year old child in the back seat.”

    NHTSA complaint #10552783, filed 2013-11, 28,942 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Electrical glitches: gauges, locks cycling, power loss

    • 37 complaints (13%)
    • median 75,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (28 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2010–2024

    Complaints describe intermittent electrical faults where the door locks cycle, the radio and dash lights flicker or cut out, gauges drop to zero, and the engine stumbles or loses power while driving. Some owners describe a no-crank condition resolved temporarily by handling the battery cables, and several say dealers could not reproduce or diagnose the problem. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 10,000 miles to over 150,000, with no clear pattern in timing.

    Recall 10V2400002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check that all gauges and accessories work through a test drive, inspect battery terminals and cables for corrosion, and ask whether any electrical repairs or ignition switch work have been done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Tahoe looses all electrical power wont crank, radio goes off while driving, door locks go up and engine goes into lose of power volt gauge drops below 14v ,stop. Truck go to crank no electrical power, go to touch battery cables then it will start have not been able to correct problem, intrarnate is full of same problem”

    NHTSA complaint #10786709, filed 2015-10, 80,000 miles

    “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. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10307946, filed 2010-02, 4,810 miles
  4. Transmission and drivetrain

    Harsh shifting and stalling (transmission)

    • 18 complaints (6%)
    • median 60,120 mi at 3.8 yrs old (15 state mileage)
    • filed 2009–2026

    Owners describe the six-speed transmission shifting hard or hunting between gears, failing to hold speed with cruise control set, and in some cases jerking or surging with the check engine light on. Complaints mention dealers replacing transmission modules, sensors, or the torque converter without fully resolving the concern. Reported mostly between about 35,000 and 150,000 miles, including during towing.

    What to check: Test drive at highway speed with cruise control engaged and watch for harsh or delayed shifts; ask whether transmission fluid, modules, or the torque converter have been serviced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have had to replace the brakes twice, as well as the driver side hub. I have replace the door trim at least 4 times. Everyone I have met that has the same year has had trouble with the trim. I also feel that the transmission has trouble shifting when towing.”

    NHTSA complaint #10576994, filed 2014-04, 60,120 miles

    “2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. Consumer states problem with vehicle transmission 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.”

    NHTSA complaint #10461526, filed 2012-06, 34,936 miles

Buying note. Check the dashboard for cracks around the airbag and above the gauges, and test every power lock, since those are the most frequently reported problems on this model year. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a scan for stored codes and a highway test drive is worthwhile given the electrical and transmission complaints.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 284 consumer complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. 188 of the complaints include a mileage, and 23% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,756 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,432 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Tahoe model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 51 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Steering (8), Vehicle speed control (6), Engine cooling (2), Equipment (2), Seats (2), Suspension (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Wheels (2), Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Air bags: “Takata recall airbag inflator is taking too long. Gm sent an initial letter last year; july 2016. I am driving around in florida; hot and humid. Stress is building as new tahoes are rolling off assembly lines, but no parts can be spared to fix an over time serious injury. I have 3 reference numbers; but no parts. Can u help?”

NHTSA complaint #10991357, filed 2017-05, 150,000 miles

Other or unknown: “Purchased vehicle feb 2012. The dash became cracked above steering wheel within a year of ownership, had dash replaced at Chevrolet dealership in may 2013. Within 3 years the new dash started to crack also and has continued to crack in multiple places; above the steering wheel and around passenger side dash airbag. We live within city limits on paved roads, we also have a paved driveway.”

NHTSA complaint #11235158, filed 2019-07, 110,000 miles

Body and structure: “When trying to open the liftgage, either manually or by pushing the button, the liftgate opens partially then suddenly falls. I have seen a recall for this, however I am not able to locate a recall specifically for a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. The affected vehicles have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open, said NHTSA in its recall summary. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall. It may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.”

NHTSA complaint #11099397, filed 2018-06, 42,800 miles

Electrical system: “Doors will not lock or unlock. Locks make sound that they are trying to engage but have to be manually locked or unlocked. I have small children that I am afraid that will be locked inside my vehicle and I will be unable to open doors without breaking the window.”

NHTSA complaint #10532700, filed 2013-07, 61,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

23% of the 188 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 52,000 and 102,500 miles.

5%0–102%10–2516%25–5023%50–7523%75–10024%100–1506%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (188 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 77,756 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’10’13’1664’19’22’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Tahoe · sedan RWD/AWDnot rated5 / 5——3 · 22.8% risk

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Tahoe 1500 2WD4.8L 8-cyl4-speed automatic141916$4,200
Tahoe 1500 2WD5.3L 8-cyl6-speed automatic142016$4,200
Tahoe 1500 2WD5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic142016$4,200
Tahoe 1500 2WD6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic121915$4,450
Tahoe 1500 4WD5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic142016$4,200
Tahoe 1500 4WD6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic121914$4,800
Tahoe 1500 XFE 2WD5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic152117$3,950

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,432 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 1,432 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chevrolet Tahoe

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026283,7833517Too new to compareToo new
202552—1517Too new to compareToo new
20246914,0003417Too new to compareToo new
202323333,2535417100 · MoreToo new
202219749,000441773 · MoreRising
202146341,50016417100 · MoreRising
20205716,000341822 · FewerRising
201910928,000241842 · TypicalRising
201810542,000341924 · FewerStable
201717550,000441949 · TypicalStable
201625648,000841994 · MoreRising
201565962,00014418100 · MoreFalling
20149056,00034174 · FewerFalling
201323360,000441731 · FewerFalling
201217870,000341711 · FewerFalling
201144766,801541765 · MoreFalling
201031474,0003—1727 · FewerFalling
200928477,7565—1651 · TypicalFalling
200852872,7504—1667 · MoreFalling
20071,17777,0004—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200611475,1223—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200529380,0005—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200446772,0002—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200350774,0004—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200244980,5003—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200151269,5515—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200028279,3006—15Not compared (before 2008)Rising
199955291,7941—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199826385,0002—14Not compared (before 2008)Rising
199741091,4750—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1996283110,0003—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1995246117,5006—12Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199419115,0002———Stable
19938159,7450———Not enough data
19926—0———Not enough data

All Chevrolet Tahoe model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe?

Owners of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe most often report a cracked dashboard, especially around the passenger airbag area, and door locks that stop responding to the key fob or interior buttons. The issues reported most often: Cracked dashboard around passenger airbag; Door locks stop working (actuator failure); Electrical glitches: gauges, locks cycling, power loss.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe have?

NHTSA recorded 284 consumer complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 97 complaints (34% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 95.

Has the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe been recalled?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (Tahoe 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe reported?

Among the 188 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,756 miles and the middle half falls between 52,000 and 102,500 miles; 23% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.