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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 306 owner complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Most complaints involve air bags (99) and structure (54). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
20–21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
306
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

306 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2008 – Jul 2026
  1. Air bags99
  2. Structure54
  3. Electrical system40
  4. Latches/locks/linkages23
  5. Engine16
  6. Power train16
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)15
  8. Service brakes10
  9. Fuel/propulsion system10

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Tahoe Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2008586
2009306
2010319
2011457
2012178
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
9
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

99 reports
“Dash cover is falling apart, a well known defect. I worry that an airbag deployment could cause dangerous shrapnel to be projected throughout the passenger compartment causing injuries like skin cuts and eye injuries.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 10, 2024Air bagsODI 11619119

Structure

54 reports
“CRACKED DASHBOARD ABOVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND LEFT UPPER PORTION OF PASSENGER SIDE DASH AIRBAG, VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, CAME OUT ONE MORNING AND CRACKS SHOWED UP, ABOUT A MONTH WENT BY AND PIECES OF DASH STARTED BREAKING OFF DASHBOARD AND FALLING INSIDE DASH AREA”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 16, 2018StructureODI 11152084

Electrical system

40 reports1 crash1 fire
“The dash and front and rear lights keep going on and off. And I changed all my lights on from and rear and it still happens there is a smell coming from my glove box. I can show you in person so we can see what can be done to fix this problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 8, 2026Electrical system, Seats, EngineODI 11748963
All 2009 Tahoe Hybrid problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tahoe Hybrid 2WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
212221$2,950423
Tahoe Hybrid 4WD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
202020$3,100444
  • Tahoe Hybrid 2WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L
    21 city · 22 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Tahoe Hybrid 4WD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L
    20 city · 20 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 5070
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 Tahoe Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.

What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 306 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (99), structure (54), electrical system (40). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026