2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD Ltz, 4dr SUV RWD Ls/Lt, Hybrid 4dr SUV 2WD, Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 21 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 202 in
- Curb weight
- 5,265–5,836 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints241 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is a SUV - offered with 4 engines (6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,525 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Ltz).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (21 city / 22 highway), 8% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 241 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Tahoe — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Tahoe →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Ltz | 202 in | 77.6 in | 77.2 in | 116.1 in | 68.1 / 66.5 in | 5,525 lb | 51/49 |
| 4dr SUV RWD Ls/Lt | 202 in | 77.6 in | 77.2 in | 116.1 in | 68.1 / 66.5 in | 5,265 lb | 51/49 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV 2WD | 202 in | 79.1 in | 76.8 in | 116.1 in | 68.1 / 66.5 in | 5,617 lb | 51/49 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD | 202 in | 79.1 in | 77.2 in | 116.1 in | 68.1 / 66.5 in | 5,836 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe Hybrid 2WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 22 / 21 | +8% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tahoe Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 20 / 20 | +13% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Tahoe 1500 XFE 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -13% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -18% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -18% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -10% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -18% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Tahoe 1500 2WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 19 / 15 | -23% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Tahoe 1500 4WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 19 / 14 | -21% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 GMC Yukon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Ford Expedition | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Nissan Pathfinder | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Dodge Durango | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V052000 · 557,023 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V050000 · 2,641,272 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V053000 · 692,526 vehicles
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- 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.
Electrical System · Jun 4, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V240000 · 1,365,070 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 95 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 33 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 21 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 94,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tahoe years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Tahoe | 24 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 28 |
| 2025 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 52 |
| 2024 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 69 |
| 2023 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 233 |
| 2022 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 197 |
| 2021 Tahoe | 24 | 210.6 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 461 |
| 2020 Tahoe | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 57 |
| 2019 Tahoe | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 109 |
| 2018 Tahoe | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 105 |
| 2017 Tahoe | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 174 |
| 2016 Tahoe | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 257 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →