2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.8 times the median Tahoe Hybrid year — the 2009 model ranks #2 of 6 Tahoe Hybrid years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (25% of the total).
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Tahoe Hybrid years?
What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 9 | 25% | ▼ down |
| Other | 6 | 17% | — flat |
| Transmission | 4 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 4 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN DRIVING OR SITTING IN A PARKED POSITION THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GOES CRAZY. RADIO, DASH CONTROLS, BELLS, LIGHTS, UNLOCK/LOCK ALL START GOING ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WILL ACTUALLY DIE OUT AND STALL WHILE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS GOING CRAZY. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THEN LOCKED…”
“MY 2009 HYBRID TAHOE ACCELERATES UNCONTROLLABLY ON OCCASION. THE ISSUE ARRISES COMMONLY IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC WHEN THE HYBRID SYSTEM STARTS/STOPS THE GASOLINE ENGINE REGULARLY. I NOTICE IN MANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN SWITCHING GAS/ELECTRIC MODES THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. THE FEELING IS THE SAME AS…”
“I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES OTHER THAN THE RECALLS WITH MY TAHOE. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT MY BANK. AS I GOT INTO THE SPACE. THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AT THIS POINT. THE RPMS WENT UP. IT WAS LIKE THE ENGINE CAME TO LIFE BY ITSELF. IT SELF…”
“I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES OTHER THAN THE RECALLS WITH MY TAHOE. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT MY BANK. AS I GOT INTO THE SPACE. THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AT THIS POINT. THE RPMS WENT UP. IT WAS LIKE THE ENGINE CAME TO LIFE BY ITSELF. IT SELF…”
“I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES OTHER THAN THE RECALLS WITH MY TAHOE. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT MY BANK. AS I GOT INTO THE SPACE. THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AND I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AT THIS POINT. THE RPMS WENT UP. IT WAS LIKE THE ENGINE CAME TO LIFE BY ITSELF. IT SELF…”
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid — common questions
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2009 model at #2 of 6 Tahoe Hybrid years. It is one of the Tahoe Hybrid years to avoid.
What are the most common 2009 Tahoe Hybrid problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (9 complaints), other (6 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tahoe Hybrid years to avoid are 2008, 2009. The cleanest record among Tahoe Hybrid years belongs to 2013.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.