Is the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe

◆ Worse than typical

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 447
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2011: 447 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1988	1
1991	3
1992	6
1993	8
1994	19
1995	246
1996	283
1997	410
1998	263
1999	552
2000	282
2001	512
2002	449
2003	507
2004	467
2005	293
2006	114
2007	1,176
2008	528
2009	284
2010	314
2011	447
2012	178
2013	232
2014	90
2015	658
2016	256
2017	174
2018	103
2019	105
2020	57
2021	452
2022	189
2023	222
2024	67
2025	49
2026	25

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

42% · 186 reports

Most commonly citing srs malfunction warning lamp/light and cushion.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Dashboard is cracked from the corner of the passenger airbag cover to the seam in the dash panel need the defroster. We were involved in a rear end accident and the crack appeared after the accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-04-15

'Takata recall'

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-25

Also filed under Electrical system

I was driving west on rio rd. In charlottesville, va, at roughly 35 MPH. At approximately 6:00 pm, a deer emerged from the passenger side of the vehicle. It happened instantaneously and avoiding the deer was not an option.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-05

Also filed under Structure and seat belts

Structure

18% · 82 reports

Most commonly citing body and dashboard.

CRASH

Electrical system

4% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash.

FIRE

Electronic stability control (esc)

3% · 15 reports

Engine

2% · 11 reports

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2011Complaint volume 447 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2011-01-11Suspension11V007000 General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; and GMC canyon, sierra, savana…

Remedy: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2011-07-25Steering11V339000 GM is recalling certain model year 2011Cadillac escalade, escalade esv; Chevrolet Silverado HD, Silverado ld, suburban, Tahoe; and GMC sierra hd, sierra ld, yukon, and yukon xl vehicles. The…

Remedy: GM dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about July 13, 2011. Owners…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-02-12Electrical system14V827000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-01Air bags21V050000 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,...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the...

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 25, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 186 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 82 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V007000 · Suspension
Recall 11V339000 · Steering
Recall 14V827000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V050000 · Air bags
Recall 21V054000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.