FaultScore

2009 Chevrolet Avalanche airbag problems

41 of the 96 complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche are about the airbag system — 43% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 75,500 miles.

F

41

Complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

AIR Bags 41 100.0%

Airbags across every Chevrolet Avalanche year

2002 24 4.2%
2003 14 2.4%
2005 11 1.9%
2007 225 39.0%
2008 132 22.9%
2009 41 7.1%
2010 53 9.2%
2011 55 9.5%
2013 22 3.8%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Dunnellon, FL

AIR BAGS

The passenger side air bag was replaced under a current recall (N212328790) however, once they fixed the issue at Love Chevy (Inverness, FL), the air bag light stayed on. It has never shut off and after speaking with the dealership as well as Chevrolet, they refuse to fix the issue they caused. I do not know if the recall has actually been fixed. Additionally, I am unable to refuel appropriately due to another recall (that my vehicle apparently isn't a part of), however, based on the amount of people that have the same problem, it should be a wider issued recall. This is for Chevy recall # 08411 for the Fuel System Control Module. It affects the charcoal canister, along with purge value and corresponding lines. Depending on how bad, charcoal canister needs replacement, even possibly the lines, as well as the gas tank. Very expensive fix that Chevy refuses to address. This is a common problem that mechanics see with these vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11532117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Decatur, GA

AIR BAGS

2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR HAVE NOT BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER WAS PLACED ON AWAITING LIST AT THE DEALERSHIP TO BE CONTACTED WHEN THE PART ARRIVES.

NHTSA complaint #11444139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Knoxville, TN

AIR BAGS

2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG COULD NOT BE REPLACED WITHOUT DESTROYING THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO INCUR THE COST OF THE DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR. THE CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS UNSATISFACTORY.

NHTSA complaint #11443583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102,000 miles Mercersburg, PA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon picking up the vehicle from the dealer, he noticed that the dealer had fractured a portion of the dashboard close to the passenger’s side air bag housing. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the dashboard was fractured prior to the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist. A case was opened. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000. Consumer stated dealer installed new dash into the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11441514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Granger, IN

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11420387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wichita Falls, TX

AIR BAGS

I purchased the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche new in October 2009. While in warranty I noticed the dashboard was cracking and took it to the dealer, Four Stars Auto, in Henrietta, Texas. At that time I was told they would order a new dash board and replace it. I took the truck in for replacement of the dash board on the scheduled date. After the truck was out of warranty the dash board cracked again in the same place. I suspect the dash was repaired and painted and not replaced, but I have no proof so I did not contact the dealer. Since that time I have learned this has been an issue with other owners of GM trucks and nothing can be done about it other than replacing the dash, which is a very expensive repair for someone that is retired and on a fixed income. My dash board has now cracked in at least four places and seems to be getting worse. I have heard this could cause issues with the deployment of the airbags, not to mention diminished resale value.

NHTSA complaint #11418663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Aliso Viejo, CA

AIR BAGS

MY TRUCK IS ONE OF THE MANY WITH THE CRACKING OF THE DASH IN MULTIPLE PLACES. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN STORED IN A GARAGE OR IN SHADED AREAS MOST OF ITS LIFE AND HAS THE DEFECTIVE DASH BOARD THAT IS FALLING APART. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF A AIRBAG EVER HAS TO DEPLOY, THIS DASH COULD CAUSE SHRAPNEL TO EITHER PUNCTURE THE AIRBAG OR HARM A PASSENGER. I HAVE ASKED GM DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE AND THEY QUOTED THOUSANDS FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PROVEN DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #11405465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,238 miles Park City, UT

AIR BAGS

RECALL #N212328790 FOR AIR BAG ,NHTSA # 21V053 . SERVICE DONE BY DEALER ,BUT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STILL ILLUMINATED , MECHANIC SAID BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY WITH LIGHT ON .WHAT WAS PURPOSE OF RECALL IF WE STILL HAVE NO OPERATING AIR BAG?

NHTSA complaint #11404327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,000 miles Nolanville, TX

AIR BAGS

I KEEP GETTING TOLD I HAVE A TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL AND CHEVROLET TELLS ME THEY AREN'T GOING TO FIX IT. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET IT REPAIRED. THEY SAY IT'S SAFE, BUT IF IT'S SAFE WHY CAN'T THEY GET THE AIRBAG RECALL RESCINDED?

NHTSA complaint #11271686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

AIR BAGS

I SAW IN TELEVISION THE AD SAYING THAT I WOULD CHECK MY VINYL NUMBER BECAUSE THERE IS A DEFECT IN MY CAR'S AIR BAGS FOR THE MANUFACTURER END

NHTSA complaint #11269849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Birmingham, MI

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED VYLETEL BUICK GMC (40755 VAN DYKE AVE, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48313, (586) 698-7530) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO IMPORT THE VEHICLE TO THE UNITED STATES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11253123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Mesa, AZ

AIR BAGS

GM HAS NOT MADE PARTS AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THIS REPAIR. THEIR WEBSITE SAYS THE NHTSA IS STILL REVIEWING THE NEED, SO NO ACTION ON THEIR PART IS PLANNED. PLEASE GET GM TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS ON THEIR VEHICLES.

NHTSA complaint #11245642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Moreauville, LA

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL: RECEIVED NOTICE MONTHS AGO THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. NO CONTACT SINCE. DID CHECK WITH DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD NOT PARTS AVAILABLE. THIS WAS OVER 2 YEARS AGO AND STILL NO NOTICE. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE I NOW HAVE A GRANDCHILD DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. IS HE SAFE??

NHTSA complaint #11244820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Middleburg, FL

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NIMNICHT CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 1550 CASSAT AVE, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32210, (904) 638-7986) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11221717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oklahoma City, OK

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL IT IS NOW APRIL 23RD OF 2019 AND IF I CALL A SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO GET MY RECALL TAKEN CARE OF THEY TELL ME THEY STILL DON'T HAVE A SOLUTION. IT HAS BEEN 3YRS AND STILL NO SOLUTION?

NHTSA complaint #11203127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palmetto, FL

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE IN JULY OF 2016. THE DEALER (COX CHEVROLET, 2900 CORTEZ RD W, BRADENTON, FL 34207) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT UPDATED 11/28/18

NHTSA complaint #11130195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 78,000 miles Topeka, KS Crash

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND WHEEL. THE CRASH CAUSED THE AXLE TO FRACTURE ON THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S CHILD WAS IN A BOOSTER SEAT AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, WHICH TRAPPED THE CHILD'S HEAD. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND HAD TO CUT THE AIR BAG IN ORDER TO FREE THE CHILD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD NOT DETERMINED IF THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #11124479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,000 miles Mesa, AZ

AIR BAGS

RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN 2016, BUT NO PARTS HAVE EVER BEEN MADE AVAILABLE BY GM.

NHTSA complaint #11092283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tracy, CA

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL MANUFACTURER HAS NOT RESOLVED THIS RECALL . AUGUST 3017 WAS DEADLINE FOR RESOLUTION. SHOULD I EVEN BE OPERATING THIS VEHICLE?

NHTSA complaint #11092374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mountain Home, AR

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA complaint #11085040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 169,000 miles Gahanna, OH

AIR BAGS

PULLED OUT FROM THE PARKING LOT AT WORK ONTO THE ROAD, AFTER TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 100' THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG AND SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE TRUCK DID NOT HIT ANYTHING NOR WAS IT HIT BY ANYTHING.

NHTSA complaint #11082588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Melbourne, FL

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (ROSNER CHEVROLET, 800 S HARBOR CITY BLVD, MELBOURNE FL 32901) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 8-37066722500. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11056860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Scottsdale, AZ

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA complaint #11041308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 108,000 miles Zephyrhills, FL

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL TODAY OF A PENDING BANKRUPTCY FOR TAQUITA AND MY AIRBAGS ARE ON THE LIST TO BE REMEDIED BUT NOBODY HAS A REMEDY YET I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT

NHTSA complaint #11035586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,000 miles Grand Prairie, TX

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL. I WAS TOLD BY THE AUTHORIZED GM DEALERSHIP THAT THE RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE WAS FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG, BUT THEY CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOT RELEASED INSTRUCTIONS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THEY ADVISED ME TO WAIT UNTIL I RECEIVED FURTHER NOTIFICATION. I RECEIVED A NOTICE SAYING THAT TAKATA HAD FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY AND I NEEDED TO IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULE A REPAIR WITH AN AUTHORIZED DEALER.

NHTSA complaint #11035673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Hampton, VA

AIR BAGS

MY DASH CRACKED RIGHT BY THE AIRBAG AND HAS CAUSED MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. NOW MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TOGGLES BETWEEN ON AND OFF. MY DASH CONTINUES TO FALL APART EVEN WITH A DASH MAT COVERING IT. I DON'T KNOW IF MY AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY IF NEEDED. PLUS I WORRY ABOUT SHARDS OF PLASTIC HURTING ME OR MY FAMILY. GM NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING. I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT DAY THE CRACK SHOWED UP BUT I NOTICE IT IN JANUARY 2017 WHILE GETTING A STUFFED ANIMAL OUT OF THE TRUCK. OVER THE PAST MONTHS, THE CRACKS HAVE GOTTEN WORSE TO THE POINT THERE IS A HOLE IN THE DASH FROM THE SHAKING WHILE I DRIVING AND NOTHING BEING SECURE.

NHTSA complaint #11030832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rowlett, TX

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10935036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring, TX

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10934785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,000 miles Harleysville, PA

AIR BAGS

NOTHING SERIIOUS HAS HAPPENED YET, BUT I NOW HAVE A CRACK IN MY DASHBOARD AND AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIRBAG DEPLOYING PROPERLY. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY GM CAR OWNERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT AND GM IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT.

NHTSA complaint #10925302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pierre Part, LA

AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL... IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE FOR A RECALL WITH THIS HIGH LEVEL OF DANGER AND LIABILITY TO STAY UNRESOLVED WITH NO DATE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I AM APPALLED THAT A RECALL IS IDENTIFIED MAY 2016 AND STILL SITS WITH NO RESOLUTION. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING STATING GM'S COVERAGE OF LIABILITY SHOULD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR WITH THESE INFLATORS. THIS IS A HUGE RISK IN MY OPINION TO MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF AS USERS OF THIS VEHICLE. I EXPECT AN EXPEDITED REPAIR. I DON'T FEEL IT'S FAIR TO THE RISK OF OUR LIVES. WE ARE LONG TIME GM PRODUCT PURCHASERS AND HOPED TO PURCHASE GM FOR THE NEXT VEHICLE. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE EXPERIENCE ANY DISREGARD TO CORRECTING A POTENTIAL MAJOR PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10905507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche problems

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