PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated July 2026
1,234
repairs reported by owners
2007–2013
Model years affected
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →Loss of power on hills, engine misfire, violent shaking
Check engine light: On
The Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) system is linked to lifter collapse, causing loss of power while ascending hills, engine misfire, and violent shaking — a widely recognized defect for GM's Generation IV small-block V8 engines of this era.
Sudden loss of power while driving, corroded wiring, control module failures
Check engine light: On
Sudden loss of power while driving; corroded wiring harnesses and connectors; control module communication failures; dashboard and instrument cluster malfunctions.
Perforated frame, holes at relatively low mileage, compromised structural integrity
Check engine light: Off
Severe premature frame rusting and cracking, especially in wet climates, with perforated frames developing holes at relatively low mileage and compromised structural integrity affecting suspension and fuel systems. One owner's quoted description — "one good pothole away from catastrophic failure" — is among the starkest owner language on this problem. Similar frame and subframe rust is documented on the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford F-150.
Cracking that may affect airbag deployment efficiency
Check engine light: Off
Premature cracking around airbag compartments, described by complainants as appearing cosmetic but potentially affecting airbag deployment efficiency — the same dashboard cracking is also reported on the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban/GMC Yukon, suggesting a broader GMT900-platform dashboard material issue.
Seat belt locking/failure-to-retract, transmission failing to shift into Park
Check engine light: Off
Seat belt locking or failure-to-retract problems; transmission failing to shift into Park; fuel system corrosion.
Extended parts delays, risk of secondary dashboard damage during the recall repair itself
Check engine light: Off
Extended delays in parts availability for the airbag recall, with dealers reportedly scheduling appointments without parts in stock. Separately, some complainants describe a risk of dashboard damage occurring during the recall repair process itself, with no manufacturer coverage offered for that secondary damage.
Intermittent starting issue with no response from the starter
Check engine light: Off
Intermittent starting issue with no response from the starter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 1,037 owner reports on file.
4WD transfer case position sensor or selector switch failure
Check engine light: Off
4WD transfer case position sensor or selector switch failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 891 owner reports on file.
HVAC temperature/air-delivery-mode door actuator failure
Check engine light: Off
HVAC temperature/air-delivery-mode door actuator failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 462 owner reports on file.
Fuel level sensor failure
Check engine light: Off
Fuel level sensor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 399 owner reports on file.
Speedometer or another instrument panel gauge works erratically
Check engine light: Off
Speedometer or another instrument panel gauge works erratically. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 309 owner reports on file.
Steering develops a clunk noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft
Check engine light: Off
Steering develops a clunk noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 207 owner reports on file.
CD player fails due to an internal fault in the radio
Check engine light: Off
CD player fails due to an internal fault in the radio. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 188 owner reports on file.
Steering wheel position sensor failure
Check engine light: Off
Steering wheel position sensor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 188 owner reports on file.
Daytime running lights burn out prematurely
Check engine light: Off
Daytime running lights burn out prematurely. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 125 owner reports on file.
No-start condition caused by a failed fuel pump
Check engine light: Off
No-start condition caused by a failed fuel pump. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 122 owner reports on file.
Inside door handles break
Check engine light: Off
Inside door handles break. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 114 owner reports on file.
ABS control module needs replacement to prevent the pump from running after the ignition is turned off
Check engine light: Off
ABS control module needs replacement to prevent the pump from running after the ignition is turned off. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 92 owner reports on file.
Repeated window motor failures on the driver and passenger sides
Check engine light: Off
Repeated window motor failures on the driver and passenger sides. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 92 owner reports on file.
Check engine light and misfire due to stuck fuel injectors
Check engine light: On
Check engine light and misfire due to stuck fuel injectors. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 74 owner reports on file.
Check engine light due to a gas cap issue
Check engine light: On
Check engine light due to a gas cap issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 68 owner reports on file.
This generation has a confirmed, severe airbag defect (Campaigns 21V050000, 21V052000, 16V746000) — the same campaign numbers already confirmed on the Cadillac Escalade — with widely reported parts-unavailability delays and reports that the recall repair itself can risk secondary dashboard damage with no coverage offered. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
This generation shares GM's GMT900 platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade — all of which show the same severe airbag defect. Here, the airbag control module itself corrodes from moisture exposure, which can trigger spontaneous deployment without any collision or, separately, cause the airbag to fail to deploy in an actual crash. Frame rust is also reported, severe enough that one owner is quoted describing the vehicle as "one good pothole away from catastrophic failure."