PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated April 2026
500
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 →Seat belts unexpectedly tighten and lock, pre-tensioners reported exploding with a loud bang
Check engine light: Off
Seat belts unexpectedly tighten and lock during normal driving, and pre-tensioners have been reported to explode with a "loud bang" sound, with some owners reporting loss of seat belt functionality afterward. These problems are related to the same airbag/safety-module family behind this generation's Takata airbag issue.
Cracking that spreads over time, even at low mileage
Check engine light: Off
Cracks spread over time around airbag compartments, raising a safety concern that airbags could deploy through already-fractured plastic — notably reported even on low-mileage vehicles. This matches dashboard cracking reported on the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban/GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Silverado — a well-corroborated GMT900-platform-wide dashboard material issue.
Frame corrosion alongside spare tire detachment
Check engine light: Off
Frame corrosion reported alongside spare tire detachment. The same frame and subframe rust is reported on the Chevrolet Silverado, which shares the GMT900 platform, and on the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford F-150.
Also reported on the Silverado, which shares the GMT900 platform.
White smoke, water pump leaks, oil cooler line leaks, ignition coil failures in damp conditions
Check engine light: On
White smoke from the tailpipe requiring valve cover replacement; water pump leaks at multiple mileage intervals; engine oil cooler line leaks at crimp connections; oil consumption; lifter failures; catalytic converter overheating; ignition coil failures specifically in damp conditions; PCM circuit failure causing engine shutdown.
Fuel level sensor defects, rusted fuel lines, diesel fuel leaks on some configurations
Check engine light: Off
Defective fuel level sensors causing incorrect gauge readings, with some vehicles running out of fuel prematurely despite the gauge; separately, rusted fuel lines and leaking diesel fuel reported on some configurations.
Requires multiple pedal pumps to engage braking
Check engine light: On
Brake pedal failure requiring multiple pumps to engage braking — a safety concern not tied to any specific recall. Separately, premature tire wear and sidewall bulging were reported.
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 460 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 267 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 173 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 107 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 139 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 95 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 59 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 41 owner reports on file.
Reduced power mode with check engine light
Check engine light: On
Reduced power mode with check engine light. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 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 32 owner reports on file.
ABS light due to a poor electrical ground under the battery tray
Check engine light: On
ABS light due to a poor electrical ground under the battery tray. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 25 owner reports on file.
Turn signal switch fails, causing a clicking noise
Check engine light: Off
Turn signal switch fails, causing a clicking noise. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 23 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 23 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 23 owner reports on file.
This generation has a confirmed, severe airbag defect (Campaigns 16V381000, 16V383000, 21V050000, 21V052000) with widely reported multi-year parts unavailability, described in complaint text as extending as recently as 2026. 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 all four of its airbag recall campaigns with the Cadillac Escalade, and two of them with the Chevrolet Silverado — the same defect across the shared GMT900 platform. Complaint text notes "remedy not yet available" recurring across model years from 2016 through as recently as 2026. Owners also report seat belt pre-tensioners exploding with a "loud bang," related to the same safety-module family.