Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe. While the contact's son was driving 40 MPH, he crashed into a vehicle that ran a red light. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's son sustained chest, lower back, and neck pains that required medical attention. The contact's son went to the emergency room two separate times. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact was waiting for finalized information from the insurance company to determine if the vehicle was totaled. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a lamp post that was surrounded by cement. The front end was pushed in, which caused the engine to shift. The air bags failed to deploy and the driver sustained injuries to his back and neck. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the air bags should have deployed. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer filed a case and stated that they would be in touch with their decision. The current and failure mileages were 144,000.
While driving consumer hit a patch of ice which sent the vehicle sliding, and causing an accident. However, the air bags did not deploy, and consumer was injured. Consumer contacted the dealer, and manufacturer. Consumer feels that much of the pain and suffering might have been prevented by the protection of the 4 air bags in this Tahoe-none of which deployed upon an impact that crushed the front of the vehicle. Jammed th efront pasenger door which consumer could not open , and bent the car's frame beyond repair.
August 2003 airbag sensor light came on. We were told that ifthis sensor came on, there was a problem with the airbag system and that none of the airbags would deploy. In researching the problem, we found that 525,254 Chevy Tahoe ls, year 2000 were recalled for defective sensors(sensing diagnostic module) and/or airbag problems. During a routine oil change a diagnostic scan was run on the vehicle. We were then told to bring the vehicle into a dealer for possible warranty work. Eisinger motors, 1000 west idaho, kalispell mt [phone] told us that we would be responsible for paying for the repair costs. Since the vehicle was on the recall list (actually there are 5 NHTSA recalls on the Chevy 2000 Tahoe ls), are we actually responsible for repair costs? …
On November 11,2000 I had a head on collision (not my fault) and the airbags didn't deploy. Then on sept 1,02 we had a accident on interstate 95 that we totaled the Tahoe and the body shop called GM since the airbags didn't deploy again. Mr. Lattermere from GM callled me and told me over the phone after I describe the accident to him that , as he drew a picture on paper, "that the air bags shouldn't have deployed". I find it very difficult that a person can draw a picture and tell me this. I would like for your organization to inspect this vechile and retrieve the computer information and let me know what you think. GM sent an "indepedent" inspector out to do a report but I have nothing from him or GM on the finding. I have left messages for mr. Lattermere to call me to no avail.
I was recently in an accident and my 2 children were in the vehicle with me. I was in a 5 car wreck in which my vehicle, and the one in front of me were totaled. Upon impact on the front of my truck, my air bags didn't deploy nor did my seat belts lock. My 11 yr old hit his head on the dash, requiring immediate medical attention for a severe laceration which required stitches. I learned from GMC there was a recall on my truck for air bag malfunctions and I was never notified.
Air bag light is activated. I have had my 2000 Tahoe ls in for service to correct this problem once already, but after about 2 months the light is back on. I felt I needed to file this report because of several articles I have read on this subject. I have read everything from air bags will not deploy, to air bags will deploy for no reason at all,both of which should be considered unacceptable and dangerous.
Consumer was in two accidents. One in novemer of 2000 and the other in September of 2002. The air bags did not deploy in either incident. Consumer described the incidents to a representative of general motors. Consumer was informed that the air bags should not have deployed, in the first accident there was one injury, in the second accident, there were two injuries.
Right front tire (no make or model provided) experienced a blowout, causing the vehicle to go off the road, come back onto the roadway, and crash into a cement wall, the consumer stated that he believed the back right tire experienced a blowout as well, during the crash the airbag experienced a no deployment, one person was injured due to the incident. (ohio traffic crash report)
While driving SRS light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. This caused the horn to malfunction. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate the problem. The consumer stated that problems continue after the dealership assured him there was no problem. On two 500 mile trips the light was on the entire time.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
On certain pickup and utility trucks, some of these vehicles have an air bag sensing diagnostic module (sdm) which contains an anomaly that could result in the driver and passenger's air bag failing to deploy during certain frontal crashes.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the sdm on the affected vehicles. Owner notification began August 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Airbag complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the air bags of the 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe, 7% of the model year's 282 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-178 (sensor/control module-inactive, Jul 1, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 14 crashes, 0 fires and 17 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.