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Chevrolet Tahoe door locks problems

342 of the 10,079 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Tahoe describe doors won't lock, open or latch, most of them for the 2007 model year.

owner complaints
342
worst model year
2007
typical repair cost reported
$380
typical mileage
57,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

Often reported together

Key fob 17Loss of power 12Won't start 9Stalling 7Fire or smoke 6Airbag light 6Headlights 5ABS 5

Trouble codes mentioned

U0242 1U0101 1U0073 1

What owners say

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · VA

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe – Unexpected Shutdown/Restart While Stopped On two separate occasions, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe has unexpectedly appeared to shut down while I was stopped with my foot on the brake. The vehicle is equipped with Auto Stop/Start, and initially the event seems like a normal Auto Stop. However, instead of a normal engine Auto Stop/Start cycle, the vehicle appears to shut down or reset more completely. The event is jarring, and the power door locks lock/unlock as the vehicle shuts down and restarts. The vehicle subsequently restarts and I have been able to continue driving. This has now occurred twice while stopped. I am concerned that the vehicle may be experiencing an unintended stall, loss of electrical power, or another malfunction rather than normal Auto Stop/Start operation. I checked my VIN through the federal safety agency and it does not currently show an open recall. I am aware that certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoes have previously been recalled for a condition that could result in an engine stall, although my VIN does not appear to be included in that recall population.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Locks · 85,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side and passenger’s side doors failed to open manually or while using the power door lock button. The contact was concerned because rear-seat occupants could be trapped and injured during a crash or a vehicle fire. The dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Jan 3, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · FL

This vehicle has experienced multiple substantial defects, several of which directly endangered my family, including an infant, and rendered the vehicle unsafe and inoperable for extended periods despite warranty repairs. Summary of defects and failures: 1.Electronic door locking failure The vehicle experienced an electronic malfunction that caused the doors to randomly lock, resulting in my infant being locked inside the vehicle when we exited. This wiring defect was later repaired under warranty but represents a serious safety failure. 2.Fuel pump recall and highway breakdown While driving my family of six on a major highway over an hour from home, the recalled fuel pump failed while in motion, leaving us stranded on the side of the highway. We were forced to arrange an Uber for transportation. This incident placed my family in a dangerous situation and constitutes a major safety-related defect. 3.Transmission failure and extended inoperability The vehicle suffered a transmission failure that rendered it unsafe and inoperable. The dealership required over one week to schedule service and more than two additional weeks before the vehicle was inspected and repaired. The vehicle was out of safe driving condition for approximately one month. Upon return, the vehicle experienced additional failures, including a dead battery. 4.Known poor design defect – rear entertainment screens The rear entertainment system screens cracked due to a widely known poor design and placement issue, unrelated to misuse. 5.Rear headrest internal mechanism failure The internal mechanism of a rear headrest failed and requires replacement, further demonstrating ongoing quality and safety concerns. Due to the number, severity, and safety-related nature of these defects—combined with cumulative downtime exceeding 30 days—I have lost all confidence in this vehicle. I no longer consider it safe or reliable for transporting my family.

Filed Mar 13, 2024 · TX

Message on car states: Service Door Latch System First, the driver door stopped locking and latching. Then, days later the rear doors also stopped locking. The dealership is recommending to replace the door latches on the inside of the door and it is very expensive.

Filed Jan 23, 2024 · Body · MN

The drivers side door handle has broken on my Tahoe. In the event of having to urgently egress from my vehicle it would be very difficult to do so because of the handle. Now before you think I'm just a disgruntled owner you should look at the rate of occurrence. I've checked online nationally and locally with used auto part sellers and there are none to be found. If a Tahoe comes in that actually does have one intact every auto yard has a waiting list of buyers and the part is immediately gone. Shouldn't the high rate of failure of trigger at least questions from the federal safety agency. I did not mention the passenger door but since it is of the same construction it would fail too if under the same use I feel. My claim is easy enough to substantiate, place a call to any used car part dealer of your choice and search for the driver's side door interior. If you do find one available, call that dealer and you'll find that it's already gone. Then ask the person on the phone about how many people they get calling for that same part. I've been searching for over a year for this one part. This complaint isn't made because I'm angry, I've simply just finally paid attention to the fact that this is a high failure part and should be investigated.

Filed Nov 1, 2023 · TX · crash · 1 injury

I had an accident in this vehicle where the airbags deployed upon impact (as they were designed). However, once airbags deployed, my vehicle was filled with smoke (from the airbags) and all of my windows were covered and I couldn't see out. Panic set in as I tried to get out of the vehicle and my door would not open. After several moments I thought about the door locks, they were engaged of course. Once I realized and hit unlock, the door opened. This isn't an issue as far as parts being a defect or anything like that, but today I heard of a Texas DPS Trooper being in an accident in his Tahoe. His took a front impact as well, and the person trying to help him couldn't get him out of the vehicle. It made me wonder if his locks were engaged too, and him being more severely injured may not have thought about the door locks. This could be a potential safety risk, especially if the vehicle is on fire. What if vehicle manufacturers were able to install a safety mechanism that would automatically release the door locks if an impact was detected, or air bags were deployed? Just merely a suggestion as none of the parts on my car failed, they all did their job, but not being able to get out of your car is terrifying. I'm not sure if I am in the right place to pass on this suggestion, so if not, please advise where I might leave one. Thank you.

Filed Dec 12, 2022 · Electrical · TX

Received an Over-the-Air update that rendered my vehicle unless. My vehicle would no longer start, or power on, or power on in accessory mode. It was stuck in Park, the electronic Parking Brake could not be disengaged, the door locks could not be operated and left unlocked, no lights, no warning lights, the emergency lights did not function, no horn, and most everything else. The only things still working were the radio, the driver's side powered seat would move, and the light came on for the Parking Brake. The battery was fully charged. I also started receiving messages through my Chevrolet APP that the vehicle had no air in the tires, no oil in the engine, and many other items that needed servicing. I am not sure what exact components or computers have failed yet. GM could not find any dealer to render aid and come to my location to reprogram the vehicle. It had to be towed to a dealer. With the electronic Parking Brake engaged, GM had a hard time trying to find a tow truck that wouldn't just drag the vehicle down my driveway and onto a flatbed.

Filed Jan 15, 2022 · Electrical · TN

Without warning on several occasions the the gps/radio screen, door locks, lights, gauges, etc start cycling and going crazy and power to the vehicle goes on and off. While the electrical storm is happening I can press the gas pedal which only causes the car to sputter and lurch forward. It has occurred suddenly while pulling into traffic or while traveling on the highway at normal speeds. I have contacted GM and was told there are no recalls open. After researching on my own there are several forums with countless complaints of the same nature. To state the obvious...this is dangerous and the fact that GM is aware and continues to ignore the problem is highly unethical and unsettling.

Filed Aug 18, 2021 · IA

Front inside door handle to pull door close plastic broke. To replace you need a whole new inside door panel just to replace the cracked pull handle.

Filed Aug 11, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · CA

The first problem was the cluster , it completely went off . I took it to a mechanic he said he fixed it . It works for one day then completely shut off again, I can not see what gear I am in , any alert that I need to see for warning and saftey completely off in the cluster . . Shortly after the first issue I noticed 2 cracks on my dashboard ,on both driver and passenger side of the vehicle . I had not put a lot of thought into that as it didn’t seem like a safety concern up until I’ve read several post of others with same issue . ( I’m guessing a fire should be expected anytime because of others stories I have read off here the cracks have lead to fires ) Another issue is I have to add quart oil to my Tahoe atleast every 2 -3 weeks . I’ve taken it to have that fixed and each time was told there is no leak . I get the works done each oil change and still have to add oil 2 weeks after a new air filter oil etc .. a major issue that could have been a major wreck was While driving down a highway around 11 pm .. my car started flickering lights inside and outside of my tahoe and it started making a loud click sound saying system is shutting down ,my steering wheel locked up and all power to vehicle completely shut down .period . No power to anything at all what so ever . The battery was fairly new . Well We had it towed back to town for a mechanic to look at the next day … he replaced the alternator and checked everything . Said he couldn’t see anythjng and told me I should sale it right away He warned me of a lot of issues he keeps seeing with Tahoe . Well now my driver door will not open at all I have to crawl through the passenger side door to get in and out of my car . With all these serious issues still going on I m very scared to be in my car , not getting my alerts and being trapped inside . Please someone point me in the right direction I have 5 kids this is not safe !

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Chevrolet Tahoe door locks

Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have doors won't lock, open or latch problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2007 (142 complaints), 2008 (82 complaints) and 2009 (37 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix doors won't lock, open or latch on the Chevrolet Tahoe?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $380 (median of 37 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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