General Motors debuted the all-new 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Chevy Suburban side-by-side in a special event in downtown Detroit last December, ushering in fresh designs for the exterior and interior, the latest tech features, a new diesel engine option, and fresh underpinnings. Now, however, it looks like some owners are experiencing issues with the new SUVs’ underseat wiring.
According to one owner, a warning message would appear intermittently on the Driver Information Center in the gauge cluster of her 2021 Chevy Tahoe High Country, which would read “Service Safety Restraint System.” After bringing the vehicle in to her local dealer, the owner was informed that the cable connecting to the airbag control module under the driver’s seat was made too short at the factory, and that any seat adjustments would cause the wire to come loose. The dealer informed the owner that as soon a replacement cable was available and installed, the issue should be resolved.
General Motors has likely issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to address the issue.
As a reminder, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Chevy Suburban introduce brand-new generations for both nameplates, with the Tahoe entering its fifth generation, and the Suburban entering its twelfth generation. Both full-size SUVs are based on the GM T1 platform, the same bones as the fourth-generation Chevrolet Silverado and fifth-generation 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Both models also come with completely redesigned interior treatments.
2021 Chevy Tahoe RST pictured here.
Under the hood, the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and 2021 Chevy Suburban offer three engine options, including the naturally aspirated 5.3L V8 L84, the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 L87, and the new-for-2021 3.0L I6 LM2 turbodiesel Duramax. All three engines pair with GM’s Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission.
Both the 2021 Chevy Tahoe and the 2021 Chevy Suburban are produced at the GM Arlington plant in Arlington, Texas.
2021 Chevy Tahoe RST pictured here.
Are you a 2021 Chevy Tahoe or 2021 Chevy Suburban owner who has also experienced an issue with your vehicle’s underseat wiring? Let us know about it in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Tahoe news, Chevrolet Suburban news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Dohhhhh!
Is there anyway to turn the warning sound off ? It’s driving me crazy!!
I bought a 2021 Tahoe, and from day one, have had this issue. Took the car back, it wasn’t fixed.
Taking it back again 09/28 as it is getting worse, and airbag issues aren’t to be taken lightly.
Same thing has happened to me. On my fourth trip to dealer with less than 300 miles on mine. Please let me know if you find the problem. Thanks
I had this same issue. It wasn’t from day one, though. Took it in to get fixed and apparently they didn’t do anything because we kept having the same issue. We even took it in a second time and nothing was fixed
Keep taking it back, Also there is an 800 number in the back of your owners manual that the dealership does NOT like you too call, but the people at that number helped me get my vehicle fixed.
Not good at all. GM better get this under control ASAP
Is this going to be a problem with the other GM 2021 full size SUV’s? If so I hope they rectify the problem soon, and with the the Escalade before they even begin producing them. I have an Escalade reserved for myself.
I have a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali. Same issue. Dealer had no idea, thought it was a software thing. I need to show them this article now so that they can fix it.
I got my 2021 Cadillac Escalade just one week now and I’m having this service safety restraint System warning Ugh!!!
Never, ever buy the first year of a completely redesigned vehicle, too many bugs to be worked out. Sad that for $80,000 you can’t enjoy a problem-free vehicle. Buy a Lexus instead…
does GM think we like visiting the dealer for service while their techs take several times to get the fix correct?
guess their vehicles are getting too complicated.
why can’t GM be as good as Toyota?
I need very large SUVs that GM offers, but the reliability and frequently expensive repairs are troublesome.
Two days after purchasing our 2021 Tahoe, we had this problem. We took it back two separate times for a total of a week and a half, but they did fix it!
One of the techs drove it continuously to duplicate the same driving conditions that would cause the error message to appear. He noted that when he made left turns and his body shifted, the error message would appear. They focused on the driver’s side seat and found that when we would make a left turn the seat shifted just enough to short out the wiring to the safety restraint system. Since then we have had no more issues!
There is a TSB for a temporary fix until a new cable is produced. Document ID: 5649140. #PIT5759D
Certain seat movements cause airbag error to go off… Are we sure we’re not talking about the ’00-’06 SUV’s? Haha
Let me know when they have a solution to all of the squeaks in mine. It’s been in the shop 3 times and still not fixed. And I had the safety restraint thing twice. Other than that it’s great.
nothing rattled more than my 1983 Camaro.
my 2010 Suburban was a close second.
don’t you think GM should have stopped all these rattles by now?
Driven my 2021 Tahoe 500 miles, not an issue….yet.
I have a 2013 SRX and have had to have this issue corrected 3 times, its never been at any cost, but oddly never became a problem until last year after like 80,000 miles (I have an extended warranty) apparently I drive with my seat WAY further back than “normal” here’s my question, shouldn’t the wiring be designed to move the ENTIRE amount the seat can be physically moved along its tracks and up and down?
My ’21 Tahoe is in the shop for this right now, my dealership wants to replace an airbag and says it will take 3 more days…. Well at least I got to drive my new Tahoe for 1 day before taking it back.
Bought my 2021 Tahoe LT 2 weeks ago. Within a week the ‘service safety restraint system’ message appeared. Took it back to the dealer and they applied the temporary fix. The issue returned later later the same day. Very frustrating!
same problem here. been in the shop for past 2 weeks.
I have a new 2021 Tahoe, within first 300 miles experienced a water sound running near drivers side door/window – then found water inside the car drivers side floor under mat – at least 1/8″-1/4″ of water!!! The Hendrick Chevy dealer in Monore said they fixed it, within 2 days it rained – same problems again, now I am getting mold! They cant get me in for 10 days and NO loaner car!!! Looking up lemon laws now
Try to get them to buy it back. You shouldn’t have to deal with that.
Same, driver side floor water issue with my 2021 Tahoe. Taking the vehicle in for repair in a few days.
We purchased a 2021 Tahoe in August. Problem started in September. Have taken to the dealership 3 times, the last time it was there for almost 3 weeks waiting on a part. We were told possibly mid-November! But thankfully the part arrived yesterday and has been installed. Hoping it is the correct fix.
Was your Tahoe having the same water issue I had? Glad you got your car back, that is a long time!! I DO love the new Tahoe!
Jennifer, was your Tahoe in the shop for the water issue I had?
Whoops, sorry. I guess I left out that part! Mine was in for the safety restraint system issue that seems to be a common occurrence. They ended up replacing a connector under the drivers seat I believe. No water problems… yet 🙂 And I agree, issues aside I love my new Tahoe!
Has anyone had the connector issue, and actually got it fixed? My tahoe has been in shop since 9/24, and the dealer keeps saying they are waiting on a part – cause it’s been back ordered. If you are getting same message, have you received an ETA, at all?
Mine was at the dealer for 3 weeks – we just received it back two days ago. Originally they had told us mid-November for the new connector but it came in early. Hopefully that means they are being produced and sent out…. seems to be an issue for quite a few of the new Tahoes/Yukons.
Have a High Country one TV does not work and restraint message keeps showing up all day
My 2021 Tahoe has been in the shop for a week and a half for the ‘service safety restraint system‘ error. I was told that the new part was ordered and arrived yesterday (10/9) and should be ready to pick up on Monday. Hopefully this is the end of the saga for me.
I have a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali. Same issue. Dealer had no idea, thought it was a software thing. I need to show them this article now so that they can fix it.
Anyone having problem with 2021 Tahoe’s radio constantly cutting out with Spotify or other streaming services whether plugged in or via blue tooth?
I had this problem twice so far.
Darrick, did you take it in? If so what was their solution, or was it we can’t duplicate excuse?
Sorry just now seeing this message. Well they said that it’s a know problem and they are working on it. I got a call last week to bring it in because the part came In to fit the issue. I’ll keep you posted
Bought a 2021 Suburban z71 on 10/7. Driven less than 100 miles when “service safety restraint system” message appeared. Been in service since 10/9 with no update as to when it will be fixed.
Same this happen to me. They blame it on my dashcam which wasn’t hook up at that time. I bought mines sept. 22 and the same day that error pop up
I have 800 miles and the seat message just started. I had something else weird happen a week ago. Had android auto on and got a text message. The left side speakers all quit working until the vehicle was off for a while. I had shut off the messages so they would not appear on the display. Might have caused something werird. Service manager thought it was weird. I like mine but feel it is a bit mushy and doesnt go straight down the road like my HD2500 does
I am having this same issue right now. It started the day i bought it. I took it back and they blame the issue on my dashcam, i told them it couldnt be the dashcam because i just put it in and it was not plug it. Today I was driving from Memphis to Atlanta, The radio went black and the airbag light came on once again. The dealership in Alabama clear the code and told me what was wrong. This going to be a major problem, I cant keep going to dealership trying to get this fix. Plus what if I get into a accident and the airbad dont deploy?
UPDATE: My 2021 Tahoe LT was in the shop for a week and a half for the ‘Service Safety Restraint System’ light. Dealer said GM has new replacement part ready. It took about 3 days for the part to arrive, but it was installed and I picked up the Tahoe yesterday. So far so good. Several short trips around town with no error light. Description for the service work is as follows….
“Customer returning for same issue as before. Warning on dash for safety restrain warning. Check and Advise. Perform diagnosis, found dtc b14dc-1b to be stored, observe and found deployment loop 13 to be reading 25 ohms. refer to pit5759e. Splice in new connector for drivers seat inboard inflator module per updated bulletin. Verify resistance value for deployment loop 13 – 2.54 ohms”
Hope this helps.
I am having this issue with my 2020 Silverado 2500HD LT Crew cab. Took it in, replaced the clock spring, was good for a couple weeks, and came back on this weekend.
3 weeks. That’s how long it took for my Tahoe to get fixed. Took it in 9/24 for the air bag alert. Was told of the connector issue being back ordered. Didn’t know when it would come in. Then randomly, the dealer called today saying it was ready for pickup. 22 days all in
Yes my 21 Tahoe has the service restraint system light
Coming on too 700 miles
I took mine in today and they ordered a new connector. Didn’t say when it would appear.
I have another odd issue. If I have android auto on and get a text message, all the speakers turn off and won’t come on until the car sits a but. The service manager couldn’t believe it. I have it set so the texts don’t show up in the display and not sure if that has anything to do with it.
One other thing I have noticed, I get a bit of rocking side to side feeling. Not from hitting big bumps but odd places in the road. The service manager said they have good shocks but I don’t think you should get that feeling.
Has any one had an issue with their 2021 suburban just randomly dying? I have had my 2021 High Country for 2 days and it has randomly just died while pulling up to a stoplight. Auto stop feature is turned off when it does this, it just dies and goes to neutral and pops up on screen to restart vehicle. So frustrating!!!!
Yes my wife said it happed to her one time.
I wanted to update. Dealer ordered connector for restraint message and it was in in a week.
It’s rather clear GM threw these costly SUVs together in shoddy fashion. Think I’ll opt for the Lexus knowing the Japanese make a quality vehicle for the money…
I have the 2021 Tahoe LT, just over 1000 miles on it, and fingers crossed no issues with the seat restraint problem . I’m wondering since I’m the only driver of the vehicle and have not adjusted the seat since the first day I drove it, is it a possible reason why I have not encountered this issue (not that that would be justified). Just a thought.
Anyone else having issues with the 3rd row headrests? When I bought my Yukon, the one headrest was broken, it wouldn’t stay up. I got it fixed, and now within 3 weeks it is broken again. It only went up and down maybe 5x then broke. Just wondering.
my 3rd row head rests don’t stay up at all…they can’t find any right now due to covid. 🙁
Have owned a 2021 Tahoe premier for about a month now. Already had it in the shop for 3 days for a defective front bumper parking sensor that was not installed right.
Just today, while reversing a pop up message saying “Check Reverse Lamp”. All reverse lights are working but it’s concerning that has popped up.
I’ve also noticed that the collision system gives off false crash warnings. If a car is two lanes over and moves into the one next to me it triggers a “crash warning”
Update to my post… just today 11/12- the “Service Safety Restraint” error popped up. So now we have received the “Check Reverse Lamp” message when putting the vehicle in reverse and now have the Service Safety Restraint error.
Called my dealer service department today and they are well aware of the issue. There is also apparently another recall/bulletin they want to address related to the braking system. They stated they have had 2021 Suburban’s in with brakes locking up.
What a regret buying the 2021 Tahoe.
What type of compensation (if any) are you all receiving for your troubles? Just curious
I am having that message and noise also . Can I get a new wire installed at any dealer or just where I purchased it.?
any Chevy certified dealer will honor your warranty.
I finally got Tahoe in had to have Brake recall, internet, under seat wiring fixed. Called all fixed but under seat had to order part said would take a week. I called and told dealer to order it but his reply was you cannot believe what people say on internet. I reminded him of that statement.
My 2021 Tahoe was in the shop 2 times within the first week of ownership. The liftgate won’t open. Dealership is saying they need to wait for a software update.
When I had my new Tahoe in the shop I saw another one come in with that issue.
I have a 2021 Escalade and it’s currently back at the dealer after many warning messages/malfunctions— service headlamps, service level suspension system, parking sensor malfunction and the list goes on and on.
My service advisor admitted today, 11/18/20, that GM has realized they have a software malfunction, yet they have no projected timeline as to when it may be resolved. $102,000 vehicle with 1,002 miles is deemed inoperable. Disappointed, to say the least.
Has anyone else been having this problem with the 2021 Escalade? I’m concerned because I have one on order and am awaiting delivery. How could a problem as large as this pass all the testing that was supposedly done prior to delivering them to buyers.
Wisemen and woman know you never buy the first year revision of a vehicle until all the bugs are worked out, and the 2021 Tahoes, Suburbans and Escalades are very buggy as seen with these relentless comments. Sad to spend $80,000 to $102,000 only to buy into these shortcomings. A new low for GM, and American workmanship.
Yes, we have learned this the hard way. We had wanted to support American made and our old Tahoe was amazing so that is why we bought a new one.
Bought a 2021 Tahoe on October 14. Less than 200 miles Safety Restraint Light Indicator; Check Rear Light Indicator; and Third Seat wall mount does not lower nor lift third row seat. Repair service at Northside in San Antonio Texas, said they are waiting on the replacement part, GM has not provided a solution to the sensor illumination indicators to the Safety Restraint and Rear Lenses. TO GM engineers, I know you have the knowledge to troubleshoot and make this right. Fix our SUV’s
Our 2021 Tahoe Premier also has the error message SERVICE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM message that comes on every few minutes….accompanied by alarm chimes. It is a persistent error message with incessant, never ending continuous chimes that despite being dismissed, reappears within minutes.
The dealer said to bring it back in.
Cadillac sent out a bulletin to all dealers on 10/18/20 admitting there is a faulty issue with the wiring system and overall computer interface with no solution at this time. The service manager at my dealer showed me how to remove certain fuses which corrects the issue temporarily.
My connector was in in less than a week.
All of those message are Sept. Well it is Now December and I still get that warning light. They said we have to order the cable and so we wait today is Dec 2 and this i 4 weeks since we told them and they have order the cable harness (play Jeopardy Music here)
We had ours in the shop for safety restraint and brake recall and TV went out. Took them 10 days but got fixed we will see if it holds.
Gave our dealership in Georgia a two days heads up to schedule service. They had parts readily available. Took ours in to have the brake recall and safety restraint warning light fixed on 11/19 and it was ready the next day. Haven’t had any issues since with the service safety restraint warning.
Well, now both 3rd row headrests in my Denali are broken. Dealer is telling me they are awaiting a fix from GMC. That has to be bs right? So now I have a vehicle that can’t sit people in my 3rd row until they come up with a fix? This is getting beyond frustrating
I Have same problem 2021 Tahoe..mine don’t stay up!
I had the same issue back when the vehicle was bought in October 2020. The dealer has fixed it. (took 3-4 weeks for the the headrest part to come in). There is a very thin wire that latches so the headrest stays up right. (Third row headrest). You could actually feel and see the very thin wire behind the headrest; when the headrest wont stay up that very thin wire is loose. I personally think the wire snaps when you lower the third row seat. Upon lowering the third row seat, the third row headrest smashes against the second row seats. When the headrest makes contact with the 2nd row seat that very thin wire snaps causing the headrest to not stay up right. I now personally just click and lower the third row headrest manually BEFORE lowering the third row seats.
I have a clicking rattle on right passenger side in 2nd row area…can’t figure it out, sounds like crinkling aluminum foil..anyone else having same? Also seats rattle terribly when go over bumps?
I have the same issue; my guess is plastics making contact. I initially thought perhaps the seat belts.
the seats rattle in all my Suburbans model years 2010 – 2017, soon to be a 2021 also.
I hope I don’t have to listen to this rattling on the new on that I will pick up in two weeks.
Anyone having a rattle behind the drivers side dashboard area on their 2021 Suburban or Tahoe? Dealer not able to fix the problem. Super annoying!
We have had our 2021 High Country Tahoe since July with less than 4,000 miles. I loved it initially, but since then we have had at least 5 recalls done on it. The windshield is being replace due to flaws in the glass over 3/4 of the windshield. We noticed it after we purchased it and thought it was just from a protective film on the glass. It never washed off and caused a glare when hit directly by light. Our 3rd row headrests are broken. Our headliner is broken and there is a constant rattling noise due to that. It definitely costs WAY too much money for all these problems. The headliner makes me the most worried as it was “fixed” a couple of weeks ago and as soon as we drove it home the noise was worse than before. It rides amazingly well and I like a lot of the new features about it. We had an older Tahoe prior to this one and it was in the shop less than 3 times in 7 years of ownership. Sadly, I don’t see us owning this vehicle once the warranty runs out.
I have been a GM owner forever.
My first car was a 1987 GMC Suburban, 2nd car a 2008 Yukon XL, and now I own the 2021 Tahoe, all purchased new. I know there have been many complaints about the 2021 model, but I have to say I have had none. Many negative comments, but I have none to make, it’s a great truck. I just think people need to hear about the good.
Frank
Found the problem with the SRS warning in the Chev, it was a kind wire in the horn which was setting the airbag alarm off. I took it back and they have straightened it out and are ordering a new one. It should be fixed but could come back. He just told me not to toot the horn for now.
Kink*
FOUND THE PROBLEM WITH THE SRS ALARM IN THE CHEV.
it was a kink wire which was setting the airbag alarm off. They have straightened it out and are ordering a new one. It should be fixed but could come back. He just said try not to toot the horn for now.
Cheers.
So I have had my 2021 Tahoe since September 2020, I had the Service Restraint System light fixed twice.
my 2021 Tahoe just spent 30 days at the dealership for the check engine light, problem is still there, dealer stated all of the wiring harness hand been checked, they don’t know why the check engine light is on, but it is affecting other electrical component’s now,,,
We bought our 2021 RST Tahoe less than 3 months ago. In that time, it has leaked water through the sunroof and appears to be coming out of the third row seatbelt. The captains chairs rattle and the dealership ordered a replacement seat for one because they couldn’t fix the rattling. Also, the safety restraint warning appeared this week. Lastly, I hope, the front grill is peeling. I am taking it to the second dealership tomorrow. Extremely disappointed for the price. I want to love this car for a long time, but I don’t have any confidence in it’s longevity.
Just bought a 2021 chevy silverado rst and it’s doing the same within an hours drive in came on 20 times.
I had this issue as well. I leased a brand new 2021 Suburban in December 2020. The battery has died 5 times and the service restraint light has gone off twice. I have been driving a rental for 3 weeks because GM does not know what is wrong with the vehicle battery. After calling GM customer support, I was offered a $100 service coupon for my troubles. I have been patient but enough is enough.
Please tell me they are working to fix this. I have 400 miles on mine and it is aggravating
I have a 2021 Chevy Tahoe the Service Safety Restraint System light came on at 225 miles . It was fixed for a while bu now at 13861 miles the Service Restraint System Light is back on..
Anybody aware of a class action lawsuit yet?
2022 Tahoe doing the same thing. Beyond frustrating as expensive as this POS is!
I am now having this issue with my 2021 Chevy Tahoe. The dash displays “Service safety restraint System”. Took truck to dealer and was told they were not able to identify and fix the problem as there was no code stored. The warning would come in intermittently and now comes on every time I start the truck. Taking the truck in once again, but decided to Google this problem first and I came across this website. This is absolutely not acceptable and I’m actually very surprised there hasn’t been a recall for this. I hope the issue can be fixed or I’ll have to call the 800 # in the service manual. Thank you so much for all the comments, very informative!
Yes, I have the same issue with my 2021 tahoe….I will take it back to the dealer to get it fixed