2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Above average

Owners filed 445 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

224 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

225 of the 445 complaints (51%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags224
402
Unknown or Other37
000
Structure › Body · body and frame31
210
Electrical System27
040
Engine26
010
Service Brakes · brakes9
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control9
000
Seat Belts7
000
Steering6
201
Wheels5
000

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 airbags problems

51% of all complaints

225 of the 445 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • shows an airbag warning light11% · 25
  • sets off warning lights on the dash10% · 23

Share of the 225 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
77,000 mi
median of 72 reports
Peak year of filing
2017
78 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
4 · 0 · 2
in these complaints
“The contact’s father owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his dad was driving 25 MPH, he heard a loud explosion coming the front driver’s side air bag. The air bag warning light was illuminated prior to the explosion. The air bag did not deploy because there was no crash. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 19, 2024 at 63,000 miles
“Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 18, 2021 at 15,450 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2009: 5 complaints, 0 about the airbags'092010: 17 complaints, 2 about the airbags2011: 7 complaints, 0 about the airbags'112012: 6 complaints, 0 about the airbags2013: 7 complaints, 0 about the airbags'132014: 17 complaints, 2 about the airbags2015: 10 complaints, 1 about the airbags'152016: 65 complaints, 29 about the airbags2017: 110 complaints, 78 about the airbags'172018: 58 complaints, 43 about the airbags2019: 37 complaints, 24 about the airbags'192020: 31 complaints, 16 about the airbags2021: 37 complaints, 23 about the airbags'212022: 11 complaints, 1 about the airbags2023: 13 complaints, 1 about the airbags'232024: 9 complaints, 3 about the airbags2025: 4 complaints, 1 about the airbags'252026: 1 complaints, 1 about the airbagsRecall 21V052000 (airbags)Recall 21V050000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation DP22005
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2009 Silverado 1500 peaked in 2017, with 110 filed that year. Owners had filed 195 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 21V052000 in February 2021; 30 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V052000
Filed Feb 5, 2021557,023 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 23, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328780.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V050000
Filed Feb 5, 20212,641,272 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V053000
Filed Feb 5, 2021692,526 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2009 Silverado 1500.

Pedestrian alert soundsDefect petition DP22005Closed
Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023Led to recall 22V063000electrical system

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after …

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA21002Open
Opened Sep 17, 2021airbags

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at …

Technical service bulletins

1,406 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2009 Silverado 1500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 448electrical system 247engine 180transmission 85fuel system 59equipment adaptive/mobility 45suspension 42body and frame 39
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …

09184CService campaignDec 9, 2015electrical system

"09184C - CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (REVISED SERVICE PROCEDURE). THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN REVISED TO CLARIFY STEP 5 OF THE SERVICE PROCEDURE. CERTAIN 2007-2009 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA VEHICLES CURRENTLY OR PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, …

09184CService campaignDec 9, 2015equipment

"09184C - CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (REVISED SERVICE PROCEDURE). THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN REVISED TO CLARIFY STEP 5 OF THE SERVICE PROCEDURE. CERTAIN 2007-2009 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA VEHICLES CURRENTLY OR PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, …

18-NA-094Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 5, 2024airbags

This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.

18-NA-094Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 26, 2024airbags

This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046, 15406,15438, 15442, 15815, 15816,15817, 15818, 15826, 17009, 17476, 17477, 28810, 28811,17478, 18015, N192273760, N192278940, N212328760, N212328770, N212328780, N212328790, …

PIT4322NService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 16, 2023airbags

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unwanted Stability Activation and/or a Service Stability message on the Driver Information Center. Technician may find a Diagnostic Trouble Code C0710. Technician should inspect for vehicles modifications before any in-depth diagnostics are …

PIT5821CService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 9, 2022airbags

This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.

PIT5821BService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 25, 2022airbags

This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.

PIT5821AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 26, 2021airbags

This Preliminary information communicates information on a parts restrictions for the passenger air bag.

Showing the newest 6 of 10 bulletins about the airbags, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4-DR.———★★★★★18.5%
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4-DR. w/SAB———★★★★★18.5%
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab———★★★★★18.5%
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab w/SAB———★★★★★18.5%
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab———★★★★★18.5%
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab w/SAB———★★★★★18.5%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Oct 23, 2026ME

This is not an incident that happened, but I have a front impact sensor that has gone bad. After doing some research, and looking at all of the reports, claims, and lack of replacement inventory, it seems obvious to me that there is a problem with these parts. There should be a factory recall on this part. The part on my vehicle is a GM 25794815 impact sensor. I can't even find a replacement (unless it's used).

Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 2025146,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags) while having an inspection completed. After receiving notification of the recall, while driving approximately 35 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag unexpectedly deployed, damaging the dashboard and fracturing the window. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 5, 2025PA

Driver and passenger side extended cab doors metal is cracking horizontally near the front edge of the doors.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 21, 2025TX

The front drivers headlight low beam keeps going out. I just received my second warning for this failure. It got dark before I got home from the store. We took it to a friend who does mechanical work back in the spring. He fixed it; but now it’s doing it again. Yes we had it inspected last November for tag renewal. There are no warning lights or signals that come on.i think it started acting up around November 2024

Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems
Filed Jan 7, 2025WI

P305/55 R 22

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 19, 2024200,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after having the vehicle inspected, the contact was informed that the under body was extremely rusted, and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The certified mechanic determined that the sub frame could not be repaired and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Suspension
Filed Jun 19, 2024WI

Recently while up on the hoist the technician said the frame rust was very severe and the truck was in danger of buckling. Should it be so bad at 114,000?

Air Bags
Filed Jun 12, 2024WV

There was no incident yet light came on dash 2 days ago and I got a letter in mail for a recall

Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2024NM

Solenoid was rubbed by the wiring harness which caused a leak.

Engine
Filed Apr 2, 202490,000 milesNH

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the service air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the air bag control module was corroded due to moisture in the driver weld. The vehicle was not covered under a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 22, 2024TX

I realized last weekend that BOTH of my rear doors were full of water. When I opened the rear door on the drivers side, I heard a water sloshing sound, which caught my attention. I closed & reopened the door & once again I heard the sound clearly. I left the door open & noticed the water pouring out at one corner. The water was draining from inside the door panel. I went to the passenger side of the vehicle & noticed the exact same situation. After 30 minutes of swinging the doors back & forth, I drained over a gallon of water from EACH of the rear doors. Considering the weight of a gallon of water, this is very much a safety hazard, not to mention the corrosion & rust that I am sure have built up over time.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 27, 2024MO

Driving up driveway and airbags on the side door panels went off didn't hit anything and they went off

Electrical System
Filed Feb 24, 2024LA

My truck has roughly 26,000 miles and the airbag sensing module on it corroded due to water gathering around it in the acoustic padding. It happens because water runs down a line that enters the cab and gets absorbed by the acoustic padding. This is a known issue as there is a recall for other states. My state is not one even though Louisiana is one of the wettest states and we also use salt in the winter when the roads ice. I’m glad I didn’t get hurt by this since it can cause the seatbelt pretentioners to fire and/or the airbag to deploy. This is the document from GM/NHTSA. GM Bulletin [XXX] [XXX] Can you please include Louisiana in this recall since the issue is affecting us? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags
Filed Jan 19, 202463,000 milesWA

The contact’s father owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his dad was driving 25 MPH, he heard a loud explosion coming the front driver’s side air bag. The air bag warning light was illuminated prior to the explosion. The air bag did not deploy because there was no crash. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 18, 2023IN

Frame is so rotted it is falling apart in pieces. Truck doesn’t even have 100000 miles

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 24, 2023FL

Windshield trim flew off on the Highway could of struck another vehicle. But thankfully no one was behind us.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 8, 2023MI

Steel fuel line of fuel sending unit rusted out causing fuel to be sprayed through a pin hole sized area at high pressure.

Power Train
Filed Sep 7, 2023NC

Going down a busy road transmission started hunting for gears downshifting very hard finally like it was trying to go into park very dangerous situation trying to get out of traffic and get stopped

Electrical System
Filed Aug 23, 2023MN

The TCM failed in rush hour traffic! In Minneapolis Minnesota, the stability control light came on, traction control light came on, no throttle, no power. We backed up traffic, got push to the side of the road, towed to the service shop, and was told the Transmission control module (TCM) failed. Then told they are on national backorder from GM. The truck has been down for 3 months with no answers or parts in sight.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 25, 2023OH

Smiths auto Canton ohio told me they sold it to me with no problems but the locks are going out it has a dent in the side that's getting worse. I had to buy breaks and a new starter twice.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 9, 2023PA

Chevy has poor quality frames trucks with less then 70k miles on them are unsafe to drive it is a 2009 been garage kept and well taking care of there are tons of these trucks not road worty because of frame me and most people still owe money on these trucks and get no compensation for them Ford Toyota make frame replacement panels while Chevy has no one my truck has 69k on it and truck looks amazing till you look at the frame even the new trucks how can a dealer charge so much money for a truck and by the time it's paid off it's unsafe it's gonna cost me several thousands of dollars and hopefully be able to fix there poor quality issue if not I'm stuck paying 10,000 dollars to pay off truck or my credit is no good and can't get another vehicle I love paycheck to paycheck and just purchased this truck used 12 months ago the frame is solid on outside but it rotten from inside out just like ever other Chevy sad for a truck with such low miles below is a image of how nice truck is and taking care of again this has 69,000miles on it now I can't get it to pass inspection

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 8, 2023PA

Excessive rust 2009 Chevy Silverado with 69k miles on it truck has always been garage kept and meticulously taking care of frame is rusted truck is junk still owe money on it Chevy needs to do something major problem here

Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard
Filed Jun 26, 2023160,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured on the passenger’s side near the passenger’s side air bag housing. The contact stated that the fracture extended to the driver's side dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to replace the air bag free of charge however, the dashboard had to be replaced by the owner out-of-pocket. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Seat Belts
Filed May 17, 2023MN

Driver’s Seat belt started sporadically coming unlatched. Now the buckle won’t go in at all. One of the seatbelts in the back is stuck in a locked position so that one is now unusable as well!

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 7, 2023TN

On or around the end of September of 2022. My 2009 Chevrolet Duramax began to act up . Showing a trouble code of U0101… TCM could not communicate with the Rest of the vehicle. Contacted all the local auto parts stores. Nobody could get this part. Finally contacted the dealer. No luck , this part is on national back order. Contacted GM , they have no idea when this part is going to be available. After months of research I have found there is 1,000s of trucks parked awaiting for this one part. Ironically if you read some of the stories. Regardless of what year the truck is or how many miles is on it. They have all went out around the same time… odd my truck has been parked awaiting this part for 7 months. I’ve continued to make payments on this undriveable vehicle. Not only am I making payments on the truck I cannot pull my trailer for my lawn care business. Gm is costing us money everyday. Something has to change ASAP.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 7, 2023KY

Bcm causing electrical problems with instrument cluster causing battery to go flat ... bcm not letting cluster goto sleep causing a battery drain around .5amps... all the gauges will drop below zero and bounce right back to zero in 30 seconds to a minute.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 13, 2023PA

The frame on my truck has rusted to the point that my mechanic cannot put it on the lift to inspect the vehicle. Wherever he tries to put the jack points the frame crumbles. He has declared that it is unsafe to operate, and cannot be inspected. The truck would most likely break into pieces in any type of collision. There is also a risk of the frame collapsing during normal operation, and possibly causing an accident, or injury or death due to collapse of the vehicle frame during highway operation. The truck is only 14 years old and rusted more than most 50 year old vehicles.

Steering
Filed Nov 26, 2022IN

Power steering assist motor shaft broke. This caused power steering failure and lost control of the vehicle.

Suspension
Filed Oct 28, 2022WA

Fuel system leak at fuel pump due to corrosion. Found raw gas leaking out from under vehicle while vehicle in operation. Upon further investigation, found metal supply and return lines severely corroded and leaking. Repaired with new pump. While being repaired, noted severe corrosion on frame and cross members to include upper shock mounts and spare tire mount. Holes in frame were noted.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 5, 2022FL

For the past few years I keep getting code P2138. I have spent several thousand dollars trying to get my truck fixed. I have replaced the accelerator pedal at least 3 times. Replaced the throttle body. Did a complete rewire. Replaced the ECM and still the dealership can’t figure it out. Every time I leave I’m hopeful the problem is resolved but then a month or two later I will be driving and then my truck will lose engine power. Someone is going to get killed because of this if they haven’t already. Extremely frustrated.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 27, 2022PA

My 2009 Silverado has a very rusted frame. I have replaced bedsides and rocker panels due to excessive rust. Now the frame has holes in it. I'm not sure when it becomes a critical safety incident, but it is bad. It is ridiculous that I have owned this truck since 2012 when it had 42,000 miles on it. This frame is terrible for a well-taken care of truck.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 2022MD

While driving my 2009 Chevy Silverado hybrid with 32000 miles my brakes stopped working my DIC showed brake problems, stable track and traction control, had it towed to Chevy dealership was informed it will cost $4000 to fix, the one bad parts is a Modulator Valve part #25922981, I have found a Chevy service bulletin from May -2016 #PIT4383P about this problem looks like if this part goes bad they will replace it can you confirm this, if I was on a highway this would have been a very bad accident thanks for your help

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 202298,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while having his vehicle serviced at the local dealer under an air bag recall, the air bag sensor warning lights remained illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000 (Air Bag). The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the air bag cell light was not corresponding with the instrument panel. The contact stated the vehicle was not repaired correctly. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Steering › Steering Wheel /Handle Bar › Yaw/Angle Sensor
Filed Jun 2, 2022220,000 milesWV

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes seized without warning, causing the ABS to activate. The failure nearly caused a collision. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty steering angle sensor; however, the dealer informed the contact that the steering angle sensor part was no longer being manufactured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 1, 2022TX

Along with many, many other people. My pickup has the dreaded dash cracks. I would like for GM to step up and replace this free of charge.

Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard
Filed Feb 18, 2022131,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the crack was caused by a failure of the composite material. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 28, 2022CA

This truck has the 5.3L engine with the Active Fuel Management system. I took the truck in for the 55,000 service on 02/04/2020. A month later with 56,000 miles, I had to take the truck in for something. At that time, I found out the truck had used up 2 1/2 qts of oil in 1,000 miles. Never had a problem using oil between the 5,000 mile service intervals before. Their are no leaks anywhere. The dealer had me bring the truck in every 1,000 miles for oil consumption checks for 4 times. The last time it showed a 1/2 qt usage. I had the 60,000 mile service. Then at 62,390 on 01/26/2022 I had some lifter noise. Checked the oil and found it had used 4 qts in 2,390. I had been told that the 2009-2011 Chevy 5.3L engines with the AFM had problems using oil starting around 60,000 miles. 4 qts of oil usage in 2,390 miles is not right.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 18, 2022OR

Service Trailer Brake System. Defective wiring harness

Air Bags
Filed Dec 30, 2021LA

My dash board and panels are cracked and falling apart. Dealer cannot replace air bags without doing more damage to dashboard and will not be responsible. Only 52000 miles On this Vehicle and dash board is cracked and broken. A compliant has been filed several years ago for a cracked dash.

Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2021WI

The contact owns a 2009Chevrolet Silverado LD. The contact stated that he purchased his vehicle 2 months ago and when driving his vehicle at approximately 10 MPH, pulling off from a red traffic light, his vehicle's tailpipe had fallen off. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated at the time, nor an indication that something was wrong with his vehicle. The contact stated that he then took his vehicle to the dealer who advised him of a third party who could look at his vehicle and make the proper diagnoses, however, he would have to pay out of pocket. The contact stated he was unable to have the third party look at his vehicle, so he was able to fix the vehicle himself. The contact stated that shortly after he fixed the failure on his vehicle he went to start the vehicle with the remote start but the vehicle would not turn on. The contact stated the check engine warning light did illuminate at that time. The contact stated that he then manually started his vehicle and drove it to the dealer where it remains. The contact stated he was then advised by the dealer that his engine was bad amongst several other components. The contact has not contacted the manufacturer at this time. The failure mileage was 208,000.

Power Train
Filed Nov 19, 2021NC

For the last few months, my Silverado 1500 Hybrid has been experiencing "bump jerk" phenomenon related to the Hybrid mode auto stop mode and the auxiliary transmission pump intermittently not operating correctly. This issue is intermittent. Sometimes in autostop, the truck behaves normally in Hybrid mode. However, when the auxiliary transmission pump is not operating correctly in auto stop mode and below 25 mph, the truck is at risk of not moving forward in proportion to throttle response as well as rolling backward if my foot is let off the brake while in traffic. After some research, this issue is described in PIP4751G.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 20, 2021OH

Airbags for the steering wheel did not deploy.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 18, 202115,450 milesNH

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 15,450. Parts distribution disconnect.

Engine
Filed Oct 13, 2021IL

The warning lights occur frequently when the truck is idling and then disappears and reappears while driving. The “Service Stabilitrak” light will usually appear first and then the car will turn traction control off. Once traction control is turned off, the transmission beings to shift very hard and rough. Additionally, Loss of engine power and or limp mode are also symptoms in addition to very hard shifting.

SteeringCrash
Filed Oct 10, 2021PA

I was driving on the road. The road naturally turned to the left, and when I turned the steering wheel, the truck did not turn. I hit three parked cars. The steering column steering shaft disconnected from the back of the steering wheel. There was no warning signs prior to the accident. I contacted GM. They sent out a adjuster. And denied my claim but did not give me a reason why. My safety was at risk because I lost my steering. The steering wheel turned but the steering shaft became disconnected from the back of the steering wheel and there was no steering. This is a huge safety concern. If this happens to other people. Some one will get killed. I have pictures of the defective part.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 14, 2021FL

I was driving my 2009 Chevy Silverado from my Driveway onto our small main street. I was in the truck for less then 2 minutes when i heard a loud explosion and a jolt , as if i had been crashed into. My seat belt retracted pressing against my chest. i got out but there were no cars in sight. I walked around the truck to look for damage or if something like rear end locked or dropped. To my Surprise Everything looked fine. I was really shook up and Shaking. It was loud and really forced seat belt tight against me. I slowly started to drive off but my seat belt was stuck in the retracted position. I kept trying to free it up, but it was jammed. I did do a Internet search and found similar occurrences of seat belt malfunction. So to my best guess, the seat belt fired off and prematurely locked in tight position.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 31, 2021ME

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the recall but informed the contact that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 6, 202170,800 milesOR

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the brake and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the electronic control module and the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,800.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 5, 2021ME

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 3, 2021CT

Gas leak on top of fuel tank. When fuel pump is powered gas leaks.

Complaints 1-50 of 445, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026127320Do not drive
2025108040Routine
2024320200Above average
2023391360Above average
2022656660Above average
20218558120Above average
202075012100Above average
20191,0971080Above average
2018523741Fatalities reported
20177147120Do not drive
201679712101Do not drive
20151,11111141Fatalities reported
20141,4376184Fatalities reported
2013302200Above average
2012216210Above average
2011565441Fatalities reported
2010363310Above average
2009 — this page445360Above average
2008914391Fatalities reported
20078492142Fatalities reported
20063590150Above average
20055250342Fatalities reported
2004797081Fatalities reported
2003805070Above average
2002509051Fatalities reported
2001468053Fatalities reported
2000614053Fatalities reported
1999587252Fatalities reported
19983612110Above average
19975552131Fatalities reported
19967001Fatalities reported
19953000Routine
199410010Routine

Compare every Silverado 1500 year →

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: questions buyers ask

Is the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a good car?

It is not among the Silverado 1500 years to avoid. Owners filed 445 complaints, against about 576 for a typical Silverado 1500 year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (51%).

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

The airbags: 225 of the 445 complaints (51%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (11%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (10%). The typical report comes at 77,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?

3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Feb 5, 2021. The largest, 21V050000, covered 2,641,272 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 77,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, DP22005 ("Pedestrian alert sounds"), was opened Jan 27, 2023 and closed Aug 7, 2023.

Are there service bulletins for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

The manufacturer filed 1,406 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (247), the engine (180) and the transmission (85). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 5, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.