Owners filed 234 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 4 times.
When it fails
07275072,750 milesMedian miles at failure
117 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags
120
3
0
3
Unknown or Other
27
1
0
0
Electrical System
16
0
0
0
Structure › Body
14
0
0
0
Engine
9
0
0
0
Power Train
6
0
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System
5
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
4
0
0
0
Suspension
4
0
0
0
Service Brakes
4
0
0
0
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
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.
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.
Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy. GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Steering
Filed Feb 11, 2026IL
This letter serves as a formal notice of concern and demand for accountability regarding the 2009 GMC Sierra LD, VIN [XXX] , owned by [XXX] . There are numerous documented complaints and safety investigations concerning premature tie rod failure in 2009 GMC Sierra models. While the 2009 model year may not have been subject to a sweeping, industry-wide recall specific to tie rods in the 1500 series, it is undeniably and consistently associated with premature steering component failure — including both inner and outer tie rods. The refusal to proactively address this defect, assign a broader recall, or take ownership of the recurring issue reflects a troubling disregard for consumer safety. Documented and Reported Issues Include: • Premature Wear: Tie rods becoming loose or failing between 50,000–100,000 miles, resulting in steering wander and excessive play in the steering wheel. • Clunking/Knocking Noises: Audible front-end knocking at low speeds, a well-known symptom of failing tie rod joints. • Severe Safety Risk: Instances where tie rods have separated or become dangerously compromised, directly affecting steering control. • Uneven Tire Wear: Excessive inner or outer tire edge wear caused by steering instability. • Recall 14V-246000: A related recall acknowledging improper tightening of tie rods where they thread into the steering gear rack — a defect that could cause separation and loss of steering control. The common symptoms — steering vibration, looseness, clunking whe
Air Bags
Filed Nov 4, 2025SC
Early October my passenger side airbag deployed and I was sitting in the drivers seat and had just put the key into the key hole but did not turn the key to start the vehicle. 3 weeks later I was going into the passenger side of the vehicle and the key was in my pocket and the drivers side airbag deployed. Both times the vehicle was not started and the airbags deployed I called GMC and they had the vehicle towed to a dealer to investigate why the airbags deployed. They said it was a sensor that was corroded and that’s why the airbags deployed. I asked GMC, why didn’t the sensor left the driver know that it was going bad, just like it notifies the driver if you have low tire pressure or needs an oil change. I had no notifications that the airbags were going to deploy. I’m so grateful that no one was driving the vehicle when they deployed. GMC said the vehicle is not safe to drive so they had it towed from my house to the dealership and then back to my house however they said they are not taking responsibility for the deployment and said it’s my responsibility to get the airbags fixed. I told GMC that I was filing a complaint with you all. Thank you for looking into this matter.
Engine
Filed Aug 18, 202556,000 milesNV
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact used a code reader and discovered a misfire in cylinder #4, and performed a compression test, which verified that cylinder #4 was failing to maintain compression. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that there was a failure with the lifter in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Engine
Filed Jun 18, 2025NE
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this report regarding repeated engine and valve lifter failures in my 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 5.3L V8 engine, VIN: [XXX] . 1. Component/System Malfunctioned: Both the original engine and a replacement engine—professionally installed by a Chevrolet dealership—experienced valve lifter failure related to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. The most recent failure was sudden and unexpected. The engine may be available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: Engine failure puts driver and passenger safety at serious risk, particularly if the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while in motion. In both instances, the failure created unsafe driving conditions. 3. Reproduction/Confirmation: The issue was confirmed by a Chevrolet dealership during the initial engine failure and again more recently on the current engine, which is now exhibiting the same failure. 4. Inspection Status: The vehicle has been inspected by the same dealership that performed the original engine replacement. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by GM corporate, police, or insurance representatives. 5. Warning Signs: There were no warning lamps, messages, or clear symptoms prior to the failure. The problem occurred without advance notice and did not provide an opportunity to address it before damage occurred. This is the second engine failure my truck has suffered from the same issue, even after dealership installation of a new motor. I urge the NHTSA to
Power Train
Filed Mar 11, 2025TX
Allison transmission - random hard shifts, random multiple DTC's, random limp mode. Clear codes and works fine until it doesn't. Might have to clear codes 3-4 times a day or it might make it a week before it goes into limp mode again.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 23, 2024MS
General Published an article about the Takata Airbag recall stating that the dashboard would be inspected prior to doing the recall work and if already cracked or damaged the dashboard would not be replaced. My dash board is like new with no damage or cracks. The dealer told me (contrary to this article) that if their service men damaged my dashboard while doing the recall replacement I would be responsible for any replacement even if my dashboard is in perfect condition prior to the work. I find this unacceptable and will not have my airbag replaced under these conditions. The dealer/GM should be responsible for any damage they cause during the repair.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 2024UT
TCM and electrical transmission grounded out TCM IN MY RESEARCH a lot of people are having issues with these. Dealers are of no help “backordered” so having to rebuild them. This is an expensive failure!
Electrical System
Filed Jul 31, 2023GA
While driving on Saturday, July 29th, I went to make a right turn @ intersection of Nottingham Way onto Ledo Rd. The vehicle started jerking and suddenly shutoff. I had no power steering, No power brakes. I had to manually steer and stop the truck into the median, while avoiding oncoming traffic. I got the vehicle to stop. I tried to restart and the engine turned over, but would not start. I contacted the local Chevrolet dealership, and was told they don't work on anything older than 2013 vehicles. I had the truck towed to the house. After further investigation, there was a service bulletin 14515B, that replaced 14515A. The Safety recall stated CHASSIS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE INTERNAL CONTAMINATION. So GM is aware of this issue, that could have caused an accident. The local dealership is denying that my truck is involved in this recall. They knew of the problem and never contacted me about this issue. This is a severe SAFETY issue. GM should be responsible for repairing a defective Control module as they knew of contamination as of January 2015. This almost cause multiple head on collisions.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 2, 2023TN
Door panel gets loose over time catching on inside of door frame making it difficult to open a door. This is a safety hazard in the case of an emergency so I removed my door panel completely.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 25, 2023LA
The contact's father owns a 2009 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while his father was making a left turn at 20 MPH, another vehicle from the opposite direction ran the red light and struck the contact's father's driver's side front end. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. The contact's father suffered rib, pelvis, and spine fractures and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard but was not yet inspected or deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 13, 2023MO
Dashboard instrument panel all lights and gauges goes out while driving down the road when vehicle is turned off a clicking noise is made in the dash. This issue causes when driving down the road, not knowing the speed because the speedometer is out or how much gas the vehicle has, or any other readings, and at night all lights go out, not able to see while driving down the road.
Power Train
Filed Dec 8, 2022VA
Yes, the airbag has not been replaced but I have another SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM with this vehicle: The stabilitrak system does NOT work, it is NOT POSSIBLE to shift into gear, if the vehicle is put into use there is a definite possibility that the truck will go into LIMP MODE with a very limited speed (20 mph?) while trying to keep up with the traffic flow at 75+mph while the. transmission searches for which gear and wheel to apply power. This is a frightening experience to say the least. And I am without my work truck (and work) for more than 4 months because GMC has no ETA for parts to repair this problem. I guess this is NOT. safety issue in reality since I cannot/ will not drive this piece of dangerous GENERAL MOTORS engineering nightmare. When I search for solutions to this problem I find that there are many many GM vehicles (cars,suvs,vans, trucks) experiencing the same SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS situations. It is time to investigate this company before it shutters its doors and moves offshore to leave their junk in the United States without responsibility for repairs or accidents. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical System
Filed Oct 5, 2022FL
My dashboard instrument cluster has been going in and out since iv owned the vehicle in February of 2022 and iv replaced fuses did the reset test and everything on it and nothing I can’t see my speed rpm’s gas gauge nothing all the lights are on but nothing else moves or comes on I can’t even tell the speed I’m going or if I even have enough gas in the truck to even make it to a store I have add electrical problems since day one with the truck and replaced so many fuses for everything and nothing work’s really even my alarm system don’t work
Suspension
Filed Aug 29, 2022IN
I own the 2009 GMC this truck was bought new by me and it only has 41,000 miles on a 13 year old truck it is very well maintained. Both upper shock mounts rusted off and the rear spring shackles have holes in them I had a service center look at it and he said there maybe not enough metal to weld to. The whole frame and cross members are badly rusted and although it is not a safety issue both cab corners are rusting out, and the left rear wheel opening I really feel there is no reason any vehicle should rust so bad and be undriveable.
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 25, 2022AZ
Dashboard cracked
Structure › Body
Filed Jan 29, 2022TN
The dash is cracked and busted to the point it rattles no matter what road you are on. The dash was maintained. Just cheap plastic in an expensive truck. The defrost grille is totally broke out. GM should take care of this problem if they want repeat business.
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 27, 2021KY
My truck was bought new by my cousin and not even a year having it the frame started rusting badly. Now we own it & it is scary to drive the frame is so bad rusted. We have put so much money into it it’s ridiculous & cant afford to anymore. It’s a danger for my family to drive it. I’m scared to drive my 8 year old in it. It’s causing more than the frame to rust. We’ve replaced gas lines, brake lines & so much more. I wished GMC would fix this problem & repair all vehicles this has happened to.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 18, 2021TX
Received a air bag recall notice . I scheduled a appointment with Hall Buick GMC in Tyler Texas 10-18-21 at 11:00 am . We showed up to service Dept. The young guy checking us in told us that 92% of the time they will crack the dash when getting it removed to do the the air bag recall work and the dealer is not responsible for any damage. I told him to get his manger so he did. We talked to service manger John Mackey he told use the same thing that the dealer is not responsible for any damage done to the dash like cracks or breakage while doing air bag recall work. I told him as you can see this truck has been garage kept since new and not in the sun. He said I can see that . I told him per the paper work I received if not fixed it may cause serious injury or death to passengers .Who's going to pay for that. He said GM and Takata. Is there any one that can do the air bag recall work without damaging the dash.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 30, 2021WA
Transmission Control Module Since the summer of 2020 the vehicle has at least half a dozen times, without warning, experienced the following symptoms (most recently July 27, 2021 when I captured it on video). 1. power door locks begin cycling open and closed 2. intermittent chime operation 3. transmission locks into a single gear and won't shift or will shift harshly 4. gauges fluctuate 5. traction control and stabilitrak turn off 6. service traction control and service stabilitrak messages appear 7. transmission position indicator disappears
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.