2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 520 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 14 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 7 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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."
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 21V053000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 21V052000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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.
Campaign 21V050000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
520 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Nov 3, 2025
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, Sep 5, 2025
Driver and passenger side extended cab doors metal is cracking horizontally near the front edge of the doors.
Exterior lighting, Jun 21, 2025
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, Jan 7, 2025
P305/55 R 22
Structure, Jul 19, 2024
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, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2024
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, Jun 12, 2024
There was no incident yet light came on dash 2 days ago and I got a letter in mail for a recall
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2024
Solenoid was rubbed by the wiring harness which caused a leak.
Air bags, Engine, Apr 2, 2024
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, Mar 22, 2024
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, Feb 27, 2024
Driving up driveway and airbags on the side door panels went off didn't hit anything and they went off
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 24, 2024
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, Jan 19, 2024
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, Dec 18, 2023
Frame is so rotted it is falling apart in pieces. Truck doesn’t even have 100000 miles
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Oct 24, 2023
Windshield trim flew off on the Highway could of struck another vehicle. But thankfully no one was behind us.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 8, 2023
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, Sep 7, 2023
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
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Aug 23, 2023
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.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Jul 25, 2023
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2023
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
Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2023
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, Jun 26, 2023
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, May 17, 2023
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!
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2023
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, Mar 7, 2023
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.