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.
Structure, Feb 13, 2023
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, Nov 26, 2022
Power steering assist motor shaft broke. This caused power steering failure and lost control of the vehicle.
Suspension, Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 28, 2022
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 5, 2022
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2022
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, Jul 9, 2022
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, Jun 23, 2022
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, Jun 2, 2022
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, Apr 1, 2022
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, Feb 18, 2022
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, Jan 28, 2022
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2022
Service Trailer Brake System. Defective wiring harness
Electrical system, Jan 10, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, when an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic who informed the wiring harness was melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V407000 (Electrical System), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
Air bags, Dec 30, 2021
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.
Suspension, Engine, Dec 21, 2021
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, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2021
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 bags, Oct 28, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2009 Chevrolet SIlverado. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the contact drifted off the highway which caused his vehicle to flip over three times and land right side up. The contact was able to escape the vehicle without major injury. The air bags did not deploy during the crash. The authorities arrived at the scene and the contact was examined by paramedics. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was destroyed. Later that evening, the contact went to the emergency room where he was treated for a broken left rib. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000(AIR BAGS). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2021, crash
Airbags for the steering wheel did not deploy.
Air bags, Oct 18, 2021
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, Oct 13, 2021
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.
Steering, Oct 10, 2021, crash
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.
Air bags, Oct 1, 2021
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA campaign number 21V052000 (Air Bags) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 105,139.
Seat belts, Sep 14, 2021
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, Aug 31, 2021
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, Aug 6, 2021
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.