2009 GMC Sierra 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 280 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Sierra 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 7 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
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
EquipmentApr 26, 2018
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
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 18V267000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: structure
28 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jul 25, 2022
Dashboard cracked
Structure, Jan 29, 2022
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, Oct 27, 2021
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.
Structure, Jan 10, 2021
PLASTIC "MOLDED RIVETS" ARE BREAKING ON THE KNEE BOLSTER THAT HOLDS THE METAL SHIELD BEHIND IT. I'VE BEEN TOLD THIS SHIELD IS TO GUARD FROM INJURY FROM THE STEERING COLUMN DURING A CRASH. I'VE READ REPORTS ONLINE OF PEOPLE REMOVING THIS GUARD SINCE IT HAS STARTED RATTLING. I WILL NOT REMOVE MINE, BUT I'M NOT GOING TO INSTALL BOLTS THROUGH THE KNEE BOOSTER TO SECURE IT. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE REMAINING PLASTIC BREAKS FREE AND THIS WILL BE DISCARDED. IF IT'S TRULY A SAFETY ITEM, I BELIEVE IT NEEDS TO HAVE BETTER SECURITY THAN MOLDED INTO THE BRITTLE PLASTIC THAT WE ALL KNOW GM HAS IN THESE TRUCKS FROM THE LAWSUIT ON DASHBOARDS.
Structure, Apr 19, 2020
I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED THE DASH WAS CRACKED AND IT'S JYST GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER.
Air bags, Structure, Dec 10, 2019
THE VEHICLE CONTAINS TAKATA AIRBAGS THAT AN OPEN RECALL WAS STARTED 3 YEARS AGO FOR BUT A DECISION HAS NEVER BEEN MADE. THE DASH HAS NOW CRACKED NEAR THE AIRBAGS. IF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY THEY COULD CAUSE SHRAPNEL FROM THE DASH TO BE PUT INTO THE CABIN. THERE IS AN OPEN LAWSUIT IN THE US AND CANADA WITH GM IN REGARDS TO THE DASH. THE VEHICLE IS ALSO DISPLAYING INTERMITTENT AIRBAG SERVICE ERROR MESSAGES. GM WILL NOT DIAGNOSE THE AIRBAG ISSUE FOR FREE AND WANT'S ANYWHERE FROM $150-$250 SIMPLY TO READ THE CODE PLUS WHATEVER THE REPAIR WOULD COST. GM ALSO WANTS $1500-$2000 TO REPLACE THE DASH. GM HAS DEEMED THIS VEHICLE "SAFE" BUT WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THAT "SAFE" DESIGNATION BY DIAGNOSING THE AIRBAG ISSUE FOR FREE. THE AIRBAG SERVICE LIGHT STARTED OFF VERY INFREQUENTLY AND HAS STARTED TO BECOME MORE FREQUENT. I HAVE ALSO BEEN CUT BY THE DASH ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, WHICH PRESENTS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD. GM CORPORATE WILL NOT GIVE ANY TIMELINE TO A RESOLUTION AND WILL ONLY PAY FOR REPAIRS ONCE THE NHTSA FORCES THEM INTO A RECALL. A "SAFE" VEHICLE DOES NOT INJURY IT'S USERS OR REPORT ERRORS WITH ITS SAFETY SYSTEMS FREQUENTLY.
Structure, Nov 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL CRACKS ON THE DASHBOARD AND AIR BAG COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILL SMITH BUICK (1940 2ND AVE NW, CULLMAN, AL 35055, (256) 734-4472) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Structure, Apr 30, 2019
SEVERELY CRACKED OEM DASHBOARD. IF THE AIRBAGS GO OFF I'M VERY AFRAID OF CATCHING PLASTIC SHARDS IN MY FACE.
Structure, Oct 19, 2017
CRACKED DASH ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND BY THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. COULD CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD IF THE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED AND IS NOT AESTHETICALLY PLEASING CONSIDERING THE MONEY SPENT ON THE VEHICLE.
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2017
TAKATA RECALL SEVERE CRACKS ORIGINATING FROM THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF PASSENGER AIRBAG. AIRBAG LOOKS LIKE IT HAS A BULGE CAUSING THE DASHBOARD TO CRACK. CONCERNING THAT AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY AND PIECES OF PLASTIC WILL INJURE THE PASSENGER OR DRIVER OF PIECES ARE DEPLOYES ALL OVER THE CABIN.
Structure, Apr 1, 2017
DASH IS CRACKING AT THREE POINTS. TWO ARE LOCATED AT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND THE THIRD IS AT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.
Structure, Feb 5, 2017
CRACKS APPEARED ON DASHBOARD ABOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND PASSENGER AIRBAG. CRACK NEXT TO AIRBAG APPEARS TO BE SAFETY HAZARD AS IT COULD PUNCTURE THE AIRBAG DURING DEPLOYMENT OR THE PLASTIC COULD EASILY BREAK AND BE LAUNCHED AS A PROJECTILE.
Structure, Dec 19, 2016
DASH IS CRACKING EVERYWHERE. IT LOOK PISS POOR FOR $35000 TRUCK. IT'S STARTED WITH A SMALL CRACK. I TRIED TO BOND IT TOGETHER. THEN EVENTUALLY IT SPREAD LEAVING LARGE HOLES AND CRACKS. *TR
Structure, Oct 25, 2016
THE DASH HAS CRACKED, SPECIFICALLY AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, WHICH RAISES CONCERN THAT DEBRIS UPON IMPACT MAY CAUSE INJURY OR CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION. THE CRACKS PROGRESSIVELY WORSEN OVER TIME. GMC REFUSES TO OFFER ASSISTANCE FOR THIS REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND WE ARE NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. THE CRACKS HAVE APPEARED SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED OUT OF THE BLUE, OVERNIGHT, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.
Structure, Sep 24, 2016
CRACKED DASH...THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH GM, BUT NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS OF YET. THIS ISSUE POSES A SERIOUS CONCERN THAT PIECES OF PLASTIC COULD BECOME DANGEROUS PROJECTILES IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND/OR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
Structure, Sep 19, 2016
DASHBOARD CRACKING, DRIVERS SIDE ABOUT 5" OF CRACKS, PASSENGERS SIDE CRACKED BEHIND AIRBAG. TRUCK NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, TRUCK WAS STATIONARY WHEN DISCOVERED. ALWAYS GARAGE KEPT OR SHADED WITH DASH COVER IF IN SUNLIGHT.
Electrical system, Structure, Nov 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED AS DESIGNED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ACTUATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 1/21/16 *SS *CN
Structure, Oct 1, 2015
DASHBOARD CRACKING
Structure, Jun 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A LOUD BANGING SOUND WAS HEARD UNDER THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A STEEL SPRING THAT INDEPENDENTLY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. UPDATED 8/31/15*CN UPDATED 10/30/2017*CN
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR HAD TO BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THAT THE PART CAME IN ONE PIECE AND THE ENTIRE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 4/20/15*CN
Structure, Dec 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHROME PLATING WAS SEPARATING FROM ALL OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PARTS THAT WERE STICKING OUT WERE VERY SHARP. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS ON THE RIGHT HAND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Structure, Aug 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Air bags, Structure, Jul 7, 2014
THE DASH IS CRACKED IN THE AIRBAG AREA AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT IT FLYING OFF AND POSSIBLY CAUSING AN INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *JS
Structure, May 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO CRACK AND SOME OF THE CRACKS WERE LOCATED DIRECTLY OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,015.
Air bags, Structure, Apr 25, 2014
THERE IS A CRACK IN MY TRUCK'S DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE,RIGHT NEXT TO THE AIRBAG SECTION.THE DASHBOARD CRACKED ON ITS OWN,AS IT WAS NEVER SUBJECTED TO ANY KIND OF AN IMPACT OR FORCE. MY REASONABLE DOUBT IS THAT IT CRACKED DUE TO BEING MADE OF LOW QUALITY MATERIAL. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY LOCAL GMC DEALERSHIP,SAME PLACE WHERE I ALWAYS TAKE MY TRUCK FOR ANYTHING CONCERNING MY TRUCK. WHEN I BROUGHT MY TRUCK AND SHOWED A SERVICE DEPT. EMPLOYEE, I WAS TOLD THAT NEITHER MY REGULAR,NOR MY EXTENDED VEHICLE WARRANTY COVERED THE DAMAGE,AND IF I WANTED IT REPLACED I WOULD NEED TO PAY ~$250!!! I WAS STUNNED AND APPALLED THAT I WOULD NEED TO PAY TO REPLACE SOMETHING THAT WAS CLEARLY A LOW QUALITY PRODUCT,SOMETHING I ALREADY PAID FOR WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW. I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO THAT DEALERSHIP, OR ANOTHER GMC DEALERSHIP AS A MATTER OF FACT, EVER AGAIN, JUST OUT OF SPITE. I FEEL CHEATED AND CONNED, AS NOT ONLY DID THE GMC NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD,IT WAS NOT EVEN COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED WHEN I GOT THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW. I SUSPECT GMC KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE SO THEY INTENTIONALLY DID NOT COVER IT UNDER THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. MY REAL CONCERN ISN'T IN THE AESTHETICS OF A CRACKED DASHBOARD,IT IS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGERS THAT DRIVE IN MY TRUCK. IF,GOD FORBID,I WAS TO GET INTO A CAR ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS, THERE IS A VERY REAL CHANCE THAT THE AIRBAG MIGHT GET PUNCTURED ON THE EDGE OF THE CRACKED DASHBOARD AND FAIL TO DO ITS FUNCTION AS IT WOULD IMMEDIATELY DEFLATE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND ONE THAT MIGHT COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE,DO WE REALLY NEED TO WAIT FOR SOMETHING BAD TO HAPPEN (LIKE THE GMC ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH COST PEOPLE THEIR LIVES AFTER THEIR GMC VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY!!) BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE AND GMC DOES THE RIGHT THING AND OWNS UP TO ITS MISTAKE? *TR