2009 Chevrolet SILVERADO 1500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
444 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
70,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2009 model year. Data snapshot: . 224 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 229 of 444 complaints (51.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 32 | 7.2% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 22 | 5.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 13 | 2.9% |
| Steering behavior | 13 | 2.9% |
| Engine operation | 9 | 2.0% |
| Fuel system concerns | 9 | 2.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 229 |
| Unknown Or Other | 56 |
| Electrical System | 43 |
| Structure:Body | 42 |
| Engine | 36 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 13 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 |
| Power Train | 11 |
Air Bags: 229; Unknown Or Other: 56; Electrical System: 43; Structure:Body: 42; Engine: 36; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 13; Fuel/Propulsion System: 12; Power Train: 11
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 41 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 38 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 45 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 39 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 41 |
| 150,000 and above | 20 |
Under 25,000: 41; 25,000 to 49,999: 38; 50,000 to 74,999: 45; 75,000 to 99,999: 39; 100,000 to 149,999: 41; 150,000 and above: 20
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (45). 220 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 17 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2016 | 65 |
| 2017 | 110 |
| 2018 | 58 |
| 2019 | 37 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2021 | 37 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 4 |
2009: 5; 2010: 17; 2011: 7; 2012: 6; 2013: 7; 2014: 17; 2015: 10; 2016: 65; 2017: 110; 2018: 58; 2019: 37; 2020: 31; 2021: 37; 2022: 11; 2023: 13; 2024: 9; 2025: 4
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 32 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 22 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 13 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10260734 · 2009-03-04 (March 4, 2009)
I HAVE A 2009 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 CREW 4X4. I RECENTLY HAD COLLISION BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I COLLIDED WITH A TOYOTA CAMRY BACKING OUT OF A SPACE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE AISLE. WE BASICALLY HIT REAR CORNER TO REAR CORNER. MY COMPLAINT IS THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK ON SUCH A LOW SPEED COLLISION. VISUAL DAMAGE: RIGHT BUMPER END (3 PIECE OUTER BUMPER) IS BENT IN AND UP SLIGHTLY. REAR OF BED SIDE PANEL IS BENT IN AND UP SLIGHTLY REAR LIGHT IS CRACKED THERE IS A DENT(BUCKLE) IN THE BED SIDE PANEL ABOVE THE WHEEL WELL, ABOU…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10260734 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10286158 · 2009-10-03 (October 3, 2009)
VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY A MOTORCYCLE TRAVELING AROUND 50MPH IN THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE. THIS IS A 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS ONLY A 50CC MODEL SMALL MOTORCYCLE. THIS RESULTED IN THE SPINDLE BREAKING IN TWO AT THE POINT JUST BEHIND WHERE THE TIE ROD END CONNECTS RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING ON THAT WHEEL. LUCKILY THE SILVERADO WAS ONLY TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT AND WAS SAFELY STOPPED IN A SHORT DISTANCE. THIS IS A HEAVY DUTY PART AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN. THE TIE ROD SHOULD HAVE BROKEN FI…
Owner-reported narrative. 12,745 miles reported. Look up ODI 10286158 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10288945 · 2009-10-19 (October 19, 2009)
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 2.5 OR SO HOURS IN DRIVEWAY. DETERMINED BY FIRE MARSHALL TO HAVE STARTED FROM A ECM IN RIGHT FRONT DASH AREA. FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND EXTINGUISHED FIRE WITH WATER INSTEAD OF FOAM BECAUSE "FOAM TANK WAS NOT OPERATIONAL AT THAT TIME". NO REPAIRS HAVE YET BEEN MADE TO THE VEHICLE DUE TO OUTSTANDING INSURANCE INVESTIGATION. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10288945 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10289368 · 2009-10-22 (October 22, 2009)
NEW 2009 CHEVY SILVERADO PICKUP.THE TIRES FURNISHED ON A NEW TRUCK ARE DEFECTIVE. THIS WAS ADMITTED BY LARRY GREEN CHEVY DEALER LOCATED IN BLYTHE CA. THEY AGREED TO REPLACE THE 4 TIRES ON THE GROUND BECAUSE THE TIRES ARE COMING APART IN CHUNKS. THE TREAD FALLING APART. THEY SAID THE FULL SIZE SPARE WILL NOT BE REPLACED.AS THE SPARE IN THIS MODEL IS ROTATED ALONG WITH THE OTHER 4 TIRES IT IS DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED TOO. THEY WANT ME TO KNOWINGLY USE A DEFECTIVE TIRE. THIS AUTO HAS LESS THAN 3,000 MILES. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 2,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10289368 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10294152 · 2009-12-01 (December 1, 2009)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHEN A SHORT PERSON USES THE HEAD-REST IT CAUSES THAT PERSON'S HEAD TO BEND TOO FAR FORWARD. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE INJURY DUE TO SEPARATION OF THE NECK AND THE SPINE. SHE TURNED THE HEAD-REST AROUND TO PREVENT INJURY. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND RECEIVED THE SAME RESPONSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,400. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 250.
Owner-reported narrative. 250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10294152 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10302945 · 2010-01-28 (January 28, 2010)
THE DOOR JAM TO MY 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO EXTENDED CAB CONTINUOUSLY RATTLES AT LOW SPEEDS AND CAUSES AIR NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE SERVICED THE VEHICLE THREE TIMES AND IT CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM. DURING SERVICE, THE HINGES, LATCH, AND SEALS WERE ALL REPLACED. *TW
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10302945 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10310959 · 2010-02-16 (February 16, 2010)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT DETECTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A 17 INCH SPARE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER MOUNTED FOUR 18 INCH TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD WITH USAGE OF THE SPARE TIRE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10310959 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10316365 · 2010-03-03 (March 3, 2010)
NOT MUCH FOR BRAKES ON THE INITIAL PUSH OF THE PEDAL BUT IF YOU PUMP THEM UP THEY ARE GOOD. REALLY BAD IN A EMERGENCY STOP OR WHEN YOU HAVE A LIGHT TRAILER ON THAT DOESN'T REQUIRE SEPARATE BRAKES ON TRAILER. I HAD IT BOTH ON 1500 4X4 08GMC AND ON THE SAME 09 CHEVY I HAVE NOW. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 3,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10316365 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
21V050000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V052000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V053000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2021-02-05 (February 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."
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗