2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags23046.5%
- Body & structure5010.1%
- Electrical438.7%
- Engine418.3%
- Driver assistance234.6%
- Brakes183.6%
- Fuel system153.0%
- Seat belts112.2%
- Powertrain (other)112.2%
- Interior & seats102.0%
- Exterior lighting91.8%
- Steering91.8%
- Suspension81.6%
- Other / unspecified71.4%
- Tires & wheels61.2%
- Visibility30.6%
- Transmission10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
There was no incident yet light came on dash 2 days ago and I got a letter in mail for a recall
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver and passenger side extended cab doors metal is cracking horizontally near the front edge of the doors.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Solenoid was rubbed by the wiring harness which caused a leak.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Solenoid was rubbed by the wiring harness which caused a leak.
Steel fuel line of fuel sending unit rusted out causing fuel to be sprayed through a pin hole sized area at high pressure.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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!
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
DASH ON VEHICLE IS CRACKED, AS IT GETS COLDER IT CONTINUES TO GET WORSE CAUSING CRACK TO THE POINT OF THE DASH FALLING APART AS DRIVING
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Power steering assist motor shaft broke. This caused power steering failure and lost control of the vehicle.
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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?
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have had the Tire Pressure indicator that tells the tire pressure of all four tire replaced several times. John L Sullivan Chevrolet in Roseville California keeps telling me that they are wearing out do to use. But the truck only has 70K in mileage and I they malfunction all the time. I get readings of 99 lbs of air pressure. Then the same tire will say 0 lbs of pressure. And it will say 7, then 29 then 18 lbs of air pressure in a distance of 2 blocks traveled. This is a malfunction due to faulty parts in the GM tire pressure reading system and they need to fix it. If I take it to the Chevy dealer, they want to charge me $209 to per tire to replace them and then they still do not work after they replace them Still get crazy tire pressure readings and it warnings flashing on my instrument panel that are distracting and dangerous. It does not flashes every 5 seconds that I have a tire pressure issue and it needs to get resolved. But Chevrolet will not do anything but charge money of there problem with their truck part that is malfunctioning.
CRACKS IN DASHBOARD. BAD FINISH ON ALLOYED WHEELS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
P305/55 R 22
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DISCOVERER A/T3 TIRES, SIZE: 275/70/R17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 72 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS IT RAN OFF THE ROADWAY AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL AND THE FRONT BUMPER WERE DAMAGED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Windshield trim flew off on the Highway could of struck another vehicle. But thankfully no one was behind us.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING IN MOTION IN RAIN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DECELERATING AND DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND OR STOP AS FAST AS IT SHOULD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE OR REENACT IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,800. UPDATED 07/0811 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE THROTTLE WOULD STICK AT TIMES. UPDATED 08/05/11
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .