2009 GMC Envoy 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 GMC Envoy, 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
- Exterior lighting626.1%
- Electrical417.4%
- Engine417.4%
- Powertrain (other)28.7%
- Steering28.7%
- Fuel system14.3%
- Brakes14.3%
- Driver assistance14.3%
- Airbags14.3%
- Other / unspecified14.3%
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
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
FOR 5 MONTHS THE HEADLIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO, THE FIRST COUPLE MONTHS THEY WERE WORKING MORE THAN NOT, LAST COUPLE MONTHS THEY WERE NOT WORKING MORE THAN THEY DID WORK.
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE HDM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHT DRIVE MODULE (HDM) CONTROLS BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THIS RELAY HAS FAILED ON ME TWICE IN LESS THAN A YEAR, AT NIGHT RESULTING IN GOING DOWN THE ROAD WITH NO LIGHTS AND UNABLE TO SEE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY GOING 55 MPH AT NIGHT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE RIGHT PASSENGER'S SEAT. THE PROBLEM RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. ..UPDATED 10/28/16 *BF UPDATED 03/19/15*BF....UPDATED 04/28/15*JB..UPDATED 10/04/16 *BF UPDATED 10/31/16.*JB UPDATED 9/19/2017*CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service stabili-trak warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle filed accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the battery was drained. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times previously. The contact stated the battery was charged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a peracetic battery drain, the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
THE TRANSMISSION I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED BUT THE ONE THEY PUT IN IT IS REALLY ACTING LIKE THE OTHER TRANSMISSION DID NO REVERSE AND THE FIRST 2 GEARS WERE MAKING THIS GRINDING NOISE I'VE NEVER HEARD BEFORE AND IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS BACKING OUT THE DRIVEWAY TO GO TO WORK LUCKY I MADE IT TO THE PLACE WHERE I GOT IT TO FIX IT BUT I BELIEVE THIS TRANSMISSION THEY PUT IN IT IS GOING TO DO THE SAME THING BECAUSE IT DRIVES JUST LIKE THE OLD ONE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRANSMISSION I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED BUT THE ONE THEY PUT IN IT IS REALLY ACTING LIKE THE OTHER TRANSMISSION DID NO REVERSE AND THE FIRST 2 GEARS WERE MAKING THIS GRINDING NOISE I'VE NEVER HEARD BEFORE AND IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS BACKING OUT THE DRIVEWAY TO GO TO WORK LUCKY I MADE IT TO THE PLACE WHERE I GOT IT TO FIX IT BUT I BELIEVE THIS TRANSMISSION THEY PUT IN IT IS GOING TO DO THE SAME THING BECAUSE IT DRIVES JUST LIKE THE OLD ONE
LUCKILY I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE CAR QUIT. I PUT IT IN PARK AND TRIED TO RE-START IT BUT HAD NOTHING. A POLICE OFFICER PULLED UP BEHIND ME AND RADIOED FOR A TOW TRUCK. THEY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND $300.00 DOLLARS LATER SAID IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. THEY GAVE ME THE OLD SWITCH AND I STILL HAVE IT. NOW I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD BEEN ON A MAJOR FREEWAY TRAVELING AT 75-80 MPH AND THE SWITCH WERE TO GO OUT? G M IS JUST RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES, WHAT ABOUT ALL THE REST THAT STILL HAVE THE SAME THING WRONG WITH THEM. IS IT THAT YOU HAVE TO LOOSE YOUR OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE'S LIFE BEFORE THEY ARE MADE TO FIX FAULTY PARTS? MAYBE THEY SHOULD BE MADE TO PRODUCE PARTS UP TO AMERICAN STANDARDS AND NOT THIRD WORLD COUNTRY STANDARDS. THANK YOU *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED DUE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. AS A RESULT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENOR WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDE IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING), AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,566 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN UPDATED 12/16/2014 *JS
WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN, I HEAR A NOISE, THAT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT. THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN, WITHOUT ME APPLYING THE BREAKES. I MANAGED TO GET THE TRUCK OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SERVICE STABLTRK LIGHT WA ON, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DID 1400 DOLLARS OF WORK ON IT , BUT STATED THE COULD NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE MY COMPLAINT. 7 DAYS LATER IT REPEATED THE SAME THING, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THIS TIME THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID. I WAS UPSET, AND FELT I WAS BING JERKED AROUND. I HAD IT TOWED HOME. HAD ANOTHER MACHANIC TEST THE BRAKE FLUID, NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT SHOWED TO HAVE THE NORMAL AMOUNT OF CONTAMINATION FROM ROUTINE DRIVING. HE ALSO COULD NOT GET IT TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM, I AM ASSUMING NO CODES CAME UP THIS TIME EITHER. I HAVE DRIVIEN IT FOR ONE MONTH WITH OUT A PROBLEM, UNTILL THIS MORNING, I WENT TO THE STORE, ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM MY HOME, AND THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURED. AFTER LEAVING THE ENGINE OFF FOR APPRO. 30 MIN, IT BECAME DRIVABLE AGAIN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY GAS GAUGE BEGAN TO SWAY FROM E TO F, NO MATTER HOW FULL THE TANK WAS. EVENTUALLY THE GAUGE JUST REMAINED ON E AND I'VE HAD TO ESTIMATE MILEAGE ON WHEN IT IS TIME TO FILL UP, FOR 6 MONTHS NOW. I'VE SPOKE WITH OTHER GMC ENVOY OWNERS AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS? *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN, I HEAR A NOISE, THAT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT. THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN, WITHOUT ME APPLYING THE BREAKES. I MANAGED TO GET THE TRUCK OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SERVICE STABLTRK LIGHT WA ON, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DID 1400 DOLLARS OF WORK ON IT , BUT STATED THE COULD NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE MY COMPLAINT. 7 DAYS LATER IT REPEATED THE SAME THING, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THIS TIME THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID. I WAS UPSET, AND FELT I WAS BING JERKED AROUND. I HAD IT TOWED HOME. HAD ANOTHER MACHANIC TEST THE BRAKE FLUID, NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT SHOWED TO HAVE THE NORMAL AMOUNT OF CONTAMINATION FROM ROUTINE DRIVING. HE ALSO COULD NOT GET IT TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM, I AM ASSUMING NO CODES CAME UP THIS TIME EITHER. I HAVE DRIVIEN IT FOR ONE MONTH WITH OUT A PROBLEM, UNTILL THIS MORNING, I WENT TO THE STORE, ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM MY HOME, AND THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURED. AFTER LEAVING THE ENGINE OFF FOR APPRO. 30 MIN, IT BECAME DRIVABLE AGAIN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN, I HEAR A NOISE, THAT SOUNDED LIKE A FLAT. THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN, WITHOUT ME APPLYING THE BREAKES. I MANAGED TO GET THE TRUCK OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SERVICE STABLTRK LIGHT WA ON, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DID 1400 DOLLARS OF WORK ON IT , BUT STATED THE COULD NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE MY COMPLAINT. 7 DAYS LATER IT REPEATED THE SAME THING, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THIS TIME THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID. I WAS UPSET, AND FELT I WAS BING JERKED AROUND. I HAD IT TOWED HOME. HAD ANOTHER MACHANIC TEST THE BRAKE FLUID, NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT SHOWED TO HAVE THE NORMAL AMOUNT OF CONTAMINATION FROM ROUTINE DRIVING. HE ALSO COULD NOT GET IT TO REPEAT THE PROBLEM, I AM ASSUMING NO CODES CAME UP THIS TIME EITHER. I HAVE DRIVIEN IT FOR ONE MONTH WITH OUT A PROBLEM, UNTILL THIS MORNING, I WENT TO THE STORE, ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM MY HOME, AND THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURED. AFTER LEAVING THE ENGINE OFF FOR APPRO. 30 MIN, IT BECAME DRIVABLE AGAIN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED DUE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE. AS A RESULT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENOR WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDE IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V153000 (STEERING), AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,566 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN UPDATED 12/16/2014 *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN LOT OF LOCAL SHOPPING MALL AT 10:30 AM - WHEN REAR WINDSHIELD BLEW OUT , SHATTERING AND SPLINTERING INTO A THOUSAND PIECES FOR NO APPARENT REASON - LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED - ONLINE SEARCH REVEALS MANY SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH THIS VEHICLE - GM NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
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 .