2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner Complaints

This letter serves as a formal notice of concern and demand for accountability regarding the 2009 GMC Sierra LD, VIN [XXX] , owned by [XXX] . There are numerous documented complaints and safety investigations concerning premature tie rod failure in 2009 GMC Sierra models. While the 2009 model year may not have been subject to a sweeping, industry-wide recall specific to tie rods in the 1500 series, it is undeniably and consistently associated with premature steering component failure — including both inner and outer tie rods. The refusal to proactively address this defect, assign a broader recall, or take ownership of the recurring issue reflects a troubling disregard for consumer safety. Documented and Reported Issues Include: • Premature Wear: Tie rods becoming loose or failing between 50,000–100,000 miles, resulting in steering wander and excessive play in the steering wheel. • Clunking/Knocking Noises: Audible front-end knocking at low speeds, a well-known symptom of failing tie rod joints. • Severe Safety Risk: Instances where tie rods have separated or become dangerously compromised, directly affecting steering control. • Uneven Tire Wear: Excessive inner or outer tire edge wear caused by steering instability. • Recall 14V-246000: A related recall acknowledging improper tightening of tie rods where they thread into the steering gear rack — a defect that could cause separation and loss of steering control. The common symptoms — steering vibration, looseness, clunking when turning, and vehicle pulling due to misalignment — are not minor inconveniences. They represent serious safety hazards that endanger drivers, passengers, and the public. It is unacceptable for GMAC and General Motors to minimize or compartmentalize this issue when patterns clearly demonstrate a systemic steering component weakness in this model year. The presence of Recall 14V-246000 further demonstrates that the manufacturer was aware of tie rod-related risks ! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA ID

11717359

Incident

Jan 4, 2026

Early October my passenger side airbag deployed and I was sitting in the drivers seat and had just put the key into the key hole but did not turn the key to start the vehicle. 3 weeks later I was going into the passenger side of the vehicle and the key was in my pocket and the drivers side airbag deployed. Both times the vehicle was not started and the airbags deployed I called GMC and they had the vehicle towed to a dealer to investigate why the airbags deployed. They said it was a sensor that was corroded and that’s why the airbags deployed. I asked GMC, why didn’t the sensor left the driver know that it was going bad, just like it notifies the driver if you have low tire pressure or needs an oil change. I had no notifications that the airbags were going to deploy. I’m so grateful that no one was driving the vehicle when they deployed. GMC said the vehicle is not safe to drive so they had it towed from my house to the dealership and then back to my house however they said they are not taking responsibility for the deployment and said it’s my responsibility to get the airbags fixed. I told GMC that I was filing a complaint with you all. Thank you for looking into this matter.

NHTSA ID

11697435

Incident

Oct 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact used a code reader and discovered a misfire in cylinder #4, and performed a compression test, which verified that cylinder #4 was failing to maintain compression. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that there was a failure with the lifter in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer for additional diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ID

11681424

Incident

Jul 8, 2013

Mileage

56,000 mi

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this report regarding repeated engine and valve lifter failures in my 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 5.3L V8 engine, VIN: [XXX] . 1. Component/System Malfunctioned: Both the original engine and a replacement engine—professionally installed by a Chevrolet dealership—experienced valve lifter failure related to the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. The most recent failure was sudden and unexpected. The engine may be available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: Engine failure puts driver and passenger safety at serious risk, particularly if the vehicle loses power unexpectedly while in motion. In both instances, the failure created unsafe driving conditions. 3. Reproduction/Confirmation: The issue was confirmed by a Chevrolet dealership during the initial engine failure and again more recently on the current engine, which is now exhibiting the same failure. 4. Inspection Status: The vehicle has been inspected by the same dealership that performed the original engine replacement. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected by GM corporate, police, or insurance representatives. 5. Warning Signs: There were no warning lamps, messages, or clear symptoms prior to the failure. The problem occurred without advance notice and did not provide an opportunity to address it before damage occurred. This is the second engine failure my truck has suffered from the same issue, even after dealership installation of a new motor. I urge the NHTSA to investigate whether this represents a broader defect in GM 5.3L AFM-equipped engines. It is unacceptable that repeated critical failures can occur in these engines with no warning and no resolution, even after following proper replacement procedures. Thank you for your attention. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11667844

Incident

Jun 5, 2016

Allison transmission - random hard shifts, random multiple DTC's, random limp mode. Clear codes and works fine until it doesn't. Might have to clear codes 3-4 times a day or it might make it a week before it goes into limp mode again.

NHTSA ID

11647697

Incident

Jan 1, 2020

General Published an article about the Takata Airbag recall stating that the dashboard would be inspected prior to doing the recall work and if already cracked or damaged the dashboard would not be replaced. My dash board is like new with no damage or cracks. The dealer told me (contrary to this article) that if their service men damaged my dashboard while doing the recall replacement I would be responsible for any replacement even if my dashboard is in perfect condition prior to the work. I find this unacceptable and will not have my airbag replaced under these conditions. The dealer/GM should be responsible for any damage they cause during the repair.

NHTSA ID

11632137

Incident

Dec 23, 2024

TCM and electrical transmission grounded out TCM IN MY RESEARCH a lot of people are having issues with these. Dealers are of no help “backordered” so having to rebuild them. This is an expensive failure!

NHTSA ID

11564073

Incident

Dec 29, 2023

While driving on Saturday, July 29th, I went to make a right turn @ intersection of Nottingham Way onto Ledo Rd. The vehicle started jerking and suddenly shutoff. I had no power steering, No power brakes. I had to manually steer and stop the truck into the median, while avoiding oncoming traffic. I got the vehicle to stop. I tried to restart and the engine turned over, but would not start. I contacted the local Chevrolet dealership, and was told they don't work on anything older than 2013 vehicles. I had the truck towed to the house. After further investigation, there was a service bulletin 14515B, that replaced 14515A. The Safety recall stated CHASSIS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE INTERNAL CONTAMINATION. So GM is aware of this issue, that could have caused an accident. The local dealership is denying that my truck is involved in this recall. They knew of the problem and never contacted me about this issue. This is a severe SAFETY issue. GM should be responsible for repairing a defective Control module as they knew of contamination as of January 2015. This almost cause multiple head on collisions.

NHTSA ID

11535542

Incident

Jul 29, 2023

Door panel gets loose over time catching on inside of door frame making it difficult to open a door. This is a safety hazard in the case of an emergency so I removed my door panel completely.

NHTSA ID

11519959

Incident

May 2, 2022

The contact's father owns a 2009 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while his father was making a left turn at 20 MPH, another vehicle from the opposite direction ran the red light and struck the contact's father's driver's side front end. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. The contact's father suffered rib, pelvis, and spine fractures and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard but was not yet inspected or deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11518943

Incident

Apr 23, 2023

Dashboard instrument panel all lights and gauges goes out while driving down the road when vehicle is turned off a clicking noise is made in the dash. This issue causes when driving down the road, not knowing the speed because the speedometer is out or how much gas the vehicle has, or any other readings, and at night all lights go out, not able to see while driving down the road.

NHTSA ID

11501692

Incident

Dec 16, 2022

Yes, the airbag has not been replaced but I have another SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM with this vehicle: The stabilitrak system does NOT work, it is NOT POSSIBLE to shift into gear, if the vehicle is put into use there is a definite possibility that the truck will go into LIMP MODE with a very limited speed (20 mph?) while trying to keep up with the traffic flow at 75+mph while the. transmission searches for which gear and wheel to apply power. This is a frightening experience to say the least. And I am without my work truck (and work) for more than 4 months because GMC has no ETA for parts to repair this problem. I guess this is NOT. safety issue in reality since I cannot/ will not drive this piece of dangerous GENERAL MOTORS engineering nightmare. When I search for solutions to this problem I find that there are many many GM vehicles (cars,suvs,vans, trucks) experiencing the same SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS situations. It is time to investigate this company before it shutters its doors and moves offshore to leave their junk in the United States without responsibility for repairs or accidents. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11496603

Incident

Sep 1, 2022

My dashboard instrument cluster has been going in and out since iv owned the vehicle in February of 2022 and iv replaced fuses did the reset test and everything on it and nothing I can’t see my speed rpm’s gas gauge nothing all the lights are on but nothing else moves or comes on I can’t even tell the speed I’m going or if I even have enough gas in the truck to even make it to a store I have add electrical problems since day one with the truck and replaced so many fuses for everything and nothing work’s really even my alarm system don’t work

NHTSA ID

11488031

Incident

Feb 8, 2022

I own the 2009 GMC this truck was bought new by me and it only has 41,000 miles on a 13 year old truck it is very well maintained. Both upper shock mounts rusted off and the rear spring shackles have holes in them I had a service center look at it and he said there maybe not enough metal to weld to. The whole frame and cross members are badly rusted and although it is not a safety issue both cab corners are rusting out, and the left rear wheel opening I really feel there is no reason any vehicle should rust so bad and be undriveable.

NHTSA ID

11481848

Incident

Aug 25, 2022

Dashboard cracked

NHTSA ID

11475810

Incident

Jul 25, 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.

NHTSA ID

11449401

Incident

Jan 29, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11438361

Incident

Oct 27, 2021

Received a air bag recall notice . I scheduled a appointment with Hall Buick GMC in Tyler Texas 10-18-21 at 11:00 am . We showed up to service Dept. The young guy checking us in told us that 92% of the time they will crack the dash when getting it removed to do the the air bag recall work and the dealer is not responsible for any damage. I told him to get his manger so he did. We talked to service manger John Mackey he told use the same thing that the dealer is not responsible for any damage done to the dash like cracks or breakage while doing air bag recall work. I told him as you can see this truck has been garage kept since new and not in the sun. He said I can see that . I told him per the paper work I received if not fixed it may cause serious injury or death to passengers .Who's going to pay for that. He said GM and Takata. Is there any one that can do the air bag recall work without damaging the dash.

NHTSA ID

11437197

Incident

Oct 18, 2021

Transmission Control Module Since the summer of 2020 the vehicle has at least half a dozen times, without warning, experienced the following symptoms (most recently July 27, 2021 when I captured it on video). 1. power door locks begin cycling open and closed 2. intermittent chime operation 3. transmission locks into a single gear and won't shift or will shift harshly 4. gauges fluctuate 5. traction control and stabilitrak turn off 6. service traction control and service stabilitrak messages appear 7. transmission position indicator disappears

NHTSA ID

11431064

Incident

Jul 27, 2021

Dash cracked. A known problem for these vehicles

NHTSA ID

11430957

Incident

Aug 29, 2021

The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the service air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 131,667

NHTSA ID

11424663

Incident

Jul 13, 2021

Mileage

131,667 mi

There was no incident, yet. However, this recall was issued on February 5, 2021, today is July 6, 2021. My safety and the safety of passengers are at risk because there is no resolution from the manufacturer thus far, over five months. This recall also negatively affects the resell/trade-in value of my vehicle. Because of the active recall, dealers will not trade for my vehicle for a reasonable value. So, due to the manufacturer being unable to fix the problem in a timely manner, I am financially impacted.

NHTSA ID

11423600

Incident

Jul 6, 2021

First had transmission replaced, then a second one, now third time they say transfer case, locking itself in gear, and dangerous cause wanted to take off fast in reverse. All this happening just in a couple months time. Cost 3500 for transmission, now saying transfer case will cost me more money, and I still owe 800 on the transmission replacement. It is a 2009 GMC Sierra LD, vin is [XXX]. Thank you hope you can help me out on this. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11421412

Incident

Mar 3, 2021

HELLO, I WAS JUST AT MOSSY GMC IN NEW ORLEANS,LA., WHERE I WENT TO SEE ABOUT GETTING MY RECALLED AIRBAG ORDERED AND REPLACED. THE SERVICE REP TOLD ME THAT WHEN THEY CHANGE OUT THE AIRBAG, MOST OF THE TIME THE DASHBOARD CRACKS EVEN MORE, WHERE THEY WILLBE WORKING, BUT THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE BROKEN DASHBOARD. I FEEL THAT THIS IS TOTALLY REDICULOUS! IF I DIDN'T HAVE THAT DAMAGE BEFORE GOING INTO A SERVICE CENTER, AND NOW I HAVE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE SERVICE CENTER, I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TO PAY FOR A NEW DASHBOARD OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. I FEEL THAT A CRACKED DASHBOARD COULD COMPOUND THE SEVERITY OF A CAR CRASH, BEING SAID, IT COULD SHATTER INTO PIECES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND SEND SHARDS OF DASHBOARD FLYING AT BOTH THE DRIVER AND THEIR PASSENGERS. THE SHARDS, COULD ALSO LACERATE THE AIRBAGS AND RENDER THEM USELESS. PLEASE HELP ME OUT WITH THIS SITUATION.

NHTSA ID

11407870

Incident

Apr 13, 2021

Mileage

150,000 mi

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V053000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ALPINE BUICK GMC, LITTLETON/DENVER (3106 W COUNTY LINE RD, LITTLETON, CO 80129, (720) 826-7170) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11407126

Incident

Apr 8, 2021