ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2009 GMC Sierra
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 37 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 GMC Sierra, most frequently naming the airbags, electrical and body & structure categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 281 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2009 | 1 | 1 |
| Aug 2009 | 1 | 2 |
| Jul 2010 | 1 | 3 |
| Apr 2011 | 1 | 4 |
| Sep 2011 | 2 | 6 |
| Jun 2012 | 1 | 7 |
| Aug 2012 | 1 | 8 |
| Nov 2012 | 1 | 9 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 10 |
| Feb 2014 | 1 | 11 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 12 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 13 |
| Jun 2014 | 2 | 15 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 16 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 17 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 18 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 19 |
| Dec 2014 | 1 | 20 |
| Jan 2015 | 3 | 23 |
| Feb 2015 | 2 | 25 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 26 |
| Jul 2015 | 1 | 27 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 28 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 29 |
| Nov 2015 | 1 | 30 |
| Dec 2015 | 1 | 31 |
| Mar 2016 | 1 | 32 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 33 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 34 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 35 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 36 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 37 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags920.0%
- Electrical920.0%
- Body & structure613.3%
- Engine48.9%
- Driver assistance48.9%
- Other / unspecified36.7%
- Steering24.4%
- Interior & seats24.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number - 09184C (Material Over Sensing and Diagnostic Module Retaining Moisture) . The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed as a corroded air bag control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11507624
- Incident
- Jan 15, 2021
- Mileage
- 70,000 mi
2009 GMC SIERRA. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS RELATED TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THE AIRBAG RECALL HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFOMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER PAID TO HAVE THE AIRBAG SENSOR REPAIRED.
- NHTSA ID
- 11478744
- Incident
- Aug 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, he crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not know whether a warning light illuminated. A police report was filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries and drove the vehicle to his residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist with the air bags failure unless he had a recall notification. The contact also stated while driving at 40 MPH, his vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries and drove to his residence. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the rear of his vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The contact stated while driving at 75 MPH on a wet road, the brake pedal was depressed and the front and rear tires inadvertently locked. The vehicle slid off the road and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he did not sustain any injuries and drove to his residence. A police report was not filed. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (AIR BAGS) for the front passenger air bag only. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11439348
- Incident
- May 15, 2013
- Mileage
- 40,000 mi
The contact called on behalf of a GM dealer where he is employed. He stated that a customer had dropped off his 2009 GMC Sierra to be serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags). As the vehicle sat on the dealer lot with the engine off, the contact witnessed both the passenger and driver side air bags deploy without incident. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 68,895.
- NHTSA ID
- 11436802
- Incident
- Oct 14, 2021
- Mileage
- 68,895 mi
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2009 GMC SIERRA. The contact stated that the "Service airbag notification" warning light had illuminated onthe instrument panel. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000(AIRBAGS); however, the parts for the repair were unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure was unknown. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11421861
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE STABILIZER TRACK CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MPH, THE ENGINE MADE A CLINKING NOISE AND THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 10849999
- Incident
- Mar 2, 2016
- Mileage
- 60,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL INJECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,844. UPDATED 02/19/16*LJ; UPDATED 05/02/18*JB
- NHTSA ID
- 10807813
- Incident
- Sep 8, 2015
- Mileage
- 27,844 mi
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
- NHTSA ID
- 10790762
- Incident
- May 18, 2015
- Mileage
- 47,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
14648A - Customer Satisfaction. Certain vehicles have a performance issue with their OnStar modules that could impact the vehicle?s battery life. If the vehicle?s OnStar module contains this condition, the OnStar green telltale light will be illuminated even when the vehicle is off. This condition can drain the vehicle?s battery if the vehicle is not started for approximately four days. The condition may also render the OnStar system inoperative, which would disable all OnStar services, including automatic crash response and emergency roadside services. This condition can occur even if the vehicle is not actively subscribed to OnStar. Dealers are to remove the fuse for the OnStar module to reset it.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle. The bump clunk issue may be due to fuel movement in the fuel tank when not completely full. The condition is eliminated after completely filling the fuel tank.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production Option Code HP2. With a battery maintainer installed on the vehicle use brake pressure bleeder that maintains 30 psi for the entire bleed procedure.
ENGINE
This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production Option Code L20, L77, L94, L96, L99, L9H, LC8, LC9, LH9, LMF, LMG, LY6, or LZ1. Vehicle may have Service Engine Soon lamp with Diagnostic Trouble Code P0521 or Low Oil Pressure message on the instrument panel. Dealer will need to determine if bulletin 10-06-01-008 was completed. If the bulletin was performed inspect the left rocker cover. Dealer will insure the left rocker can hold water without leaking. If leaks are found apply room temperature vulcanization silicone to the rocker cover if possible or replace the left rocker cover.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 61 | 0 | 0 | 37.8 |
| 2016 | 6 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2015 | 53 | 6 | 0 | 50.3 |
| 2014 | 101 | 12 | 0 | 53.9 |
| 2013 | 39 | 3 | 0 | 51.4 |
| 2012 | 29 | 2 | 0 | 51.1 |
| 2011 | 43 | 2 | 0 | 42.2 |
| 2010 | 34 | 1 | 0 | 45.6 |
| 2009Viewing | 37 | 1 | 0 | 41.7 |
| 2008 | 68 | 2 | 2 | 50.8 |
| 2007 | 59 | 2 | 0 | 50.2 |
| 2006 | 53 | 6 | 0 | 52.7 |
| 2005 | 117 | 11 | 0 | 48.1 |
| 2004 | 188 | 10 | 0 | 51.8 |
| 2003 | 206 | 9 | 5 | 58.4 |
| 2002 | 249 | 7 | 8 | 65.4 |
| 2001 | 264 | 7 | 9 | 66.2 |
| 2000 | 443 | 12 | 9 | 65.4 |
| 1999 | 600 | 9 | 10 | 65.3 |
| 1998 | 190 | 0 | 2 | 46.8 |
| 1997 | 238 | 0 | 0 | 34.6 |
| 1996 | 246 | 2 | 3 | 58.9 |
| 1995 | 261 | 6 | 3 | 60.6 |
| 1994 | 190 | 3 | 0 | 48.9 |
| 1993 | 72 | 3 | 0 | 51.6 |
| 1992 | 30 | 4 | 0 | 52.6 |
| 1991 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 39.9 |
| 1990 | 18 | 2 | 0 | 51.4 |
| 1989 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 54.7 |
| 1988 | 6 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 1987 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1983 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1977 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.