The passenger side air bag was replaced under a current recall (N212328790) however, once they fixed the issue at Love Chevy (Inverness, FL), the air bag light stayed on. It has never shut off and after speaking with the dealership as well as Chevrolet, they refuse to fix the issue they caused. I do not know if the recall has actually been fixed. Additionally, I am unable to refuel appropriately due to another recall (that my vehicle apparently isn't a part of), however, based on the amount of people that have the same problem, it should be a wider issued recall. This is for Chevy recall # 08411 for the Fuel System Control Module. It affects the charcoal canister, along with purge value and corresponding lines. Depending on how bad, charcoal canister needs replacement, even possibly the lines, as well as the gas tank. Very expensive fix that Chevy refuses to address. This is a common problem that mechanics see with these vehicles.
The worst 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags41
- Body8
- Acceleration4
- Electrical4
- Engine2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags41
- Body8
- Acceleration4
- Electrical4
- Engine2
- Fuel system2
- Brakes1
- Driver assistance1
- Lights1
- Steering1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
Recalls 5
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V050000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V052000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 21V053000 · Recall details
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 buick, lucerne; cadillac dts; hummer h2; model year 2008-2009 buick enclave; cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; gmc acadia, sierra, yukon, yukon xl; saturn outlook; and model year 2009 chevrolet traverse vehicles equipped with a heated washer fluid system (hwfs). A recall was implemented in 2008 to add a fuse to the control circuit harness to address the potential consequences of a printed circuit board (pcb) electrical short. However, there have been new reports of thermal incidents on hwfs modules after this improvement was installed. These incidents resulted from a new failure mode attributed to the device's thermal protection feature. The significance varies from minor distortion to considerable melting of the plastic around the hwfs fluid chamber.
- Risk
- It is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently disabled and removed from the vehicle. The safety recall began on june 11, 2010. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 10V240000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling 27,188 my 2009 cadillac escalade, escalade hybrid, escalade esv, and escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, suburban, tahoe, tahoe hybrid, and colorado; and gmc yukon, yukon hybrid, yukon xl, and canyon vehicles. The fuel system control modules may have a condition in which an adhesive separation of the room temperature vulcanizing (rtv) seal between the seal and the housing may allow water to seep into the module.
- Risk
- Water in the module could cause a short or open circuit, illumination of the service engine soon lamp, setting of diagnostic trouble codes or the engine may be hard to start, may not start or may stall increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new fuel system control module free of charge. The recall began on may 18, 2009. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 or at www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 09V154000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
Defect investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA21002
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche 1,296
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Unknown or other
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power...
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline...
- This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field...
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 6.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
What 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discoverer Rugged Trek, Tire Size: 275/55/R20, DOT Number: (Not Available). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the front passenger’s side tire. The contact pulled over and noticed that the front passenger’s side tire side wall was blown out. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who removed the tire. The contact then stated that the tire was taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger’s side tire needed to be replaced. The tire was not replaced. The tire was a replacement tire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate tire mileage was 20,000. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 165,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2009 chevrolet avalanche. Consumer writes in regards to airag safety recall. The consumer stated the parts necessary to complete the recall repair have not become available. The consumer was placed on awaiting list at the dealership to be contacted when the part arrives.
2009 chevrolet avalanche. Consumer writes in regards to takata airbag safety recall. The consumer stated the airbag could not be replaced without destroying the dashboard. The consumer would have to incur the cost of the dashboard replacement and repair. The consumer stated this was unsatisfactory.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that he received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that upon picking up the vehicle from the dealer, he noticed that the dealer had fractured a portion of the dashboard close to the passenger’s side air bag housing. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the dashboard was fractured prior to the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist. A case was opened. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000. Consumer stated dealer installed new dash into the vehicle.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.
I purchased the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche new in October 2009. While in warranty I noticed the dashboard was cracking and took it to the dealer, Four Stars Auto, in Henrietta, Texas. At that time I was told they would order a new dash board and replace it. I took the truck in for replacement of the dash board on the scheduled date. After the truck was out of warranty the dash board cracked again in the same place. I suspect the dash was repaired and painted and not replaced, but I have no proof so I did not contact the dealer. Since that time I have learned this has been an issue with other owners of GM trucks and nothing can be done about it other than replacing the dash, which is a very expensive repair for someone that is retired and on a fixed income. My dash board has now cracked in at least four places and seems to be getting worse. I have heard this could cause issues with the deployment of the airbags, not to mention diminished resale value.
My truck is one of the many with the cracking of the dash in multiple places. This vehicle has been stored in a garage or in shaded areas most of its life and has the defective dash board that is falling apart. I am concerned that if a airbag ever has to deploy, this dash could cause shrapnel to either puncture the airbag or harm a passenger. I have asked gm dealership to replace and they quoted thousands for what appears to be a proven defect.
Recall #n212328790 for air bag ,the federal safety agency # 21v053 . Service done by dealer ,but air bag warning light still illuminated , mechanic said bag will not deploy with light on .what was purpose of recall if we still have no operating air bag?
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The vehicle was taken to cutter chevrolet (711 ala moana blvd, honolulu, hi 96813) where the contact was informed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was a common and that the dashboard would be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Compare the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
Other model years
Questions about the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche reliable?
Owners have filed 76 complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, fewer than a typical Avalanche model year.
What is the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche year score?
The 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche scores 79 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Avalanche: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche?
Airbags, with 41 complaints, typically around 76,000 miles. Next is body (8).
How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
5 recalls, covering air bags, electrical system and fuel system, gasoline.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche airbags?
Yes, 3 recalls: 21V050000, 21V052000, 21V053000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chevrolet Avalanche have bad airbags?
The Chevrolet Avalanche model years with the most airbags complaints are 2007 (225 complaints), 2008 (132 complaints) and 2011 (55 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche get?
Official estimates for the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche range from 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.3L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 20 highway.
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