This is not an incident that happened, but I have a front impact sensor that has gone bad. After doing some research, and looking at all of the reports, claims, and lack of replacement inventory, it seems obvious to me that there is a problem with these parts. There should be a factory recall on this part. The part on my vehicle is a GM 25794815 impact sensor. I can't even find a replacement (unless it's used).
The worst 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags231
- Body54
- Electrical43
- Engine41
- Brakes17
- Fuel system15
- Driver assistance13
- Transmission12
- Acceleration11
- Seat belts10
- Lights9
- Steering9
- Suspension8
- Locks6
- Tires6
- Wheels5
- Visibility3
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Airbag light 28Check engine light 21Door locks 16Loss of power 14Fuel pump 9ABS 8Oil consumption 8Headlights 7Stalling 7Won't start 7Fire or smoke 6
Trouble codes owners of the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 mention
P0300 2
Recalls 3
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
See all 3 recalls for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
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 Silverado 1500 1,407
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Unknown or other
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This service bulletin provides technicians with information on available BCM calibrations to restore bulb...
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- Unknown or other
See all 1,407 bulletins for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8‑cyl Hybrid | RWD | 21 | 22 | 21 |
| 6.0L 8‑cyl Hybrid | 4WD | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 20-21 | 16-17 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 17 |
| 6.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19-20 | 16 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 6.0L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 15 |
What 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.
Driver and passenger side extended cab doors metal is cracking horizontally near the front edge of the doors.
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
P305/55 r 22
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.
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?
There was no incident yet light came on dash 2 days ago and I got a letter in mail for a recall
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.
Compare the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Silverado 1500 vs Ford F-150Silverado 1500 vs Ram 1500Silverado 1500 vs GMC Sierra 1500Silverado 1500 vs Toyota TundraSilverado 1500 vs Nissan Titan
Other model years
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Questions about the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
Owners have filed 445 complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, fewer than a typical Silverado 1500 model year.
What is the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year score?
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 scores 81 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 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 Silverado 1500?
Airbags, with 231 complaints, typically around 77,000 miles. Next is body (54).
How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
3 recalls, covering air bags.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 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 Silverado 1500 have bad airbags?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2008 (594 complaints), 2007 (479 complaints) and 2011 (306 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 get?
Official estimates for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 range from 15 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (6.0L 8-cyl hybrid, RWD) gets 21 city and 22 highway.
VIN decoder
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Buying a used 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its historyChevrolet Silverado 1500 in the news
- Chevrolet recalls 2016-2017 Silverado 1500, 2016-2017 Sierra 1500 and 2016 Silverado 2500 and other models over air bags inflator problem (1,559 vehicles)
- Safety regulators investigate 2021-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2021-2026 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021-2026 GMC Sierra 1500 and other models for loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy