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2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical Silverado 3500 model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
82/100
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
489
Worst area
Airbags

The worst 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Recalls 6

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported February 5, 2021 · 2,641,272 vehicles affected
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 moduleReported February 5, 2021 · 557,023 vehicles affected
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 moduleReported February 5, 2021 · 692,526 vehicles affected
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

EquipmentReported April 26, 2018 · 6,154 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1‑866‑441‑9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

Recall number 18V267000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported July 2, 2014 · 9,371 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2007, to June 22, 2011, and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2007, to June 21, 2011, and equipped with an auxiliary battery. Owners may unknowingly draw too much current through the vehicle's trailer harness resulting in the melting of fusible link for the auxiliary battery.
Risk
If the fusible link melts it may come into contact with adjacent components, damage the electrical center cover, the nearby wiring harness conduit and other vehicle components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the jumper harness with one that includes a 40 amp inline fuse, and provide the owner with supplemental Owner Manual information, free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 14260.

Recall number 14V407000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported June 4, 2010 · 1,365,070 vehicles affected
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

See all 6 recalls for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

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 3500 489

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 489 bulletins for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

What 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 12, 2021 · Airbags · FL

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency Campaign Number 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, upon contacting the dealer, he was informed that the remedy may cause the dashboard to crack. The contact was then informed that he had to sign a waiver to ensure that the dealer would not be held responsible for any damages to vehicle. The manufacturer was then notified of the issue and confirmed that the dealer would not be held responsible for any cracks or damages to the dashboard. The contact declined to sign the waiver and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer should cover the cost of the dashboard because of the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Seat belts · 233,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a noise that sounded like a gunshot. The contact noticed that both seat belt retractors deployed without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road. The seat belt secured the contact, but he was able to retract the seat belt. The contact called champion chevrolet of howell (5000 e grand river ave, howell, mi 48843, (866) 354-3325) and was informed that there was no technical service bulletin or recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 233,000.

Filed Dec 7, 2018 · 85,000 miles · IN

The dashboard is cracking in several places and I'm afraid that if the airbag is deployed it may send part of the dash into the passenger.

Filed Jan 24, 2018 · Engine · 47,655 miles · CT

While driving the vehicle, the engine suffered complete failure due to a sheared camshaft pin. This resulted in loss of control of the vehicle since it would not restart. I narrowly missed having an accident because this happened on a busy main street. I feel this to be a very serious safety issue to which a recall should be required.

Filed Aug 5, 2016 · Airbags · TX

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the service air bag warning light illuminated before being notified of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was not available. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 16, 2014 · 40,000 miles · OR

Rear passenger door lock does not lock or unlock on 2009 chevy silverado. While driveing the grand kids to school the rear driver side door opened while going around a corner. The grandson did admit that he had his hand on door handle. Come to find out that the door lock has failed on this door. We are lucky that we infornce the seatbelt rules or this would have been a real accident. I contacted gm and had the vechile looked at. The door lock motor has failed and the delaer told me that it is a known problem and they have changed 100's of them. I contacted gm and opened a case but gm said that they will not address the problem. Another lock has failed and again gm will not admit that there is a problem with the door locks. I see that there are 1000's of posts on the web about failed door locks on this year vechicle.

Filed Nov 9, 2012 · Airbags · DC · crash

Railroad hyrail vehicle equipped, after market, with hyrail wheel assemblies which allow the vehicle to operate on railroad tracks. Once hyrail (flanged) wheels are retracted, the vehicle is operated over the highways and public roads like any other vehicle. On 10/9/12 near fairview, paa railroad employee was operating vehicle on the railroad tracks when it struck a standing equipment at approx. 15 MPH. Airbags did not deploy. Concern is that the installation of hyrail wheel assemblies might be impacting the airbag sensor. The hyrail wheel assemblies extend approx. One foot of steel framework ahead of the front and rear bumpers. The placement of these assemblies might inadvertently be affecting airbag deployment in crashes on the railroad track and on public roads.

Filed May 18, 2011 · Brakes · 6,000 miles · ME

Tl*the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated the brakes were very spongy when he depressed them and they extended to the floor. He had to apply extreme pressure before he could stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed him that the brakes were functioning normally and he had to use more pressure when depressing them. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 6,600.

Filed Oct 13, 2010 · Electrical · 6,100 miles · MA · fire

2009 chevrolet silverado truck had a fire in the dash board on the passenger side while the truck was parked and in the off position. The fire was on the top section of the dash over the passenger airbag area.

Filed Jul 16, 2010 · Engine · 76,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated when driving at 40 MPH and pulling a 40 foot trailer load, the vehicle would stall without warning. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and did not provide a remedy for the failure. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer four times in relation to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer for further inspection. The failure mileage was 76,000 and the current was unknown.

Compare the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

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Questions about the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Is the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, fewer than a typical Silverado 3500 model year.

What is the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 year score?

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 scores 82 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500: 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 3500?

Airbags, with 3 complaints. Next is engine (2).

How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?

6 recalls, covering air bags, equipment and electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 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 3500 have bad airbags?

The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2008 (14 complaints), 2007 (12 complaints) and 2011 (10 complaints).

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