2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 555 |
| 1998 | 361 |
| 1999 | 587 |
| 2000 | 611 |
| 2001 | 468 |
| 2002 | 509 |
| 2003 | 805 |
| 2004 | 797 |
| 2005 | 525 |
| 2006 | 358 |
| 2007 | 849 |
| 2008 | 914 |
| 2009 | 444 |
| 2010 | 361 |
| 2011 | 563 |
| 2012 | 216 |
| 2013 | 301 |
| 2014 | 1433 |
| 2015 | 1101 |
| 2016 | 791 |
| 2017 | 711 |
| 2018 | 514 |
| 2019 | 1058 |
| 2020 | 709 |
| 2021 | 792 |
| 2022 | 602 |
| 2023 | 365 |
| 2024 | 288 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 74 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
52% of complaints: air bags — 230 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210301
TAKATA RECALL - BEEN WAITING 4 MONTHS FOR PARTS AT THE DEALER AND I LIVE IN A HIGH HEAT - HIGH HUMIDITY AREA. WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN NOVEMBER 2010 AND LUCKILY THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171117
12% of complaints: structure — 55 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and dashboard.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO WAS PARKED FOR TWO DAYS. IT WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY UP UNTIL IT WAS PARKED..AFTER TWO DAYS OF BEING PARKED IN THE RAIN,THE REAR TAIL LIGHT SUDDENLY WENT ON BY ITSELF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130713
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2009 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 CREW 4X4. I RECENTLY HAD COLLISION BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I COLLIDED WITH A TOYOTA CAMRY BACKING OUT OF A SPACE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE AISLE. WE BASICALLY HIT REAR CORNER TO REAR CORNER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090304
10% of complaints: electrical system — 43 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 2.5 OR SO HOURS IN DRIVEWAY. DETERMINED BY FIRE MARSHALL TO HAVE STARTED FROM A ECM IN RIGHT FRONT DASH AREA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091019
8% of complaints: engine — 36 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TRUCK HAD BEEN SITTING OVERNIGHT. WOKE UP TO 3RD BRAKE LIGHT ON. OPENED CAB DOOR, SMELLED LIKE SMOKE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, WOULD NOT TURN OVER. POP HOOD AND THE FUSE BOX AND WIRING HARNESS HAD BEEN ON FIRE, WERE COMPLETELY MELTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160608
4% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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,...
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.
Campaign 21V050000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 21V053000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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...
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.
Campaign 21V052000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (230 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V050000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V053000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V052000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.