2009 GMC Sierra 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 | 13 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 83 |
| 1998 | 59 |
| 1999 | 158 |
| 2000 | 181 |
| 2001 | 140 |
| 2002 | 166 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 212 |
| 2005 | 177 |
| 2006 | 144 |
| 2007 | 261 |
| 2008 | 379 |
| 2009 | 234 |
| 2010 | 167 |
| 2011 | 283 |
| 2012 | 106 |
| 2013 | 115 |
| 2014 | 736 |
| 2015 | 711 |
| 2016 | 337 |
| 2017 | 350 |
| 2018 | 293 |
| 2019 | 601 |
| 2020 | 435 |
| 2021 | 511 |
| 2022 | 528 |
| 2023 | 408 |
| 2024 | 312 |
| 2025 | 90 |
| 2026 | 58 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
52% of complaints: air bags — 121 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact's father owns a 2009 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while his father was making a left turn at 20 MPH, another vehicle from the opposite direction ran the red light and struck the contact's father's driver's side front end.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230425
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, BUT THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180511
ON 2-28-09 PURCHASED A NEW VEHICLE A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 2 WD EXT. CAB TRUCK IN EARLY DECEMBER 2009. NOTICED ON 4 OCCASIONS THE GAS PEDAL STICKING AND NOT ALLOWING THE DRIVER TO STOP ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. WITNESSES WERE IN THE TRUCK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100127
8% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TCM and electrical transmission grounded out TCM IN MY RESEARCH a lot of people are having issues with these. Dealers are of no help âbackorderedâ so having to rebuild them. This is an expensive failure!
NHTSA ODI report, 20240107
7% of complaints: structure — 17 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine — 13 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON 2-28-09 PURCHASED A NEW VEHICLE A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 2 WD EXT. CAB TRUCK IN EARLY DECEMBER 2009. NOTICED ON 4 OCCASIONS THE GAS PEDAL STICKING AND NOT ALLOWING THE DRIVER TO STOP ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. WITNESSES WERE IN THE TRUCK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100127
SAFETY TIMELINE
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...
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.
Campaign 18V267000 — check if this car was fixed
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 GMC Sierra 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (121 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V267000 (equipment) has been completed.
- 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 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.