2009 GMC Sierra
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 18 |
| 1991 | 12 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 72 |
| 1994 | 190 |
| 1995 | 261 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 238 |
| 1998 | 190 |
| 1999 | 600 |
| 2000 | 443 |
| 2001 | 264 |
| 2002 | 249 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 188 |
| 2005 | 117 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 59 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 39 |
| 2014 | 101 |
| 2015 | 53 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 61 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AFTER BEING STRUCK FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPERATE. AT THE REPAIR SHOP TEXAS THEY STATED " THIS WAS NOT A RESULT OF THE CRASH BUT A KNOWN DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110929
22% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH, he crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not know whether a warning light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211104
The contact called on behalf of a GM dealer where he is employed. He stated that a customer had dropped off his 2009 GMC Sierra to be serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags).
NHTSA ODI report, 20211014
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2009 GMC SIERRA. The contact stated that the "Service airbag notification" warning light had illuminated onthe instrument panel.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210622
8% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHROME PLATING WAS SEPARATING FROM ALL OF THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PARTS THAT WERE STICKING OUT WERE VERY SHARP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141215
8% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A DELAY WHENEVER HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, ONCE IT ENGAGED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120822
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 E
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 BEE
Campaign 10V240000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10V240000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 GMC Sierra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 GMC Sierra is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 GMC Sierra?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 GMC Sierra have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.