2009 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado sits mid-pack among Silverado years: 103 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 111, with no recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (21), airbags (16), and body & structure (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
103
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
7
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Silverado years?
What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Silverado problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 21 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 16 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 14 | 14% | — flat |
| Engine | 10 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 8 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 7 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 7 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Other | 6 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WENT OUT TO TRUCK TO MOVE IT AND NOTICED WIPERS UP ON WINDSHIELD, TRIED TO START IT AND ONLY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , LOOKED UNDER HOOD TO FIND AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL COMING FROM FUSE BOX. DISASSEMBLED FUSE BOX TO FIND IT WAS MELTED AND FOUND EVIDENCE OF COMBUSTION, WIRING HARNESS…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE FELL ASLEEP AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CEMENT WALL AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEAD INJURIES DURING THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS…”
“ON 6/23/13 MY FATHER WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN OVER A 4 LANE STREET. HE WAS HIT BY A 2008 NISSAN ROUGE GOING BETWEEN 37-40MPH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. MY FATHERS TRUCK WAS IN MOTION AT 4-6MPH. THE TRUCK SUFFERED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE, AND MY DAD PASSED AWAY HOURS LATER AT THE HOSPITAL DUE TO INTERNAL…”
“WENT OUT TO TRUCK TO MOVE IT AND NOTICED WIPERS UP ON WINDSHIELD, TRIED TO START IT AND ONLY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , LOOKED UNDER HOOD TO FIND AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL COMING FROM FUSE BOX. DISASSEMBLED FUSE BOX TO FIND IT WAS MELTED AND FOUND EVIDENCE OF COMBUSTION, WIRING HARNESS…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED SIGNIFICANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, WHO STATED THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER…”
2009 Chevrolet Silverado — common questions
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
It is close to typical for the Silverado: 103 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2009 Silverado problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (21 complaints), airbags (16 complaints), body & structure (14 complaints).
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.
Which Chevrolet Silverado years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 1997, 2005, 1998, 1995, 2007, 1994, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2014. The cleanest record among Silverado years belongs to 1987.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.