2009 GMC Sierra 2500 Problems
Compared with other GMC Sierra 2500 years
Typical for this model
39/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical GMC Sierra 2500 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 7 of its 31 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported part: Electrical system (7 complaints, median 52,100 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2008, 2011, 2012
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 31filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 39,600miles, 28 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500. The part named most often is electrical system, with 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by air bags (5) and brakes (5). 28 of the complaints include a mileage, and 61% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 39,600 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,175 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 248 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Air bags complaints overlap with 3 recall campaigns covering the inflator module and 7 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 14 GMC Sierra 2500 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 39 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system7 23%
- Air bags5 16%
- Brakes5 16%
- Body and structure4 13%
- Engine2 6.5%
- Fuel system2 6.5%
- Other or unknown2 6.5%
- Tires2 6.5%
Also reported: Engine cooling (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I have a 2009 Gmc SIERRA 2500 with 70,000 miles. At 39,200 miles, the actuator on the front drivers side door lock failed. Then at about 46,000 miles the actuator on the rear drivers side door lock failed. My door locks no longer automatically lock and unlock which creates a safety hazard, particularly in the case of the rear door lock because it cannot be locked or unlocked by the driver without exiting the vehicle and crawling through from the passenger side. …”
NHTSA complaint #10630865, filed 2014-09, 39,200 milesAir bags: “Service airbag warning light came on, and is still on. Vehicle had been running then parked for about 2 hrs. When started the light came on with the bulb check suite then stayed on when all the other lights went out”
NHTSA complaint #11354210, filed 2020-09, 80,000 milesBrakes: “Truck was at full throttle brakes would not stop truck diesel engine over powered brakes. Found gas peddle under floor mat luckly I put in nuteral and turned off ign glad my wife or kids were not driving death trap”
NHTSA complaint #10845529, filed 2016-03, 80,000 milesBody and structure: “I have had a rattle in the dashboard of my 2009 Gmc from about two weeks after purchase. I have had it in for repair 7 times in the year 1 year 5 months of ownership. Last repair was done about 4 weeks ago and rattle started again two weeks after last repair. I am not sure if this is an issue that can compromise the steering or not.”
NHTSA complaint #10380195, filed 2011-02, 845 milesMileage when problems were reported
61% of the 28 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 15,000 and 75,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 2500 · extended cab RWD/AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Sierra 2500 · regular cab RWD/AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Sierra 2500 · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.1% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V050000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: GMC Sierra 2500 2009–2011, Chevrolet Tahoe 2007–2011, GMC Yukon 2007–2011 +11 more
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…
- 21V052000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: GMC Sierra 2500 2009, Chevrolet Tahoe 2007–2009, GMC Yukon 2007–2009 +11 more
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…
- 21V053000Feb 5, 2021Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator moduleCovers: GMC Sierra 2500 2009–2010, 2013, Chevrolet Tahoe 2009–2010, 2013, GMC Sierra 1500 2009–2010, 2013 +11 more
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…
- 18V267000Apr 26, 2018EquipmentCovers: GMC Sierra 2500 2009–2014, Savana 2009–2018, Chevrolet Express 2009–2018 +6 more
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…
- 14V407000Jul 2, 2014Electrical systemCovers: GMC Sierra 2500 2007–2011, Chevrolet Silverado 2500 2007–2011, Silverado 3500 2007–2011 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,175 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11028931Feb 16, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. Tire pressures…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11021308Jul 31, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Other or unknown, Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014457Feb 21, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. Tire pressures…
Other model years of the GMC Sierra 2500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 9,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 28 | 1,300 | 1 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 107 | 9,904 | 4 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 33 | 34,000 | 1 | — | — | 40 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 45 | 15,167 | 3 | — | — | 65 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 52 | 53,000 | 6 | — | — | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 79 | 31,800 | 9 | — | — | 98 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 32 | 28,729 | 7 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 35 | 10,000 | 5 | 4 | — | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 37 | 22,060 | 6 | 4 | — | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 59 | 29,500 | 6 | 4 | — | 64 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 89 | 37,023 | 6 | 3–4 | — | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 30 | 39,000 | 2 | 2–4 | — | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 46 | 60,000 | 3 | 2–4 | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 31 | 68,500 | 3 | 3–4 | — | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2011 | 63 | 55,400 | 4 | — | — | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 10 | 77,000 | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 31 | 39,600 | 5 | — | — | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 63 | 67,500 | 3 | — | — | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 83 | 70,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 66 | 43,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 115 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 11 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 143 | 60,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 160 | 73,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 134 | 85,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 134 | 65,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 48 | 91,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 36 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 15 | 47,000 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 14 | 100,000 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra 2500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500 is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by air bags with 5.
Has the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 GMC Sierra 2500 reported?
Among the 28 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 39,600 miles and the middle half falls between 15,000 and 75,000 miles; 61% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.