2009 GMC Sierra Problems
Compared with other GMC Sierra years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
29/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical GMC Sierra 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.
- 6 of its 37 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported part: Air bags (9 complaints, median 62,220 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 37filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles, 33 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid RWD · 21 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 GMC Sierra (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 37 consumer complaints for the 2009 GMC Sierra. The part named most often is air bags, with 9 complaints (24% of the total), followed by electrical system (9) and body and structure (6). 33 of the complaints include a mileage, and 58% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 42,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 287 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 7 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 64 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 8 GMC Sierra model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 29 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than 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.
- Air bags9 24%
- Electrical system9 24%
- Body and structure6 16%
- Engine3 8.1%
- Other or unknown3 8.1%
- Brakes2 5.4%
- Steering2 5.4%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.4%
Also reported: Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number - 09184C (Material Over Sensing and Diagnostic Module Retaining Moisture) . The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed as a corroded air bag control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11507624, filed 2023-02, 70,000 milesElectrical system: “I got out of my truck, had left the keys in the ignition, walked over to get something off the ground and heard the horn blow. I walked back over to the truck to get back in and it was locked. I called on star and they couldn't unlock it so they had to send a lock-out service to unlock the truck. This has happened at least five times in the past three years, three in which on star had unlocked it.”
NHTSA complaint #10683376, filed 2015-02, 93,801 milesBody and structure: “3 cracks appeared in the top of the dash. One 2 long running from the air bag cover forward to edge of dash section. 2 cracks on back of instrument cluster one on right side 4 long, and one on the left side about 6 long. Vehicle has not been in any accidents. This seems to be a common problem that GM is ignoring.”
NHTSA complaint #10562780, filed 2014-02, 51,012 milesEngine: “About 2 months after we purchased our pre-owned 2009 Gmc Sierra denali we started having problems with the engine power and all sensors going off. The sensors start going off the stability control cuts off it says engine power reduced then doesn't want to shift and kills in middle of traffic. It will do it for a few days and then just starts working right again. So we never know when it's going to happen or where we will be. It's like it's not running on all cylinders.”
NHTSA complaint #10597321, filed 2014-06, 38,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
58% of the 33 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 60,000 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. 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 Hybrid · dr hybrid w/sab RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Sierra Hybrid · dr hybrid RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 18.5% 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.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 GMC Sierra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 21 | 22 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 20 | 20 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 10V240000Jun 4, 2010Electrical systemCovers: GMC Sierra 2007–2009, Buick Lucerne 2006–2009, Cadillac DTS 2006–2009 +15 more
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 ext; chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; gmc…
Recall details for the 2009 GMC Sierra → · 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. 287 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10108599Jul 17, 2017Suspension. This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
- 10113387Feb 23, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. 14648A - Customer Satisfaction. Certain vehicles have a performance issue with their OnStar modules that could impact the vehicle?s battery life. If the vehicle?s OnStar module contains this…
- 10113404Feb 8, 2017Fuel system. 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…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10113889Mar 1, 2016Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for communication with the scan tool, if the navigation radio does not display the current Hybrid…
- 10113888Mar 1, 2016Engine. This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production…
- 10113887Mar 1, 2016Electrical system, Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production…
- 10114431Feb 23, 2016Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work…
- 10096026Feb 11, 2016Equipment. This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller rockers to inspect…
- 10095901Feb 9, 2016Engine. This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a cold engine tick noise for 50 seconds at start up. Technician determines if the tick…
Other model years of the GMC Sierra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 61 | 35,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 6 | 39,500 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 53 | 2,750 | 6 | — | — | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 101 | 3,000 | 11 | — | — | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 39 | 7,250 | 3 | — | 21 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 29 | 31,450 | 2 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 43 | 45,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 34 | 53,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 37 | 42,000 | 1 | — | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 68 | 66,850 | 2 | — | — | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 59 | 70,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 53 | 43,500 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 117 | 60,000 | 9 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 188 | 49,752 | 7 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 206 | 55,750 | 6 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 249 | 40,490 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 264 | 61,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 443 | 67,666 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 600 | 62,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 190 | 71,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 238 | 78,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 246 | 83,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 261 | 114,184 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1994 | 190 | 110,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 72 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 178,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 12 | 108,500 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 18 | 115,832 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 16 | 187,575 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 6 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA recorded 37 consumer complaints for the 2009 GMC Sierra as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 GMC Sierra is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 9 complaints (24% of the total), followed by electrical system with 9.
Has the 2009 GMC Sierra been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 GMC Sierra get?
The EPA rates the 2009 GMC Sierra (Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid) at 21 mpg combined, 21 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 GMC Sierra reported?
Among the 33 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 42,000 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 60,000 miles; 58% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.