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2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake system failure and rotor warping.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake system failure and rotor warping

SERVICE BRAKES

9 NHTSA complaints · 2010-07 → 2016-09

“EXTREME CHATTERING OF THE REAR BRAKES UPON APPLICATION WAS OBSERVED BY THE OWNER/DRIVER, INCLUDING LOCK-UP OF THE REAR WHEELS (EVEN THOUGH ABS EQUIPPED)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10594337
“TRAVELING AT ABOUT 45 MPH WITH ABOUT 3 TO 4 CAR LENGTHS BETWEEN US, TRAFFIC IMMEDIATELY AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED. I STOMPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ONLY TO FIND IT HARD AND RIGID WITH LITTLE RESPONSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10556899
“USED THE VEHICLE FOR VACATION IN 2011 AS IT WAS JUST 1 YEAR OLD. VERY LITTLE BRAKE PED LEFT GOING DOWN HILL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10588956

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption in 5.3L/6.0L engine

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2012-04 → 2015-10

“EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AT OR ABOVE 1 QUART OF OIL PER 1,000 MILES. ALL PLUGS FOULED OUT AT 39,000 MILES AND ONE PLUG CRACKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10453942
“WHILE DRIVING MY 2009 SILVERADO AT 33,000 MILES I NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND IT WAS RUNNING ROUGH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10787475
“I GOT THIS TRUCK USED AT 94K MILES ON IT. IT WAS STILL IN STANDARD WARRANTY. I GOT THE OIL CHANGED STARTED GETTING THAT CLICKING/KNOCKING NOISE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10722428

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

14 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2024-08

“Been getting notification post cards about this airbag recall and called my dealer in June 2023 about getting the work done, and have not heard back from them to schedule anything”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607699
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428871
“"TAKATA RECALL" RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE BY MAIL DATED JULY 2016 REGARDING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INFLATORS CAN MALFUNCTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11061444

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dashboard cracking near passenger air bag

STRUCTURE

31 NHTSA complaints · 2013-11 → 2021-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD ABOVE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10748230
“SEVERAL CRACKS IN MY DASH (4-5). ONE IS AT THE CORNER OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. THE DASH IS SO BRITTLE IT CRACKS FROM JUST CLOSING THE DOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10818346
“NOT THE ACTUAL AIR BAG, BUT THE PLASTIC DASH AROUND IT. KNOWN CRACKING IN THE DASH WILL CAUSE IT TO SHATTER DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSING POSSIBLE INJURIES DUE TO PIECES BECOMING PROJECTILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066679

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment during frontal crash

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-05 → 2021-10

“The contact owned a 2009 Chevrolet SIlverado. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the contact drifted off the highway which caused his vehicle to flip over three times and land right side up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438531
“TL* THE CONTACT WAS OPERATING A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COMPANY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ITS REAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10632356
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10447821

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wiring harness melting and electrical malfunction

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

19 NHTSA complaints · 2010-02 → 2023-08

“ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2009, WHILE ON VACATION IN OCEAN CITY, MD, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH US AND OUR TWO YOUNG CHILDREN (AGES 2 AND 5) INSIDE, STRAPPED IN THEIR CAR SEATS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10306668
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10651897
“LOCKS STARTED LOCKING/UNLOCKING. GEAR INDICATOR WAS GOING FROM DRIVE TO PARK. HEAT CAME ON BY ITSELF AND FAN WENT FROM HIGH TO LOW. SPEEDOMETER WENT FROM 70MPH TO 55 MPH WITH LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. HEADLIGHTS WERE FLASHING ON AND OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10694196

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Throttle position sensor failure and reduced engine power

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

15 NHTSA complaints · 2009-05 → 2017-06

“WAS PASSING A VEHICLE AND THE THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN AFTER I KICKED IT INTO PASSING GEAR, AT ABOUT 90 MPH, AFTER TRYING TO KICK THE THROTTLE OFF, PULLING ON THE FLOOR MAT TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10643450
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEIZED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE SKID. THE CONTACT WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10491014
“WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY (35-40 MPH ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD) IN DRY CONDITIONS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND THE ONBOARD ERROR MESSAGE READS "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRAK, ENGINE POWER DOWN."”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10340554

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles — sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

353 crashes 1990–2024

How the 353 occupant deaths break down

282

driver deaths

71

passenger deaths

353

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

11

complaints mentioning a crash

6

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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