Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Air Bags — runs 6.1× the fleet median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
234Complaints
4Recalls
4Crashes
4Fires
3Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Air Bags (51.7% of complaints) — is covered by 3 NHTSA recall campaigns.
Air Bags complaints here are 6.1× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 234 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE…”NHTSA complaint 11044862 — filed 11/09/2017 · AIR BAGS
“TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO…”NHTSA complaint 11044544 — filed 11/08/2017 · AIR BAGS
“TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR…”NHTSA complaint 11043937 — filed 11/06/2017 · AIR BAGS
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500?
Air bags issues are the most-reported category, cited in 121 of 234 NHTSA complaints (51.7%), followed by unspecified/other issues (38), electrical system (18), structure:body (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
234 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 3 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V052000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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