repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2009 Chevrolet AvalancheProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 76 owner complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-050 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 13, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche has problems
76 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
41Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
8Structure1 crash/fire/injury
4Vehicle speed control
4Electrical system
2Fuel/propulsion system
1Exterior lighting
1Power train
1Service brakes
1Steering
55 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 41 | 1 |
| Structure | 8 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 1 |
| Power train | 1 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. WATER IN THE MODULE COULD CAUSE A SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT, ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP, SETTING OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES OR THE ENGINE MAY BE…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
76kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 20 air bags complaints. 80% were reported before 100,000 miles.
0under 30k miles16under 100k miles4100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Avalanche year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Avalanche median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche safety ratings
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (21.2% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Avalanche owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The passenger side air bag was replaced under a current recall (N212328790) however, once they fixed the issue at Love Chevy (Inverness, FL), the air bag light stayed on. It has never shut off and after speaking with the dealership as well as Chevrolet, they refuse to fix the issue they caused. I…
2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR HAVE NOT BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER WAS PLACED ON AWAITING LIST AT THE DEALERSHIP TO BE CONTACTED WHEN THE PART ARRIVES.
2009 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG COULD NOT BE REPLACED WITHOUT DESTROYING THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO INCUR THE COST OF THE DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR. THE CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS UNSATISFACTORY.
Own a 2009 Avalanche?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.