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 GMC Sierra 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2009 GMC Sierra 3500, most often about the power train. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-267 the manufacturer reports only 14% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 26, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 GMC Sierra 3500 has problems
5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
2Power train
1Electrical system
1Engine and engine cooling
1Air bags
1Tires
1Vehicle speed control
1Exterior lighting
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2009 GMC Sierra 3500 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.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Equipment
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2015 Q4
Electrical system
Risk. If the fusible link melts it may come into contact with adjacent components, damage the electrical center cover, the nearby wiring harness conduit and other…
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 GMC.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Sierra 3500 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 Sierra 3500 median. How we score
'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 GMC Sierra 3500 safety ratings
2009 GMC Sierra 3500 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 GMC Sierra 3500, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Sierra 3500 owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I DROVE MY WIFE TO THE PHARMACY AND AFTER PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT ONTO PALMDALE ROAD IN VICTORVILLE THE TRUCK WENT INTO TO LIMP MODE. THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP INTO PARK AT 25MPH ALMOST CAUSING A REAR COLLISION BEHIND US. THE GMC SIERRA 3500HD 2009 CAME TO A SCREECHING STOP CAUSING A BIT OF…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE GETTING A SERVICE INSPECTION AT THE DEALER, THEY FOUND THAT THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION LINE LEAK. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT THE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.…
Own a 2009 Sierra 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.