The Lemon Index2009 GMC Sierra.
The 2009 GMC Sierra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 35 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 36, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 14 to 21 mpg combined. The best GMC Sierra year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 314 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every GMC Sierra year. 2009 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 35K to 91K miles on the car (185 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 49K–120K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 38K–73K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 27K–82K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 5 recalls
- equipment 2018
These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher.
- electrical 2010
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 AVALAN…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 1657 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gm/hummer/saab: intermittent illumination of mil, service lamps, service messages, or dtc set…
- This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–4600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
2009 GMC Sierra had a incorrect marked wire for the trailer power.
2009 GMC Sierra owner · NHTSA complaint 10264588
Quick answers
Is the 2009 GMC Sierra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 36; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Sierra year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2009 GMC Sierra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (20%), electrical (14%) and engine (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2009 GMC Sierra have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 GMC Sierra get?
14 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2009 GMC Sierra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 35,000 and 91,400 miles. The middle report was at 62,000 miles, from 185 complaints.
Does the 2009 GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2009 GMC Sierra cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $4600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2009 GMC Sierra have?
4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Sierra year is better than the 2009?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works