2009 Chevrolet Silverado

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

Chevrolet Silverado
Pictured: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD High Country, Front Left, 11-21-2021. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4, 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD, 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
21 combined · 21 city / 22 hwy
Length
224.4–243.3 in
Curb weight
5,068–5,503 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2009 standard pickup truck (16.3 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints467 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 19 for similar models — most often about the air bags.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is a standard pickup truck offered with 4 engines (6.0L 8-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl and 4.8L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 224 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 144-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,154 lb (1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (21 city / 22 highway), 29% better than the 2009 standard pickup truck average of 16.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 467 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2009

  • New hybrid version
  • Engine added: 6.2L 8-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 17 to 21

Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Silverado →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–5.3L 8-cyl
Engine–4.3L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

LTLS

Built in: Silao, Guanajuato · Fort Wayne, Indiana

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2009 Silverado configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,154 lb58/42
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,285 lb58/42
1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD243.3 in79.9 in74 in157.5 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,243 lb59/41
1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4243.3 in79.9 in74 in157.5 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,503 lb60/40
1500 Ext Cab M/Box 2WD224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,068 lb58/42
1500 Ext Cab M/Box 4X4224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,309 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 22 / 21+29%$3,200423
Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive20 / 20 / 20+29%$3,350444
Silverado C15 2WD4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17+4%$3,950523
Silverado C15 XFE 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17+4%$3,950523
Silverado C15 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-2%$4,200555
Silverado C15 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-2%$4,200555
Silverado C15 2WD6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-2%$4,200555
Silverado K15 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16+3%$4,200555
Silverado K15 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16+3%$4,200555
Silverado C15 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-2%$4,200555
Silverado C15 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-2%$4,200555
Silverado K15 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16+3%$4,200555
Silverado K15 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16+3%$4,200555
Silverado C15 2WD4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-2%$4,200555
Silverado K15 4WD6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-3%$4,450592
Silverado C15 2WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15-8%$4,450592
Silverado K15 4WD4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 15-3%$4,450592
Silverado K15 4WD4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 15-3%$4,450592
Silverado K15 4WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive12 / 19 / 14-10%$4,800635
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
16.3 MPG2009 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Chevrolet Silverado (this car)21 MPGNot rated6
2009 Toyota Tundra16 MPGNot rated10
2009 Nissan Titan15 MPGNot rated3
2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup16 MPGNot rated4
2009 GMC Sierra21 MPGNot rated6
2009 Dodge Dakota Pickup18 MPGNot rated5
2009 Suzuki Equator21 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (6)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V052000 · 557,023 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 23, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328780.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V050000 · 2,641,272 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V053000 · 692,526 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.
Equipment · Apr 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V267000 · 6,154 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
Electrical System · Jul 2, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V407000 · 9,371 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 18, 2007, to June 22, 2011, and GMC Sierra HD 2500/3500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2007, to June 21, 2011, and equipped with an auxiliary battery. Owners may unknowingly draw too much current through the vehicle's trailer harness resulting in the melting of fusible link for the auxiliary battery.
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 vehicle components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the jumper harness with one that includes a 40 amp inline fuse, and provide the owner with supplemental Owner Manual information, free of charge. The recall began on August 29, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14260.
Electrical System · Jun 4, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V240000 · 1,365,070 vehicles

Problem
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 AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
Risk
IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Fix
DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

467Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
84,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags257
Unknown Or Other71
Electrical System45
Structure › Body43
Engine38
Fuel/Propulsion System17
Power Train13
Service Brakes12
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/10: 222/11: 123/02: 123/03: 123/04: 223/05: 123/06: 123/07: 323/08: 223/09: 123/10: 223/12: 124/01: 124/02: 224/03: 124/04: 224/06: 224/07: 124/08: 125/01: 125/06: 125/09: 125/11: 126/10: 122/1023/0323/0623/0924/0124/0424/0825/09max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Chevrolet Silverado buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 257 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Electrical System — 45 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Structure › Body — 43 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 84,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Silverado years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Silverado25241.3 inNot rated7143
2025 Silverado26233.1 inNot rated4164
2024 Silverado26229.5 inNot rated12541
2023 Silverado26229.5 inNot rated5457
2022 Silverado26241.3 inNot rated9777
2021 Silverado27241.3 inNot rated12983
2020 Silverado27241.3 in★★★★★18900
2019 Silverado21241.3 in★★★★★201,195
2018 Silverado20235.4 in★★★★★12596
2017 Silverado20235.4 in★★★★★12906
2016 Silverado20235.4 inNot rated15979
2015 Silverado20235.4 inNot rated241,417

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →