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

- 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
Trims
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,154 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,285 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD | 243.3 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 157.5 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,243 lb | 59/41 |
| 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4 | 243.3 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 157.5 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,503 lb | 60/40 |
| 1500 Ext Cab M/Box 2WD | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,068 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Ext Cab M/Box 4X4 | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,309 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 22 / 21 | +29% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 20 / 20 | +29% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Silverado C15 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | +4% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Silverado C15 XFE 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +4% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Silverado C15 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado C15 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado C15 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado K15 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | +3% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado K15 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | +3% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado C15 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado C15 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado K15 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | +3% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado K15 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | +3% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado C15 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -2% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Silverado K15 4WD | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -3% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Silverado C15 2WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -8% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Silverado K15 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -3% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Silverado K15 4WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | -3% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Silverado K15 4WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 19 / 14 | -10% | $4,800 | 635 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Chevrolet Silverado (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Toyota Tundra | 16 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2009 Nissan Titan | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup | 16 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 GMC Sierra | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Dodge Dakota Pickup | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Suzuki Equator | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
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.
Not every 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Chevrolet Silverado buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 257 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 45 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Structure › Body — 43 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 84,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Silverado | 25 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 7 | 143 |
| 2025 Silverado | 26 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
| 2024 Silverado | 26 | 229.5 in | Not rated | 12 | 541 |
| 2023 Silverado | 26 | 229.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 457 |
| 2022 Silverado | 26 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 9 | 777 |
| 2021 Silverado | 27 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 12 | 983 |
| 2020 Silverado | 27 | 241.3 in | ★★★★★ | 18 | 900 |
| 2019 Silverado | 21 | 241.3 in | ★★★★★ | 20 | 1,195 |
| 2018 Silverado | 20 | 235.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 596 |
| 2017 Silverado | 20 | 235.4 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 906 |
| 2016 Silverado | 20 | 235.4 in | Not rated | 15 | 979 |
| 2015 Silverado | 20 | 235.4 in | Not rated | 24 | 1,417 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →