Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that he noticed a crack on the passenger's side dashboard that later expanded throughout the dashboard. The middle defrosts vent had collapsed because of the crack on the dashboard. There was no impact on the dashboard that could have caused the crack. The contact was concerned that the dashboard would be damaged more if the air bag recall repair was performed. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty coverage. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer but was unable to speak with a live representative. The failure mileage was 188,472.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured on the passenger's side near the passenger's side air bag housing. The contact stated that the fracture extended to the driver's side dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to replace the air bag free of charge however, the dashboard had to be replaced by the owner out-of-pocket. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after having the vehicle inspected, the contact was informed that the under body was extremely rusted, and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The certified mechanic determined that the sub frame could not be repaired and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the crack was caused by a failure of the composite material. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
I realized last weekend that BOTH of my rear doors were full of water. When I opened the rear door on the drivers side, I heard a water sloshing sound, which caught my attention. I closed & reopened the door & once again I heard the sound clearly. I left the door open & noticed the water pouring out at one corner. The water was draining from inside the door panel. I went to the passenger side of the vehicle & noticed the exact same situation. After 30 minutes of swinging the doors back & forth, I drained over a gallon of water from EACH of the rear doors. Considering the weight of a gallon of water, this is very much a safety hazard, not to mention the corrosion & rust that I am sure have built up over time.
The frame on my truck has rusted to the point that my mechanic cannot put it on the lift to inspect the vehicle. Wherever he tries to put the jack points the frame crumbles. He has declared that it is unsafe to operate, and cannot be inspected. The truck would most likely break into pieces in any type of collision. There is also a risk of the frame collapsing during normal operation, and possibly causing an accident, or injury or death due to collapse of the vehicle frame during highway operation. The truck is only 14 years old and rusted more than most 50 year old vehicles.
Fuel system leak at fuel pump due to corrosion. Found raw gas leaking out from under vehicle while vehicle in operation. Upon further investigation, found metal supply and return lines severely corroded and leaking. Repaired with new pump. While being repaired, noted severe corrosion on frame and cross members to include upper shock mounts and spare tire mount. Holes in frame were noted.
The truck was sitting parked in the driveway and my neighbor noticed that the lights and wipers came on (truck was not on, no keys were in it, nobody was in it or near it!). Smoke then began to billow out from under the hood and a fire started. My neighbor was able to disconnect the battery and put out the fire. I had the truck towed to a garage where they told me that the fuse panel caught on fire. They called GM and was told there was no recall for the part. Dealing with insurance now.
My 2009 Chevrolet Silverado was parked for two days. It was running perfectly up until it was parked..after two days of being parked in the rain,the rear tail light suddenly went on by itself. I opened the door to the vehicle to see how this could happen and the "service engine soon" light was on. I put the key into the ignition and it was totally dead. I opened the hood and lifted off the fuse panel cover,because there was a strong smell of burning. Then,there was smoke. I immediately disconnected the battery and had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealer. After picking it up today,they charged me $1555 to repair,yet could not provide a logical reason why this happened! They said"corrosion" in the fuse panel. How could a vehicle made in 2009 with 72,000 miles have a problem such as this without a major issue being wrong? …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that a large crack had formed across the dashboard, from the driver's side to the passenger's side. Dale earnhardt, jr. Chevrolet (3127 w tennessee st, tallahassee, fl 32304) was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall regarding the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the same dealer for the passenger's side air bag recall repair. While the vehicle was being repaired, the contact signed a waiver that the dealer would not be held responsible for any damages to the dashboard. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. The VIN was not available.
Body complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the body & structure of the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 12% of the model year's 444 complaints. The component named most often is body (42 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.