Most common 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems
Share of the 55 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Suburban 1500 complaints by model year
Best Suburban 1500 years: 1995, 1996, 1997. Years to avoid: 2025, 2023, 2011, 2004, 2007. Compare all years →
What 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 owners say
Air bags all 25 →
Takata recall - I object to GM filing a petition for inconsequentiality. GM's own website states"the propellant in some types of Takata airbag inflators can degrade over time, especially after long term exposure in hot and humid regions. If the propellant degrades to a certain level, the inflators May rupture during deployment, causing serious or fatal injuries." as the vehicle has been located in southeast florida since I purchased it new, it has been subject to both heat and humidity nearly continually since original purchase. GM and Takata should not be able to avoid the responsibility to restore my vehicle to a safe condition.
Takata recall: failure to act on recall on this seven year old vehicle, by manufacture and pine belt Chevrolet, lakewood, new jersey. Have call the dealer given a case number [redacted]. This is the second case number issued. In July was told by pine belt parts were on order, now all they will give is case number. I want this on record, that I hold Chevrolet, pine belt Chevrolet, and ntsb responsible for not getting these vehicles repaired. Chevrolet should be required to replace these vehicle with new one. Thank you for your time; [redacted]
Body & structure
Dash board has developed major cracks, parked in drive way motor mount broke, discovered at inspection engine had to be rebuilt die to excessive oil consumption (covered under warranty) wheels coroded from inside, pitted head, tires leak air as a result purchased as a GM certified vehicle, 32K miles. Had to take back next day due to warped front brake rotors...ant Chevy, sellersville pa.
Dash on 2009 Chevrolet Suburban has cracked on the passenger side next to the airbag panel. Dash has also cracked on the driver side above the instrument panel cluster. Concern is that in a car accident where the air bags deploy the dash board May break apart and become shrapnel causing additional injury, permanent disability, or death to the passenger.
Electrical system
Door lock/unlock actuators are failing to operate, which poses safety concern for children in these vehicles. I've had two fail. This is a common and wide-spread issue with many 2007-2013 GM trucks and suvs. Just for my particular vehicle (2009 Suburban) I counted 13 other complaints (with NHTSA id #s) on this website for this issue. Apparently the electric motor in the actuator module for each door lock is poor quality and prone to failure. Given the safety risk and number of vehicles involved, I'm surprised that a recall has not been issued.
Within the first two years of owning the vehicle it developed cracks all along the dashboard. The cracks got bad enough that recently a large piece of the dashboard fell out. I have attempted to get Chevrolet to help pay for replacing it but they are unwilling and I cannot afford the entire bill alone. I am worried that the airbags will not work and that having electrical and mechanical exposed will cause harm to myself or the vehicle.
2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 a good car?
Based on 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Suburban 1500 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Suburban 1500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The air bags — 25 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (8) and electrical system (6).
How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995, 1996 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2023, 2011, 2004 and 2007. See the full Chevrolet Suburban 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 14% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.