Most common 2009 GMC Envoy problems
Share of the 17 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Envoy complaints by model year
Best Envoy years: 2001, 1999, 2009. Years to avoid: 2002, 2005, 2006, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 GMC Envoy:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
What 2009 GMC Envoy owners say
Lights
On December 20, 2015 we were traveling after dark (7:30 pm) and the head lamps went off. We managed to pull out of traffic safely. Could not figure out what happened. After sitting for approximately 5 minutes the lamps came back on and we were driving to our home and the lamps went off again. I took the vehicle to a Chevy dealer and they could not help me. I then called the GMC dealer and got the same response. I then checked online and found out that GM knows of this problem which is caused by a headlamp module overheating. I know this problem is occurring to other people so why hasn't there been a recall.? Help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 GMC Envoy. While driving 35 MPH, both headlights and tail lights failed. The contact was able to drive home using the fog lights. After letting the engine cool down, the vehicle would operate normally. The contact was a certified mechanic and noted that the volt meter dropped to 12 volts when the failure occurred. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 119,000. Update 01/13/16 updated 01/22/16.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 GMC Envoy. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, an abnormal noise emitted from underneath the right passenger's seat. The problem recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. ..updated 10/28/16 updated 03/19/15...updated 04/28/15.updated 10/04/16 updated 10/31/16. Updated 9/19/2017
Headlight drive module (hdm) controls both low beam headlights. This relay has failed on me twice in less than a year, at night resulting in going down the road with no lights and unable to see. Vehicle was in motion on a highway going 55 MPH at night
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service stabili-trak warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle filed accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the battery was drained. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times previously. The contact stated the battery was charged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a peracetic battery drain, the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
The transmission I had to have it replaced but the one they put in it is really acting like the other transmission did no reverse and the first 2 gears were making this grinding noise I've never heard before and it happened when I was backing out the driveway to go to work lucky I made it to the place where I got it to fix it but I believe this transmission they put in it is going to do the same thing because it drives just like the old one
2009 GMC Envoy engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 GMC Envoy a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Envoy rates better than average: 91% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Envoy at the same age. It is one of the best Envoy years by this measure. 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 GMC Envoy?
The lights — 6 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (4) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 2009 GMC Envoy have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 GMC Envoy. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Envoy?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 1999 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2005, 2006, 2003 and 2004. See the full GMC Envoy years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 GMC Envoy problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 110,000 miles; 6% 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.