14648A - Customer Satisfaction. Certain vehicles have a performance issue with their OnStar modules that could impact the vehicle?s battery life. If the vehicle?s OnStar module contains this condition, the OnStar green telltale light will be illuminated even when the vehicle is off. This condition can drain the vehicle?s battery if the vehicle is not started for approximately four days. The condition may also render the OnStar system inoperative, which would disable all OnStar services, including automatic crash response and emergency roadside services. This condition can occur even if the vehicle is not actively subscribed to OnStar. Dealers are to remove the fuse for the OnStar module to r
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems
severe 49 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
49
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
8fires
When does it fail?
Of the 49 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 49 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production Option Code HP2. With a battery maintainer installed on the vehicle use brake pressure bleeder that maintains 30 psi for the entire bleed procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC: ON SOME VEHICLES AND/OR TRUCKS, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL ILLUMINATE, AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, INDICATING LOW OIL PRESSURE AND/OR SES LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE. MODEL 2007-13 CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON, CTS-V, ESCALADE, AVALANCHE, CAMARO SS, COLORADO, CORVETTE, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that may have an OnStar system that has progression tones when pressing the blue or red button. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center with the scan tool data from the OnStar system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Silverado shows a pattern of electrical gremlins that hit without warning. The main culprit is a complete or partial electrical system reset—door locks cycling rapidly, gauges bouncing, lights flashing, radio cutting out, and engine power dropping to zero, all while driving highway speeds. After a few seconds, power returns and the truck acts normal. This happens intermittently over months or years; some owners see it 7+ times in a year. Dealers examine the truck, find nothing wrong (no stored codes), push back fuses that wiggle loose, charge $200, and send owners home—problem recurs within two months.
Water intrusion into the underhood fuse block causes secondary failures: fuses melt, wiring inside the block burns, and in at least three documented cases the fuse block caught fire—once while a truck sat parked with kids' car seats inside. One owner's truck burned down completely. The fuel pump supply module also corrodes from water exposure, draining the battery and causing no-start conditions. Battery cables develop high resistance and overheat. Throttle body assemblies malfunction at highway speed, cutting engine power below 45 mph. Some Silverados show instrument clusters that go dark while driving or gauges that drop below zero and bounce back. One owner replaced the fuse block twice ($600, then $474.90).
Dealers and GM acknowledge the problem exists in technical service bulletins (PIT-5090, 14515/14515B) but claim individual vehicles fall outside recall boundaries. Parts for actual recalls (airbag module, ECM) become unavailable. The core issue is clear: poor factory sealing allows moisture into critical electrical boxes, and the design flaw recurs even after warranty repairs.
Same Chevrolet Silverado electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent electrical system reset / power loss while driving
Complete or partial loss of electrical power accompanied by rapid cycling of door locks, gauges, lights, and other systems. Owners report the truck loses engine power, transmission shifts out of gear, headlights and running lights flicker or cut out, and dash warning lights flash. The vehicle may coast to a stop or stall. Some owners find that pushing fuses or tapping the mega fuse temporarily restores function; others report the problem recurs after dealer visits that find nothing wrong. Occurs most frequently at highway speeds (55–70 mph) but can happen at any speed.
When: Intermittent, ranging from 28,000 to 186,000 miles. Multiple occurrences over months or years after purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks cycling rapidly; Gauges bouncing or fluctuating; Engine power loss; Headlights flickering or cutting off; Transmission disengaging or downshifting unexpectedly; Dash warning lights flashing (Check Engine, Service Stabilitrak, Airbag Readiness); Vehicle stalling or coasting to stop; Radio/navigation system cutting in and out; Electronic Stability Control light illuminating
Codes mentioned: P2138, P2534, P069E
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers cannot reproduce the fault and find no codes. Some mechanics recommend replacing the mega fuse, battery cables, or battery terminal connections; replacing fuse block; or re-flashing the ECU. Cost estimates range from $200 to $600+ for dealership diagnosis and repair attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin PIT-5090 addresses water intrusion in fuse panel; TSB 14515/14515B addresses chassis ECM contamination (2007–2014 models). Some 2008 models recalled for similar issues. 2011 and 2012 Silverado models reportedly have revised electrical system design.
Fuse block fire / melting and corrosion
Fuse block under the hood melts, catches fire, or exhibits corrosion and burning insulation. Owners report smoke, burning plastic smell, melted fuses, and burned wiring connectors inside the fuse block. Several fires have started while vehicles were parked. Water intrusion into the fuse block due to poor factory seal design is cited in TSB PIT-5090.
When: Occurs after rain or heavy moisture exposure. Can happen while parked or during operation. Reported at mileages ranging from 56,300 to 195,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong burning plastic smell from engine compartment; Smoke billowing from under hood; Vehicle fire; Check Engine light illuminating; Lights and wipers activating when vehicle is off and unattended; Vehicle fails to start; Cargo light stays on
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse block replacement required. Owners report costs from $474.90 to $1,555 depending on extent of damage. One owner replaced fuse block twice—$600 first time, $474.90 second time. Water dried from fuel pump supply module in one case allowed temporary restoration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB PIT-5090 identifies root cause as poor design and factory installation of rubber seal allowing water ingress. No formal recall issued; owners advised to have vehicle inspected.
Battery drain / fuel pump supply module failure
Battery drains completely overnight or within days of parking. Fuel pump supply module (FPSM) corrodes or fails, causing the fuel pump to stop working. One owner found FPSM full of water. Another owner heard something running 24/7 in the fuel tank area. Vehicle fails to start after battery drain, and starting attempts may continue even after key is turned off, creating fire hazard.
When: Can occur early in vehicle life (factory battery often still installed). Reported at mileages from 26,000 to 90,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery goes dead overnight or within days; Audible sound of fuel pump running continuously; No fuel pump pressure; Vehicle will not start; Engine continues trying to start after key is turned off; Codes for fuel pump circuit low, fuel pump module, and trailer brake warning
Codes mentioned: Fuel Pump Circuit Low, Fuel Pump Module fault, Trailer Brake warning codes
Repairs/costs cited: FPSM replacement costs range from $85 (online AC Delco part) to $183 (dealer). Part reprogramming by local shop required for ECU recognition. One owner has retained repair documentation expecting future reimbursement claim.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Potential recall for FPSM noted on NHTSA website but not widely advertised. Some dealers claim no recall is in effect for specific VINs.
Defective wiring harness / fire hazard
Wiring harness overheats, melts, or catches fire. One case involved defective wiring harness that caused vehicle fire with two small children inside. Another case involved melted wiring harness requiring replacement. Multiple cases show evidence of burned wiring connectors in underhood fuse block.
When: Can occur at any mileage, including very low mileage. Fire occurred at 13,310 miles in one case; melted harness at 195,000 miles in another.
Symptoms owners cite: Burning plastic smell; Visible burn holes in door panel or interior; Wires overheating inside door handle area; Vehicle catching fire while parked or driving; Melted wiring connectors visible in fuse block
Repairs/costs cited: Door handle replacement and lock actuator replacement required in one case. Full harness replacement needed in other cases. Repairs covered under factory warranty in one instance (two replacements of lock actuator); extent of costs for out-of-warranty repairs unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In one case, dealership and GM admitted fault for defective wiring harness causing vehicle fire. Dealer unable to source replacement 2009 model; offered new vehicle or refund but demanded additional payment from owner.
Throttle body assembly malfunction / power loss on highway
Throttle body assembly fails, causing loss of engine power at highway speeds. Electronic Stability Control module light and Service Engine light illuminate. Engine power may cut to zero suddenly, forcing vehicle to decelerate below safe highway speed. Problem recurs after dealer service.
When: Reported at 28,000 and 50,000 miles; can recur multiple times.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power loss at highway speed (60–65 mph); Electronic Stability Control module light illuminates; Service Engine light on; Vehicle unable to exceed 45 mph after incident; Rapid deceleration without brake application
Codes mentioned: Throttle Body Assembly malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement of throttle body assembly took 5 days for initial repair. Second incident (at 50,000 miles, out of warranty) cost $450 at independent shop; dealer later claimed cleaning was sufficient. One owner reports being able to temporarily reset issue by pulling 4 underhood fuses but notes that eventually vehicle power-downs within 15 seconds.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) malfunction
Tire pressure sensors malfunction, displaying erratic and impossible readings (0 psi, 99 psi, 7 psi, 29 psi within 2 blocks). Warnings flash repeatedly on instrument panel every 5 seconds, creating distraction and safety concern. Problem persists even after replacement of sensors at dealer expense.
When: Reported at 70,000 miles and higher.
Symptoms owners cite: Erratic tire pressure readings on display; Tire Pressure warning light flashing frequently; Impossible pressure readings (0 psi and high psi for same tire in short distance); Distracting instrument panel warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer charges $209 per tire to replace sensors. Owner reports sensors still malfunction after replacement and sensors continue to wear out despite low mileage (70,000 miles).
Temperature sensor and cooling system warning false positive
Engine Hot warning with AC turned off message displays repeatedly. Temperature sensor has been replaced at least 4 times; thermostat also replaced. System resets temporarily when battery is disconnected but fails again within 10 minutes to 2 weeks.
When: Recurring issue over multiple years.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine Hot / AC Off warning on display; False overheating warnings; AC compressor cycles off despite normal engine temperature
Repairs/costs cited: Temperature sensor replacements at dealer; one owner self-diagnosed and replaced thermostat. Temporary fix via battery disconnect works briefly. Costs for repeat repairs unknown.
Door lock actuator failure
Power door lock actuator fails, preventing passenger side door from locking or unlocking. Some instances involve door locks cycling independently.
When: Reported at 90,000 miles and other mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Door lock will not engage fully or disengage; Lock actuator attempting movement but stopping short; Locks cycling on and off unexpectedly
Repairs/costs cited: Lock actuator replacement covered under factory warranty (at least 13,310 miles). One owner notes this is not a cheap repair.
Airbag sensing module water intrusion / airbag deployment risk
Airbag sensing module (passenger presence module in some narratives) corrodes due to water gathering in acoustic padding. Water runs down a line that enters the cab and gets absorbed by padding. Corrosion can cause seatbelt pretensioners to fire and/or airbags to deploy unexpectedly.
When: Reported at 26,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning indicator illuminating intermittently; Module corrosion visible; Passenger presence module erratic operation
Repairs/costs cited: Module replacement required but parts availability delayed in recall cases. One owner noted recall applies to some states but not others despite similar climate conditions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for airbags in some states (NHTSA Campaign 16V381000) but Louisiana and other high-humidity states not included despite salt use and wet weather. GM Bulletin available identifying the water intrusion path. Parts unavailable to complete recall repairs in some cases.
Instrument cluster malfunction / gauge failure
Instrument panel gauges fail to illuminate, drop below zero and bounce back repeatedly, or flicker and dim intermittently. Speedometer may read zero or incorrect speeds. Cluster may fail on startup, while driving, or when parked. BCM (Body Control Module) does not allow cluster to go to sleep, causing parasitic battery drain (~0.5 amps).
When: Reported from early ownership (30,900 miles at 3 years old) through higher mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster lights off while driving; Gauges dropping below zero and bouncing back; Speedometer reading zero; Headlights and dash lights flickering or dimming; Instrument cluster failure intermittent or continuous; Parasitic battery drain
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attributed one case to voltage regulator behavior with no repair offered. One owner mentions replacing BCM may be necessary to stop battery drain, but cost unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed voltage regulator behavior is normal and nothing can be done.
Engine start failure / intermittent no-crank condition
Engine fails to start intermittently with no clicking or starting attempt. Lights illuminate but dim when key is turned to start. No diagnostic procedure (moving drive selector, engaging e-brake, stepping on brake pedal, opening/closing hood) helps. Vehicle starts spontaneously after unknown wait period (10+ minutes).
When: Rare and intermittent; reported at various mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: No engine cranking; No clicking sound; Lights on but dimming when key turned to start; No response to any diagnostic procedure; Vehicle eventually starts without intervention after extended wait
Repairs/costs cited: No solution found by owner research; root cause unknown.
Stability control / traction control system faults
Electronic Stability Control and traction control systems malfunction, with warning lights illuminating and then going off during driving. System may cut engine power or prevent acceleration.
When: Reported at various mileages and speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Stability Control warning light flashing or illuminating; Service Traction Control message; Loss of engine power concurrent with warning light; System cycling on and off intermittently
Codes mentioned: Electronic Stability Control module faults
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports being able to reset system by pulling 4 underhood fuses, but system eventually fails again with vehicle power-down within 15 seconds of failure.
Cruise control failure
Cruise control stops functioning entirely.
When: Reported at 90,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control inoperative
Headlight and exterior light failures / flickering
Headlights and other exterior lights flicker, dim, or cut off while driving. Lights may turn on when vehicle is off and unattended.
When: Reported at 30,900 miles and higher mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flickering or dimming intermittently; Lights cutting off while driving; Exterior lights turning on when vehicle is off; Wipers activating when vehicle is off and unattended
Synthesized from 49 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the headlights illuminated intermittently. In addition, the door locks were operating independently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 49 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 36 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 48,000 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,000; a quarter make it past 105,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.