This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a groan, growl, or moan coming from the vehicle when operating the vehicle in four wheel drive. Driving on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle?s power train. Dealer should advise the customer not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for extended periods of time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Silverado powertrain problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 14 powertrain 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
Of the 21 model years of Chevrolet Silverado we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (14).
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 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 powertrain 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 information to the technician about vehicles that have a groan, growl, or moan coming from the vehicle when operating the vehicle in four wheel drive. Driving on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle's power train. Dealer should advise the customer not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for extended periods of time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire, and/or engine noise. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300-P0308. If published Service Information diagnostics does not isolate the cause of this concern technician should check for a worn camshaft lobe and/or lifter roller, a sticking valve, valve leakage, a broken valve spring, and a collapsed active fuel management lifter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that has a squawk or grunt type noise when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. Technician should replace the 3-4 clutch Friction and Steel Clutch Plates along with the Apply Plate and Selective Backing Plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a groan, growl, or moan coming from the vehicle when operating the vehicle in four wheel drive. Driving on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for an extended period of time may cause premature wear on your vehicle's power train. Dealer should advise the customer not drive on clean, dry pavement in Four-Wheel Drive High or Four-Wheel Drive Low for extended periods of time.
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 1500 powertrain complaints center on three main problem areas: transmission control, electrical cascades, and engine durability.
Transmission issues are the most common. Multiple owners describe uncontrolled downshifting at highway speeds—one reports the truck dropped from cruise to 2nd gear with the engine revving to 4,500 RPM, locking the tires and nearly causing a collision. Others report transmission hunting for gears, complete loss of motive power requiring a tow, or in hybrid models, a "bump jerk" during auto-stop related to auxiliary transmission pump failure (PIP4751G). A transmission control module failure left one owner stranded in rush-hour traffic for three months while waiting for parts on national backorder.
Electrical system failures compound the danger. One owner experienced simultaneous failures—door locks cycling repeatedly, HVAC reverting to full heat, ABS and StabiliTrak inoperative, and brake lights extinguishing during an uncontrolled downshift. The owner's dealer attributed this to faulty battery cables ($125 part). GM declined assistance, citing the truck's age and overseas purchase history.
Engine durability problems emerge at higher mileages. One owner faced a catastrophic oil pump failure at 112,651 miles with no prior warning; the repair shop indicated this was a recurring failure on the model. Another owner's engine developed valve lifter knock at 94,000 miles—a known issue in Chevys from 2006 onward that GM recalled only for 2007-2008, leaving 2009 owners unsupported.
Miscellaneous powertrain issues include rear seal leaks destroying brake cylinders on near-new trucks, repeated door lock actuator failures, and throttle hesitation that dealers could not reproduce or fix.
Same Chevrolet Silverado powertrain reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Downshifting / Loss of Power / Gear Hunting
Vehicle experiences uncontrolled downshifting from cruise control to lower gears, violent gear shifting, inability to move forward or move properly, and sudden loss of motive power while driving. Multiple narratives cite transmission issues occurring at highway speeds and in traffic, with one case describing transmission hunting for gears and attempting to shift into park.
When: Across various mileages: 43,000 miles, 94,000+ miles, 98,000 miles, 112,651 miles, 155,000 miles. Failures occur during both highway and city driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled downshift from cruise control to 2nd gear at highway speeds; Transmission hunts for gears; Hard downshifting while driving; Vehicle hesitates to drive properly; Vehicle rolls backward when shifted into Drive; Engine revs to 4,000-5,000 RPM during downshift; Loss of motive power; vehicle must be towed; Vehicle will not move from stop; must reverse then go forward; Inability to move forward proportional to throttle in hybrid auto-stop mode
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE light (intermittent), SERVICE ENGINE light, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL light, STABILITRAK light, REDUCED ENGINE POWER
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuilt and reprogrammed at third party (failure recurred). One independent mechanic diagnosed transmission needing rebuild and reprogramming. TCM (Transmission Control Module) failure reported on national backorder from GM for 3+ months. Hybrid auxiliary transmission pump malfunction noted in PIP4751G per owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose or duplicate failures in multiple cases. One owner reports GM told them vehicle was 8 years old and purchased overseas, refused assistance. Hybrid PIP4751G indicates known issue with auxiliary transmission pump in auto-stop mode.
Electrical System Cascade Failures
Multiple electrical system failures occurring simultaneously, affecting transmission, brake lights, door locks, HVAC, stability control, and ABS. One narrative explicitly attributes this to faulty battery cables. Owners report the electrical faults cascading into loss of vehicle control and safety systems.
When: At highway speeds during cruise control engagement. One narrative explicitly states battery cable failure; dealer-verified on invoice.
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks cycle on and off repeatedly; Door chimes activate constantly; HVAC defaults to full heat from air conditioning mode; Stabilitrack system inoperative; ABS system inoperative; Brake lights do not illuminate during rapid deceleration; Tires lock up during uncontrolled downshift; All of above occurring simultaneously during transmission downshift event
Codes mentioned: ABS system failure, STABILITRAK failure, SERVICE ABS light, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer Buckalew Chevrolet in Conroe, TX diagnosed battery cables as cause; owner has invoice. Battery cables approximately $125 part per owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused warranty assistance citing vehicle age (8 years) and overseas purchase. Issue reported repeatedly on internet forums (YouTube, Amazon, etc.) per owner, suggesting widespread knowledge.
Valve Lifter / Camshaft / Engine Knock / Failure
Engine develops clicking and knocking noise indicating valve lifter failure. Shop indicates broken valve lifters require replacement along with camshaft. Risk of engine damage from metal shavings accumulating in motor if driven extensively. Narrative indicates this is documented as common problem across Chevy engines from 2006 onward; manufacturer issued limited recall for 2007-2008 model years only but not 2009.
When: Shortly after oil change at 94,000+ miles. Narratives indicate this is a known issue in Chevy engines from 2006 onward.
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking and knocking noise from engine; Valve lifters breaking
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of valve lifters and camshaft. Multiple shops quoted full engine replacement ($3,500) plus labor and supplies (total approximately $6,000). Owner unable to afford repair despite ongoing payments.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer issued recall for 2007-2008 model years only, despite issue being documented in engines from 2006 onward. 2009 model year owner not covered. Dealership refused warranty assistance. Narrative states AFM (Active Fuel Management) and excessive oil consumption linked to this failure mode; manufacturer aware of issue but limited recall scope.
Oil Pump Failure
Oil pump located inside engine fails catastrophically, causing loss of oil pressure and immediate loss of motive power while vehicle is in traffic. Repair technician reported this failure had occurred on at least four previous occasions with same vehicle model. No warning prior to catastrophic failure.
When: 112,651 miles. Failure was sudden with no prior warning.
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster illuminates with audible alarms; Check Engine light does not illuminate prior to failure; Check Oil Pressure warning message in message center; Complete loss of motive power; Vehicle must be towed to repair facility
Codes mentioned: CHECK OIL PRESSURE warning
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pump replaced internally. Repair technician indicated this was a recurring failure on this vehicle model, replaced on at least four previous occasions with 2009 Silverado 1500s.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
Transmission Control Module fails in traffic, causing immediate loss of throttle and engine power. Vehicle loses all drivability and must be towed. Replacement TCM placed on national backorder with no parts available for extended period.
When: During rush hour traffic; specific mileage not provided.
Symptoms owners cite: Stability control light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates; No throttle response; No power to engine; Vehicle must be towed
Codes mentioned: STABILITY CONTROL light, TRACTION CONTROL light
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replacement required. Parts on national backorder from GM; vehicle remained out of service for 3+ months with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM unable to supply replacement TCM due to national backorder status.
Brake System Failures / Rear Seal Leaks
Rear axle seals leak, damaging both rear brake cylinders. Brake pedal engagement causes brake lights to extinguish. Clicking noise heard when braking. Failures occur shortly after purchase with low mileage.
When: 16,615 miles (new purchase). Another narrative at current 11,800 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Scraping sound when turning; Brake pedal engagement causes brake lights to turn off; Brake lights extinguish when pedal pushed far; Rear axle seals leak
Repairs/costs cited: Both rear wheel seals replaced ($191.20). Both rear wheel brake cylinders replaced ($98.08). Total: $289.28 at dealer. Dealer claimed not covered under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused warranty coverage. Dealer stated not covered under warranty; customer paid out-of-pocket.
Door Lock Actuator Failures
Door lock actuators fail independently, causing locks to engage and disengage on their own. Multiple actuators fail over vehicle lifetime. Three separate door lock actuators have failed on one vehicle with less than 78,000 miles.
When: Less than 78,000 miles. Failures are intermittent.
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks lock and unlock independently while driving; Door lock actuators fail (3 replacement instances reported on single vehicle)
Repairs/costs cited: Door lock actuators replaced (3 instances on one vehicle). Customer reports this as recurring failure pattern.
Throttle Sticking / Reduced Engine Power / Cruise Control Hesitation
Throttle sticks intermittently. Vehicle does not decelerate as quickly as expected when disengaging cruise control. Vehicle hesitates to respond properly. Reduced engine power warnings occur. Dealer unable to diagnose or reproduce issues.
When: One narrative at 11,800 miles with unknown failure occurrence. Issues intermittent.
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle sticks at times; Vehicle does not decelerate properly when cruise control disengaged; Vehicle does not stop as fast as expected; Reduced engine power
Codes mentioned: REDUCED ENGINE POWER light
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealer unable to diagnose or recreate failure.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Driving and all of a sudden traction control light came on along with stabili trak and reduced engine power. All power to engine gone and I see in Chevy forum this is common wth where is the recall?? Oh only 43,000 miles too
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 16,615 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,615; a quarter make it past 98,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.