2009 Chevrolet Suburban: common problems and reliability

The 2009 Chevrolet Suburban has 161 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag costly powertrain failures (lifters, oil pumps, fuel injectors, transmissions) on models under 100,000 miles. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2009 model year

161
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
1
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
63
electrical system
22
structure
19
engine
16
latches/locks/linkages
11

Recalls affecting the 2009 Suburban

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 21V052000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 21V053000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, a…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 21V050000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silve…

fuel system, gasoline

Campaign 09V154000

GM IS RECALLING 27,188 MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE HYBRID, ESCALADE ESV, AND ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, TAHOE HYBRID, AND COLORADO; AND GMC YUKON, YUKON HYBRID, YUKON XL, AND CANYON VEHIC…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and generation. Long-term owner reports for older generations (GMT400, GMT800, and early GMT900) frequently praise their durability, comfort, and capability as workhorse vehicles, with some considering the

  • Costly powertrain failures (lifters, oil pumps, fuel injectors, transmissions) on models under 100,000 miles. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Complex electrical and computer failures (PCM/ECM, battery/charging system issues, parasitic drains, complete vehicle shutdowns). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Persistent "rotten egg" sulfur smell from exhaust, potentially related to catalytic converter or fuel system. Frequency: isolated.
  • Air conditioning system failures (rear A/C, front blower motor, actuators). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Poor interior material quality and breaking plastic components. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Suburban.

Typical used price

Used Suburban listings typically run $19,995–$61,990 across 2008 to 2026 model years.

Other Suburban model years

2024 Suburban2020 Suburban2018 Suburban2015 Suburban2014 Suburban2011 Suburban2008 Suburban2007 Suburban2004 Suburban2001 Suburban2000 Suburban1996 Suburban
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