The 2009 Sierra 1500 lasts over 250,000 miles with only some dashboard and alternator problems. At $8,530 – 18,830, it’s a good value for a strong, reliable truck.
Is the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 a Good Used Truck?
- Yes, 2009 is a good year for the Sierra. Owner reviews enjoy the truck’s towing capacity, comfortable suspension, and strong engines.
- Reliability ratings are above average. Trucks from 2005–2013 are all good, with a surge in problems reported for 2014.
- Performance is poor from the base V6, but the largest V8 is one of the most powerful engines available for a truck.
- The Sierra 1500 is a very safe truck, earning a perfect 5 star rating in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is okay for a truck at up to 17 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Sierra 1500?
- Consumer Reports says the Sierra has a very good fit and finish, but owner satisfaction is below average.
- Edmunds gives the Sierra a 4.1/5 liking the quiet cabin, but disliking the lack of interior storage.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Sierra 4.6/5 and enjoy the hauling capabilities, but say there are too many engine choices.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Have?
The most common complaints on the 2009 Sierra 1500 include cracked dashes, worn-out alternators, and excessive oil consumption.
Cracked dashboards show up on a lot of trucks in the first 70,000 miles. Many owners simply install a dash cover costing under $100. Some choose to replace the dash, which costs over $1,000.
Alternator failures happen often at around 50,000 miles. Replacing the alternator fixes the problem, but prices are high at about $600.
Excessive oil consumption shows up according to owners at around 55,000 miles. Most owners check the oil regularly and top it off as needed. Some replace seals and valves in the engine, which can cost around $2,000.
There are 5 fairly minor recalls covering the heated windshield washer module and air bags, which are not a big concern when they’ve been replaced.
How Long Will the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Last?
A well-maintained 2009 Sierra 1500 will last over 250,000 miles, similar to other full size rivals like the Dodge Ram 1500. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a big truck according to Repair Pal at $649 per year.
Most 2009 Sierras will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace items including the control arms for $500, A/C expansion valve costing $250, and the mass airflow sensor which costs $220.
No problems whatsoever I haven't replaced not one single part it's just now starting to break in got a lot of life left.
Nope. Just general wear and tear. I bought it pre owned but it had super low miles and was well taken care of.
Has no issues that I know of. I have kept up on the maintenance and it is a reliable truck. There is nothing that I know needs of repair.
It is very reliable, have not had many problems that could not be fixed quickly, change the oil every 3000 miles and have filter check and belts, did have problem with rotary on one side, and have had to replace battery after 10 years.
How Much Is the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Worth?
Blue book values range from $8,530 – 18,830, making the Sierra around $1,000 cheaper than a Chevy Silverado 1500 or Nissan Titan. When new, the price range was $19,375 to $47,675. Depreciation is similar to other big trucks, losing around 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Sierra 1500?
There are five models of the 2009 Sierra available. Technology was last updated for the 2007 model year, with a new infotainment added in 2010.
Work Truck is a stripped-down model focused on fleet sales and has:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Air Conditioning
- Vinyl Seating
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System with 3.5mm AUX Input
SL is an entry-level consumer truck with:
- Upgraded 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Bench Seating
- Keyless Entry & Power Windows
- Improved 6-Speaker Stereo System
SLE is a step up adding features such as:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
SLT is a popular choice that has:
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Remote Start System
- Wood & Metallic Dash Trim
- Bose Stereo System
Denali is the flagship luxury model and adds:
- 18-Inch Polished Wheels
- Suspension Upgrades
- Premium Leather Seating
- More Chrome Exterior Trim
- Navigation
- Heated Steering Wheel
What Engines Come In the Sierra 1500?
- The base engine is a weak 4.3L V6 with only 195 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, which gets up to 17 MPG combined.
- A step up is the better 4.8L V8, which makes 295 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque while also getting up to 17 MPG combined.
- One of the most popular engines is the stronger 5.3L V8, which offers 315 horsepower and 338 lb.-ft. of torque, and gets up to 16 MPG combined.
- The flagship motor is the very powerful 6.2L V8 making 403 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque while getting up to 15 MPG combined. Towing performance is great at up to 10,500 pounds when properly equipped.
What Colors Does the Sierra 1500 Come In?
How Big Is the Sierra 1500?
The 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 series is similar in size to the Toyota Tundra and Dodge Ram 1500. There are three cabins available including a 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and 4-door crew cab. Passenger room is excellent in the crew cab, but cramped in the rest.
How Does the Sierra 1500 Compare to the Competition?
The Ford F-150 is a popular rival that starts at about $1,000 less. Off-road performance is better in the F-150, but the Sierra has a more luxurious interior. We recommend the F-150 since it lasts slightly longer, but both are well-made trucks.
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is another competitor costing about $1,000 more. Both trucks are built on the same platform, but the Sierra has a better suspension and a higher quality interior. We recommend the Sierra since it’s more affordable and comfortable.
Do Owners Recommend the GMC Sierra 1500?
Yes it's been a great truck no problems whatsoever since I purchased it of the lot got 150,000 and still strong.
Yes it is. I had a GMC pickup and switched to a Chevy Silverado. Worst mistake. As soon as I could I went back to the GMC. Love the brand.
Yes great vehicle, it is a great ride and fun to drive. I like all the extra features on it like the XM radio, power seats and windows. The rear view mirrors are great because they dumb down lights from cars behind you. Overall it is a great truck.
Very good, very reliable, built solid, rides smooth, is very comfortable, looks great, good power, good pickup on highway.