2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

The 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, towing capacity, and comfortable ride. Engine options included a 5.3L V8 (320 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque), a 6.0L V8 (366 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque), and a 5.3L V8 (310 hp and 338 lb-ft of torque). All engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Suburban’s passenger and cargo space, especially for families. However, common complaints include fuel economy (particularly with the larger engines), and some reliability issues.

Engine

5.3L V8 (LMG, LC9, LY5)

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: AFM is designed to deactivate cylinders to improve fuel economy. However, the AFM lifters can fail, leading to misfires, rough running, and potential engine damage. Symptoms include a ticking or knocking noise, check engine light, and reduced power.
  • Solution: Replace the failed lifters and potentially the camshaft. Some owners choose to delete the AFM system entirely to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, often linked to the AFM system. The vehicle burns an excessive amount of oil between oil changes, sometimes requiring frequent top-offs.
  • Solution: Replacing valve seals, piston rings, or performing an engine rebuild. Disabling the AFM system can sometimes help reduce oil consumption, but is not a guaranteed fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L V8 (L76, L92)

• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The oil pressure sensor can fail, causing inaccurate readings on the dashboard or triggering a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L60E 4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping and Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The 4L60E transmission is known to develop slipping issues, especially in higher mileage vehicles. This can manifest as delayed or harsh shifts between gears.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, leading to shuddering, stalling, or complete loss of power transfer.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Autoride Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Suburbans equipped with the Autoride suspension system (air suspension) can experience air leaks, compressor failure, or shock absorber failure. This can lead to a bouncy ride, uneven ride height, or the compressor running constantly.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty air springs, compressor, or shock absorbers. Some owners convert to a traditional coil spring suspension.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per component
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front End Clunking/Popping
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or sway bar links can cause clunking or popping noises in the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the worn suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The instrument cluster can experience various issues, including dead gauges, flickering lights, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuators can fail, causing the doors to not lock or unlock properly.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Hatch Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear hatch latch can fail, making it difficult or impossible to open the rear hatch.
  • Solution: Replace the rear hatch latch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC actuators control the flow of air through the vents. Failure can cause the temperature to be stuck on hot or cold, or air only blowing from certain vents.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty HVAC actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is a capable SUV with a few common problem areas. Engine issues, particularly related to the AFM system in the 5.3L V8, can be expensive to address. Transmission slipping and suspension problems are also potential concerns. Electrical and interior issues, while less severe, can still be inconvenient. Potential buyers should have a thorough inspection performed before purchasing to identify any existing or potential problems.