2009 Chevrolet Uplander

Introduction:

The 2009 Chevrolet Uplander is a minivan that offers a comfortable ride and ample space for passengers and cargo. It comes standard with a 3.9L V6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission, producing 240 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Additional engine and transmission options include:

• 2.8L V6: 182 horsepower, 188 lb-ft of torque
• 3.5L V6: 204 horsepower, 220 lb-ft of torque
• 6-speed automatic transmission

Owners appreciate the Uplander’s spacious interior and flexible seating arrangements, but some have experienced issues with its reliability.

Engine

3.9L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating engine, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: 11V216000
• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Illuminated oil pressure warning light, low oil pressure
  • Solution: Replace oil pressure sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noisy timing chain, engine performance issues
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner, possibly timing chain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.8L V6

• No Issues Found

3.5L V6

• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating engine, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $1800+
  • Recalls: 11V089001

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping gears, no forward or reverse gears
  • Solution: Replace transmission solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: 11V052000
• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or slipping during acceleration, overheating
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose or worn bushings, rattling noise, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace front lower control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Sway Bar Links Broken:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from rear suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace rear sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery discharges quickly, dimming lights, difficulty starting
  • Solution: Inspect electrical system for parasitic draw, replace battery if necessary
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery warning light illuminated, electrical system fails
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: 11V054000

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Cracked Sunroof Glass:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof glass breaks or cracks
  • Solution: Replace sunroof glass
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Seat Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seat does not adjust, makes noise
  • Solution: Replace power seat motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per seat
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Chevrolet Uplander has some significant issues to watch out for, primarily with the engine and transmission. The 3.9L V6 is prone to intake manifold gasket failure, oil pressure sensor failure, and timing chain tensioner failure. The 3.5L V6 may experience head gasket failure, while the 4-speed automatic transmission can suffer from solenoid and torque converter issues. The Uplander also has a few known electrical problems, such as battery drain and alternator failure. While the interior and exterior are generally reliable, some owners have reported cracked sunroof glass and power seat motor failure. Overall, the Uplander is not the most reliable vehicle in its class, and potential buyers should be aware of these common issues. The severity of the issues varies, but some can be costly to repair.