Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2009 GMC EnvoyRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints for the 2009 GMC Envoy. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (6) and engine (4). The EPA rates it 16–17 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
16–17mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
17
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 GMC Envoy as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
17 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2010 – Jan 2024
- Exterior lighting6
- Engine4
- Electrical system4
- Power train2
- Steering2
- Air bags1
- Wheels1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Exterior lighting
6 reports
“FOR 5 MONTHS THE HEADLIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO, THE FIRST COUPLE MONTHS THEY WERE WORKING MORE THAN NOT, LAST COUPLE MONTHS THEY WERE NOT WORKING MORE THAN THEY DID WORK.”
Engine
4 reports
“The contact owns a 2009 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service stabili-trak warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle filed accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the battery was drained. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times previously. The contact stated the battery was charged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a peracetic battery drain, the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.”
Electrical system
4 reports
“HEADLIGHT DRIVE MODULE (HDM) CONTROLS BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THIS RELAY HAS FAILED ON ME TWICE IN LESS THAN A YEAR, AT NIGHT RESULTING IN GOING DOWN THE ROAD WITH NO LIGHTS AND UNABLE TO SEE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY GOING 55 MPH AT NIGHT”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl · 4.2L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Envoy 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Envoy 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Envoy 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Envoy 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 GMC Envoy as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 5043
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2009 Envoy questions
How many recalls does the 2009 GMC Envoy have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2009 GMC Envoy problems?
Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (6), engine (4), electrical system (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 GMC Envoy get?
The EPA rates the 2009 GMC Envoy at 16–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026