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General Motors recalled select GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado trucks over an airbag safety issue.
GM Just Issued an Airbag Recall on 400,000 Trucks
General Motors is recalling over 400,000 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks due to a faulty roof-rail airbag inflator. An issue with the inflator end cap could allow compressed gas to escape, causing a rupture inside the cabin, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).
What models are affected?
The NHTSA says impacted vehicles are certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. Here’s the breakdown of the recalls:
- 222,890 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles
- 63,545 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 vehicles
- 95,284 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles
- 28,300 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles
The NHTSA traced parts in issuing this recall, identifying affected vehicles with parts that could be defective.
What’s the cause?
GM determined the cause as corrosion inside the inflator vessel, which was caused by moisture that was introduced into the vessel during the manufacturing process. It was then aggravated by thermal cycling in high-temperate climate regions.
GM and the NHTSA first became aware of this issue in mid-June 2021 when a RRAB inflator in three 2015 model year Silverado vehicles ruptured while the vehicle was unoccupied and not in use. One incident was in Florida and two were in Texas.
In all three cases, the steel inflator-body sidewall in the inflators split open, releasing the gas stored inside the chamber. After finding out about these incidents, GM’s Safety and Field Action Decision Authority conducted a safety recall.
What’s the fix?
If your truck is one of those that is recalled, dealers will replace the left and right-side roof-rail airbag modules for free. Owners will be sent letters through the United States Postal Service starting August 16, informing them of the safety risk. Unfortunately, a remedy isn’t available yet, so a second notice will be sent when the required fix is able to be completed.
Until then, the recalled new or used vehicles in dealers’ possession must be held and cannot be delivered to customers, dealer-traded, released to auction, used for demonstration purposes or put to any other use.
What should I do next?
You can routinely check your mailbox for a recall notice. Your truck may not be part of this recall, though, so you may never get a letter. Or maybe there’s an issue with your post office.
You don’t have to wait for that letter. You can check the NHTSA website to see if your truck has been recalled.
You’ll need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to search for this, or any other, recall on your vehicle.
You can also take a look at our guide – What to Do If You Get a Car Recall – for more information on how the recall process works.
What if I have more questions?
If you want more information about the recall or the required fix, you can contact GMC customer service, Chevrolet customer service or the NHTSA.
- GMC customer service: 1-888-988-7267 (GM’s number for this recall is N202324251)
- Chevrolet customer service: 1-800-222-1020
- NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).
