FaultScore

Chevrolet Silverado 3500 airbag problems

62 of the 1,453 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 are about the airbag system — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2008.

62

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

15

Crashes

0

Fires

Airbags complaints by model year

Median failure at 198,000 miles

Median failure at 31,060 miles

Median failure at 282,000 miles

Median failure at 25,000 miles

Median failure at 66,558 miles

Median failure at 202,456 miles

Median failure at 107,500 miles

Median failure at 100,000 miles

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Median failure at 19,000 miles

Median failure at 63,000 miles

What owners said

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Marysville, WA Crash

AIR BAGS

I have now been in 2 serious accidents that resulted in all other vehicles deploying airbags and being totalled, but mine have never deployed and it has been suggested there may be a recall for this

NHTSA complaint #11719502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Meadview, AZ 1 injured

AIR BAGS

on 7SEP 2025 @ 1100 While backing out of my driveway in my 2007 Chevy 3500, the vehicle’s airbag suddenly and unexpectedly deployed without any collision. The airbag struck me in the chest and left forearm, causing immediate injury. Since the incident, I have been experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. Prior to this incident, I had taken my truck in for service due to concerns about the airbag recall affecting certain GM vehicles. At that time, I was informed by the dealership that my truck was not included in the recall year range. Despite this, the airbag has now malfunctioned in a way that has caused me injury. I attempted to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the GM/Chevy Safety Office to report the matter, but both offices were closed at the time.

NHTSA complaint #11685558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 at 63,000 miles Bonney Lake, WA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact, who owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, reported an incident that occurred while driving at approximately 35 MPH. A semi-truck, backing out of a warehouse across three lanes, collided with the driver's side of the contact's vehicle, causing damage to the entire left side. Despite the impact, no airbags were deployed. The collision exacerbated the contact's existing lower back and spine injuries, necessitating medical attention and ongoing physical therapy. A police report was filed following the incident. Although the vehicle was not towed, it was taken to a collision center, which determined that repairs could be made as the frame was not damaged. The contact consulted with the dealer, who was unable to confirm whether the airbag sensors had activated or failed. The manufacturer has not been informed of this potential airbag system failure. The vehicle's mileage at the time of the incident was approximately 63,000.

NHTSA complaint #11683400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Saginaw, MI Crash

AIR BAGS

I was driving on freeway in rain, rear end of truck kicked out sideways due to hydroplane, I hit the cement median in the front of truck, spun around and the back end also hit median. I have $25,000 in damage and the frame is bent in 3 locations, however airbags didn't deploy. 1) Airbags didn't deploy, and yes available for inspection. 2) I think airbags should have gone off, all 4 of us hit our heads on something. 3) No, I mentioned it to them, but nothing has been done. 4) No inspection has been completed. 5) No, there were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure.

NHTSA complaint #11674207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Annville, PA

AIR BAGS

Tilt sensors, upper air bags deployed almost causing a catastrophic crash. I did report to gm but I have not received answers yet. Vehicle deployed air bags without warning.

NHTSA complaint #11601992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Shelton, WA 2 injured

AIR BAGS

Airbag and steering wheel problems. Neither driver's nor passenger's airbag deployed in a major crash. Our truck was hit by a fully loaded dump truck, speed unknown. Our driver had "mustang sign," bruising to chest. Passenger had seatbelt bruising. No warning lights or other indication was present to indicate that there was any problem with the airbags. We are the original owners and there was no previous use of, nor work done on the airbags. Steering wheel collapsed onto driver's legs, which we were told is common for adjustable steering wheels. Vehicle was totaled and is at junk yard. We have requested the collision report and can provide upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11544161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Shawnee, KS

AIR BAGS

Bought the truck in 2021. Replaced both outside mirrors during warranty. At about 44000 miles the passenger mirror malfunctioned again. The mirror resets to downward position and when you restart vehicle you need to readjust mirror each time. This is very dangerous especially while pulling the 5th wheel. Received a warning lite for a safety restraint failure. Took the truck to the dealer and was told the passenger side air bag was defective and it was a $1700 repair! Defective at 44000 miles? Are air bags only supposed to last such a short time? This is a serious safety issue that should be addressed and covered by all manufacturers warranties!

NHTSA complaint #11542477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Buda, TX

AIR BAGS

I took my Chevrolet Silverado in for the airbag recall, and when it was returned to me the passenger airbag sensor was set off on the dash. The recall work wad done at Capital Chevrolet, at 6200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78745. I asked them to fix the airbag sensor problem, and they looked at it and wanted to charge me to fix it. They said that "well it's a 2013 so it probably just went bad". I find it overly suspicious that it went bad IMMEDIATELY after conducting an airbag recall. They offered to repair the airbag issue, but only if I paid them the normal rate. How in the world does it it make sense for me to pay for a recall issue. There were NO issues with the airbags before I brought it in for the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11463919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Mankato, MN Crash

AIR BAGS

During snow removal the night of December 10, 2021 into the morning of December 11, 2021, vehicle was in reverse traveling approximately 10-20 mph (actual speed at impact is unknown). Upon impact with a tree in the rear of the truck, the airbag system in the vehicle was engaged. The seatbelts locked up, and the airbag chemicals in the steering wheel and front passenger airbag compartment were activated, however, none of the airbags physically deployed. Attached phots will show the source of impact. The frame is likely twisted. Additional photos attached show that the seat belts locked up and that the airbag system was engaged without deployment of bags. Currently working with Mankato Motors Co, 1815 Madison Ave, Mankato, MN 56001, with a phone number of 507-625-5641. Vehicle has not been inspected yet to provide full report of findings and damage assessment. Vehicle was drivable to move from incident location to my residents and current location of the vehicle is 638 Clay Ct., Mankato, MN 56001. Vehicle has been washed to show all damage and provide for ease of investigation and inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11443651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Bedford, WY

AIR BAGS

It is amazing to me that a recall is issued in March 2021 and nothing has been done yet and they still are building vehicles probably with defective equipment if there isn't a fix for this recall. GM recall # N212328800

NHTSA complaint #11438473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Olathe, KS

AIR BAGS

Airbag light on dash came up. I can't find the problem on the recall list

NHTSA complaint #11434335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 New Port Richey, FL

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number 21V051000 (Air Bags) however, upon contacting the dealer, he was informed that the repair might cause the dashboard to crack. The contact was then informed that he needed to sign a waiver to ensure that the dealer would not be held responsible for any damages to vehicle. The contact declined to sign the waiver and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11433572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Shawnee, OK

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11427687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 New Port Richey, FL

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, upon contacting the dealer, he was informed that the remedy may cause the dashboard to crack. The contact was then informed that he had to sign a waiver to ensure that the dealer would not be held responsible for any damages to vehicle. The manufacturer was then notified of the issue and confirmed that the dealer would not be held responsible for any cracks or damages to the dashboard. The contact declined to sign the waiver and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer should cover the cost of the dashboard because of the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11424343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Independence, WV

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was informed by the dealer that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11423955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Seattle, WA

AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11421016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Shelton, WA Crash 1 injured 1 killed

AIR BAGS

CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED AND THE HUSBAND PASSED AWAY.*JS*DT

NHTSA complaint #11407657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 at 100,000 miles Mansfield, OH Crash 1 killed

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COLLIDING INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT FIRM WHO DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SWITCH WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CASE-9-558-170-8379. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11268474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Linden, NC

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11255125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Huntington Beach, CA

AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT CONNELL CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 2828 HARBOR BLVD, COSTA MESA, CA 92626, (714) 786-5630, (706) 653-7420) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #11240701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems