947 of the
11,357 complaints filed about the GMC Sierra 1500
are about the airbag system —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
I was in a rollover accident on June 26th 2025 in my boyfriends 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 where we flipped 5 and a half times. The wheel separated from the rim. I will upload photos since I am unsure how to explain how the wheel damage is. During the crash the drivers air bags deployed but the passengers did not. When we finally landed we ended up on the roof. My boyfriend tried to unbuckle my seatbelt but it would not release. He ended up cutting my seatbelt and then at that time (approx 3 min after we landed) the passenger airbag deployed striking my boyfriend in the back, neck and head. Which knocked him out for approx 1 hour. My boyfriend had several open lacerations to his back, neck, head and his arms and metal pieces were imbedded in his skin. He also suffered other injuries like a fractured back, and several other medical problems.I got a severe concussion in which it has caused me severe headaches, memory problems and cognitive issues. Both of us have reduced quality of life.
NHTSA complaint #11756858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact is an attorney who was representing a client who owns a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at an intersection, the front end of the vehicle crashed into the side of another vehicle, where it came to a stop. The contact stated that the passenger side dash air bag ruptured, related to a Takata Inflator. The driver's side air bag deployed as well. The vehicle speed was undisclosed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. A police report was filed. Both the driver and passenger were injured in the accident. The injuries sustained were lacerations to the passenger's leg and hearing trauma to both the driver and passenger. It was unknown if the occupants of the other vehicle were injured. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11729458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. While traveling on a two-lane highway at approximately 55 MPH, another vehicle suddenly turned into the contact's lane, resulting in a severe frontal "T-bone" collision. The force of the impact caused the other vehicle to be propelled into a ditch, while the contact's vehicle remained on the roadway. Despite the significant nature of the crash and the speed involved, no air bags deployed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 218,000.
NHTSA complaint #11728045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH on bumpy terrain, the driver’s and passenger’s side curtain air bags deployed unexpectedly. No warning light was illuminated, and there was no impact to the vehicle to cause the air bags to deploy. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it remained for further investigation. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11722171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Following engine replacement per NHTSA for 6.2l GMC engine. I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (refresh body style). The vehicle has experienced repeated failures of driver-assist features and safety system warnings, including: Dash messages: “Lane Keeping Assist System Unavailable” and “Service Safety Restraint System.” When the fault occurs, driver-assist features including Adaptive Cruise Control become inoperative. The issue has recurred multiple times, including after repairs. After one event, the truck sat parked approximately 10 days and the battery discharged to failure and required replacement. A dealership visit documented DTC U3000 (“Internal Electronic Failure”) in the front view camera module. The dealer replaced/programmed/calibrated the front camera on 02/09/2026 at approximately 58,405 miles (invoice/RO #285795). The symptoms have recurred despite prior resets and this repair. I am concerned about loss of driver-assist functions while driving and the presence of a safety restraint system warning. Please investigate whether there is a defect related to the front camera/driver-assist systems and/or electrical module behavior that can cause repeat faults and battery drain on this model.
NHTSA complaint #11720688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a deer, causing significant damage to the front end. During the crash, no airbags deployed. The cause of the air bag's failure to deploy was not determined. The vehicle was repaired at the local collision center. Recently, while driving approximately 50 MPH, the driver pressed the brakes to decelerate before crashing into a deer. During the crash, the vehicle sustained minor damage to the front end, but all the air bags in the vehicle deployed, including the driver steering wheel air bag, the front passenger side air bag, the driver and passenger side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners, and the passenger side seat air bag. The driver's side seat airbag did not deploy. The contact suffered adverse effects of COPD due to the air bag powder during the deployment. No medical treatment was needed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The contact indicated that due to the minor damage to the vehicle during the crash, the air bag should not have deployed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center and was determined to be destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11715267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Early October my passenger side airbag deployed and I was sitting in the drivers seat and had just put the key into the key hole but did not turn the key to start the vehicle. 3 weeks later I was going into the passenger side of the vehicle and the key was in my pocket and the drivers side airbag deployed. Both times the vehicle was not started and the airbags deployed I called GMC and they had the vehicle towed to a dealer to investigate why the airbags deployed. They said it was a sensor that was corroded and that’s why the airbags deployed. I asked GMC, why didn’t the sensor left the driver know that it was going bad, just like it notifies the driver if you have low tire pressure or needs an oil change. I had no notifications that the airbags were going to deploy. I’m so grateful that no one was driving the vehicle when they deployed. GMC said the vehicle is not safe to drive so they had it towed from my house to the dealership and then back to my house however they said they are not taking responsibility for the deployment and said it’s my responsibility to get the airbags fixed. I told GMC that I was filing a complaint with you all. Thank you for looking into this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11697435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact about the disclaimer about the dashboard possibly being damaged. The dealer informed the contact that there were no loaner vehicles, but then called back and offered a loaner. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a clai,m and referred the contact to another local dealer. The contact called the other local dealer, Ferman Chevrolet of Tarpon Springs (43520 US Hwy 19 N, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689), who confirmed there was a disclaimer related to the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11691910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 1995 N/A GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after parking, turning the vehicle off, and exiting, the vehicle suddenly rolled forward, down a slight incline, and crashed into another parked vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted regarding the failure. In addition, while making a left turn into an intersection, a second vehicle crashed into the front of the vehicle. During the crash, no air bags deployed. The contact sustained injuries to both the shoulder and the chest. No medical treatment was required. A police report was filed at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. No further information was available. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 4,000.
NHTSA complaint #11688357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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.
NHTSA complaint #11683498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have contacted Blaise Alexander in muncy pa 17756 in 2020 or 2021 and they told me that the part was on back order they would contact me when the part has come in 5 years later they still have not contacted me I have reached out by phone through email and Facebook messenger to set up a time to fix my 2008 gmc sierra and haven’t heard anything well last week my service air bag soon light came on and I am very nervous about that so I will not drive the truck I would like to file a formal complaint and have this taken care of please
NHTSA complaint #11682073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My rear driver side door electric harness failed only two years after owning vehicle. This disables everything, including the side airbag putting passengers at risk. Most recently (2024), my radio harness failed causing ALL functions regarding infotainment system to be obsolete. Multiple electric issues and no recalls to be seen.
NHTSA complaint #11667176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving down the road on way home from work airbags blew out. The one in the steering wheel and the one on the passenger side. It busted windshield on passenger side. Shards of stuff all over dash on passenger side. That airbag popped 2 times.
NHTSA complaint #11666843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
• The airbag system failed to deploy during a collision that resulted in the total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was operating with a 17” spare tire (undersized compared to the standard 20” wheels), which may have contributed to the accident. The vehicle has been totaled and is currently in the possession of the insurance company, but may be available for inspection upon request. • Despite the severity of the collision, none of the airbags deployed, which could have resulted in serious injury if the circumstances were different. The use of an undersized 17” spare tire may have affected the vehicle’s stability, braking, or performance, contributing to the crash. • No. The vehicle was declared a total loss and has not been evaluated for defect reproduction by a dealer or service center. However, I am aware of related recalls and lawsuits regarding both improper spare tire sizing and airbag non-deployment in 2020–2021 GMC Sierra models. • The vehicle has been inspected by the insurance company during the total loss evaluation. A police report was also completed at the scene of the accident. To my knowledge, the manufacturer (GM) has not inspected the vehicle at this time. • No. There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the crash. The vehicle gave no indication of any issue with the airbags or tire compatibility leading up to the accident. I was involved in an accident in my 2021 GMC Sierra. At the time, the vehicle was operating with a 17” spare tire installed, which I later discovered may be significantly undersized compared to the standard 20” wheels. During the crash, the impact was severe enough to total the vehicle, but none of the airbags deployed. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but I believe the non-deployment of the airbags represents a critical product safety defect. I’ve since learned that GM has recalled similar vehicles for incorrect spare tires, and that lawsuits have been filed regarding calibration issues.
NHTSA complaint #11664456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Airbag system did not deploy but smoke in cabin during a crash. Video of front, rear and inside cabin shows the rear end passenger side impact at an estimated 45-50 MPH. I saw smoke in cabin, disturbed with anxiety after crash waiting for bags to deploy accidentally. The airbag deployed red light illuminated notifying an airbag deployment. I received a GM message through the vehicle report application stating that my airbag system malfunctioned and I needed to take the vehicle to a service department for repair as soon as possible. This crash was a total loss of the GMC Sierra, this was how hard the vehicle was hit. Why did the airbag system smoke? Why did the airbags not deploy? Why did I receive a Malfunctioning Airbag system message from GMC? Video shows that if the airbag system would have deployed on the steering wheel I would have had less head and neck trauma when whipping backward and then forward.
NHTSA complaint #11648442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving a new 2024 GMC Sierra SLT (13,000), I received a prompt to SERVICE SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM. My airbag lamp also illuminated and is now on. Upon researching this issue, it refers to potential failure of seatbelts and/or airbags. I have an appointment tomorrow at the dealership to have them diagnose the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11641642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding Steering Airbag Trim and Steering Axle Issues Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding serious safety issues with my GMC vehicle. Specifically: 1.The steering airbag trim has begun to crack, which raises concerns about its structural integrity and potential interference with airbag deployment in the event of a collision. 2.The steering axle is making unusual noises due to loose bolts and worn bushings, posing a potential risk to steering control and overall vehicle safety. I recently took the vehicle to an authorized GMC dealership for inspection and repair. However, the dealership refused to address these issues despite their clear impact on safety and their apparent connection to manufacturing defects. Given the critical nature of these problems, I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate this matter thoroughly. These defects not only compromise the safety of the vehicle but also endanger the lives of the driver, passengers, and others on the road. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am happy to provide any additional information or documentation required for your investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11637373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
General Published an article about the Takata Airbag recall stating that the dashboard would be inspected prior to doing the recall work and if already cracked or damaged the dashboard would not be replaced. My dash board is like new with no damage or cracks. The dealer told me (contrary to this article) that if their service men damaged my dashboard while doing the recall replacement I would be responsible for any replacement even if my dashboard is in perfect condition prior to the work. I find this unacceptable and will not have my airbag replaced under these conditions. The dealer/GM should be responsible for any damage they cause during the repair.
NHTSA complaint #11632137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.