Chevrolet and GMC recalled 1,658 large pickups because inflators for their roof rail airbags can fail, sending fragments flying into the cabin like shrapnel.
The recall applies to some, but not all, crew cab versions of the:
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- 2019 GMC Sierra 2500
- 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- 2019 GMC Sierra 3500
Airbags work thanks to inflators — small metal capsules of gases that, when triggered, squirt out a nozzle to quickly fill an unfolding airbag.
The company tells federal safety officials that inflators from a single lot used for the roof rail airbags of some large pickups “may contain a manufacturing defect that may result in inflator end cap separation or inflator sidewall split.”
If that happens, “the compressed gas will escape from the inflator and the end cap or other components can be propelled into the vehicle, potentially causing an occupant injury.”
The company is aware of only one incident in an empty truck, but has decided to recall the entire lot of inflators out of an abundance of caution.
Dealers will replace the inflators to fix the issue.
As with all recall repairs, the fix is free. Manufacturers attempt to contact every owner but don’t always reach them all with the news. Find out if your car has any outstanding recalls at our recall center.
