General Motors has issued a recall for 2,061 full-size and heavy-duty trucks because their headliner airbags can deploy without an accident.
Recalled models include crew cab, but not regular cab or double cab versions of the:
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2018-2019 GMC Sierra 2500
- 2018-2019 GMC Sierra 3500
The company tells federal safety officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that airbag inflators “located on the left- and right-side roof rails above the headliner may contain a manufacturing defect that may result in inflator end cap separation or inflator sidewall split.” If that happens, “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 inflators can rupture even in an empty car. GM says it knows of at least one inflator that “ruptured while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied.”
Similar to an Earlier Ram Recall
GM says it learned of a similar incident in another manufacturer’s vehicles using airbag inflators from the same supplier. Paperwork filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration doesn’t identify that manufacturer. But the case sounds similar to a 2021 recall involving some Ram pickups.
Dealers will replace the roof rail airbag modules to fix the problem.
Automakers attempt to reach every owner with news of a recall but do not always succeed. It’s always worth checking to see whether your car has any safety recalls you haven’t addressed. Recall repairs are always free, and dealerships will always perform them even if a vehicle was recalled years ago. Check for any outstanding safety issues in your car with our easy recall center.
