General Motors Recalls Thousands of Silverado and Sierra Trucks Due to Airbag Defect

General Motors, LLC is initiating a safety recall for nearly 2,800 model year 2018 and 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. According to information submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a defect in the roof-rail airbag inflators could lead to serious occupant injury in the event of a crash. The recall affects specific production dates within the 2018 and 2019 model years for several Silverado and Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 series trucks.

The safety concern centers on the roof-rail airbag (RRAB) inflators, which are positioned above the headliner on the left and right sides of the vehicle. GM has identified a potential manufacturing defect within these inflators that could cause the end cap to separate or the inflator sidewall to rupture. Such a failure would result in the release of compressed gas and potentially propel the end cap or other components into the vehicle’s cabin. The severity of this risk is heightened by the possibility of occupant injury if the vehicle is occupied during the event.

The root cause of this defect is believed to stem from two concurrent issues originating with a supplier. A small crack in the inflator canister, introduced during the manufacturing process, combined with residual moisture left in the canister after a washing procedure, can lead to stress corrosion cracking over time. This process weakens the structural integrity of the pressurized canister, increasing the likelihood of rupture or end cap separation. While GM is not aware of other similar inflator ruptures from this specific lot, the potential for such an event has prompted this widespread recall.

The recall encompasses 59 units of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 1,512 units of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 891 units of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 236 units of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 31 units of the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500, and 56 units of the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500. These figures represent the total number of potentially involved vehicles, with an estimated 1% of these vehicles actually possessing the defect. The vehicles in question were manufactured between October 3, 2018, and October 27, 2018, for certain models, and October 8, 2018, and October 23, 2018, for others. This recall serves as an expansion to a previous recall, NHTSA Recall Number 26V166, by including an additional inflator production lot.

Owners of the affected vehicles are advised not to drive their trucks and to park them outside. The remedy for this defect involves the replacement of both the left and right side roof-rail airbag modules by authorized dealers. The replacement parts were manufactured outside of the supplier’s identified suspect production window, ensuring they do not share the same potential defect. Owners will be notified by mail starting on July 6, 2026, regarding the availability of the remedy. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will be searchable for recall status beginning May 21, 2026. General Motors will utilize its general reimbursement plan on file for any expenses incurred by owners prior to the recall notification.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from General Motors, LLC.

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