GM Recalled Chevrolet and GMC Trucks Over Airbag Defect

Owners of certain 2016 and 2017 crew-cab trucks should watch for notices regarding a faulty airbag inflator replacement.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Trucks

Isometric editorial illustration of a cylindrical metal airbag inflator canister, rendered in matte muted tones, symbolizing mechanical vehicle components.
General Motors is recalling over 1,500 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks to replace faulty roof rail airbag inflators that may rupture. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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General Motors has issued a recall for 1,559 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra crew-cab trucks due to a defect in the roof rail airbag inflator. No injuries have been reported, but the inflator end cap may rupture under specific conditions.

Why it matters

This recall addresses a manufacturing flaw in the airbag canister that could compromise the metal shell and lead to unexpected ruptures. Timely repairs are necessary to ensure the long-term safety and performance of the vehicle's supplemental restraint systems.

The recall affects 1,559 vehicles produced between April 30, 2016, and May 11, 2016, involving inflators from production lot number B116B. General Motors will replace the roof rail airbag modules at no cost to vehicle owners.

The players

General Motors

A major American automaker known for its diverse lineup of trucks and SUVs, including the Silverado and Sierra series.

Joyson Safety Systems

A global automotive safety supplier that provides advanced restraint systems, including the roof rail airbags involved in this recall.

The details

The defect originates from moisture trapped inside the inflator after the manufacturing washing process, which facilitates stress-corrosion cracking over time. This internal pressure can eventually cause the end cap of the inflator to rupture. Owners of affected trucks will have these roof rail airbag modules replaced by authorized service centers to resolve the issue.

Timeline

  1. Affected trucks were produced from April 30, 2016, through May 11, 2016.

  2. A vehicle owner reported an airbag inflator rupture in July 2026.

  3. General Motors inspected the failed vehicle in August 2026.

  4. Customer notifications are scheduled to be mailed by November 9, 2026.

The Home Front

This action highlights the ongoing industry challenge of ensuring long-term hardware reliability in supplemental safety systems. It aligns with historical trends where moisture ingress in metal inflator canisters requires corrective manufacturer recalls years after initial vehicle assembly.

Check your vehicle's production date to determine if it falls within the April 30 to May 11, 2016, window. If your truck is impacted, contact a certified dealership to schedule the airbag module replacement once you receive your official notification.

The takeaway

Vehicle owners should be proactive about tracking safety recalls for their primary household transportation. Keep your current address updated with the manufacturer to ensure you receive critical repair notices for your specific vehicle identification number.

Further reading

For more information on maintaining your vehicle's safety features and staying updated on manufacturer campaigns, visit Trucks.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Autoevolution.

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Should automakers be required to fix safety defects in vehicles that are a decade old?