General Motors (GM) has once again placed the spotlight on safety with the latest developments in the ongoing GM Silverado Sierra airbag recall. As of July 2025, new recall actions and investigations continue to affect thousands of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, with the focus squarely on airbag defects that could pose serious risks to drivers and passengers.
Latest News on the GM Silverado Sierra Airbag Recall
In June 2025, GM announced a fresh recall targeting certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500 and 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, and Silverado 3500 models. This action follows a series of airbag-related recalls over the past several years, underscoring the automaker’s ongoing challenge to ensure the safety of its most popular trucks.
The core issue involves the roof rail airbag inflators. These components, located above the headliner on both sides of the cabin, may contain a manufacturing defect that can cause the inflator end cap to separate or the inflator sidewall to split. When this happens, compressed gas can escape, and the end cap or other components may be forcefully propelled into the vehicle’s interior. This malfunction could result in serious injury to occupants—even if the vehicle is parked and unoccupied.
Key Point Summary:
- Recall affects: 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500.
- Defect: Roof rail airbag inflator may rupture, sending parts into the cabin.
- Risk: Injury to occupants, even when the vehicle is not in motion.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace both left and right roof rail airbag modules at no cost.
- Owner notification: Letters sent to affected owners, with instructions to schedule repairs.
Background: The Ongoing GM Silverado Sierra Airbag Recall Saga
This is not the first time Silverado and Sierra models have been impacted by airbag recalls. Since 2020, GM has issued multiple recalls for various airbag defects, including the infamous Takata airbag inflator crisis, which affected millions of vehicles across the industry. The Takata recall stemmed from inflators that could degrade over time, especially in humid and hot environments, potentially causing them to explode and send metal fragments into the cabin.
In 2021, GM recalled over 410,000 Silverado and Sierra trucks from the 2015 and 2016 model years for similar roof rail airbag issues. The automaker responded to reports of inflators rupturing in parked, unoccupied vehicles—a problem traced to moisture and temperature fluctuations causing corrosion inside the inflator.
Recent Recall Details: What’s New in 2025
The most recent recall, announced in late June 2025, is distinct from the Takata crisis but shares a similar risk profile. The affected vehicles were manufactured with inflators that could fail without warning, even if the vehicle hasn’t been in a crash. GM has confirmed at least one incident where an inflator ruptured while the truck was parked and empty.
Dealers have been instructed to replace the faulty airbag modules free of charge. Owner notification letters are being sent out, and GM encourages all affected owners to schedule repairs promptly. The company has also set up hotlines and online tools for checking recall status using the vehicle identification number (VIN).
How to Check If Your Silverado or Sierra Is Affected
Owners can quickly determine if their truck is included in the GM Silverado Sierra airbag recall by:
- Visiting the official GM Owner Center or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
- Entering their 17-digit VIN to see if there are any open recalls.
- Contacting Chevrolet or GMC customer service for direct assistance.
Why the Recall Matters: Safety First
Airbag recalls are always taken seriously due to the life-saving role these devices play in a crash. However, a defective airbag can turn a safety feature into a hazard. The risk of inflator rupture—especially when the vehicle is parked—makes this recall particularly urgent. GM stresses that even if you haven’t experienced any issues, it’s critical to act immediately if your vehicle is affected.
What Owners Should Do Next
- Check your VIN: Use GM’s recall lookup or NHTSA’s tool to see if your truck is part of the recall.
- Schedule a repair: If affected, contact your local dealership to arrange a free replacement of the airbag modules.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye out for official notifications from GM and monitor updates on the recall process.
Table: Recent GM Silverado Sierra Airbag Recall Timeline
| Date | Models Affected | Issue | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | 2018-2019 Silverado 2500/3500, Sierra | Roof rail airbag inflator rupture | Replace airbag modules |
| July 2021 | 2015-2016 Silverado/Sierra 1500-3500 | Roof rail airbag inflator rupture | Replace airbag modules |
| 2020-2021 | Multiple Silverado/Sierra models | Takata inflator rupture risk | Replace inflators |
Looking Ahead: GM’s Commitment to Safety
GM has reiterated its commitment to customer safety, promising transparency and rapid response to any new issues that arise. With millions of Silverado and Sierra trucks on the road, the automaker is under pressure to ensure every affected vehicle is repaired swiftly and effectively.
If you own a GM truck, don’t ignore recall notices—schedule your repair as soon as possible to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Stay updated by checking your VIN regularly, and encourage fellow truck owners to do the same.
Take action now: Check your Silverado or Sierra for open recalls and book your free repair appointment today to ensure your vehicle’s safety.