GM Recalls 320,000 Silverado & Sierra Trucks Over Airbag Risk – Is Yours Affected?
GM Recalls Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra for Safety Risk
General Motors (GM) has recently announced a major recall affecting hundreds of thousands of older Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. The issue? A potentially dangerous airbag inflator defect that could lead to serious injuries—or worse—in the event of a crash.
This recall is not just a precaution. It follows reports of incidents where airbags deployed with excessive force, potentially causing harm to occupants. For truck owners who rely on their vehicles for work and daily life, this development could have serious implications.
In this article, we’ll break down which models are affected, what the airbag issue is, how to check if your truck is part of the recall, and what steps GM is taking to fix the problem.
What’s the Airbag Issue in GM Trucks All About
At the center of the recall is a defective airbag inflator. Specifically, the front driver-side airbag in some older model Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks may contain a frontal airbag inflator that could rupture during deployment.
According to GM and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this inflator rupture can send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing injury or even death.
What makes this issue especially concerning is that it has already been linked to at least one fatal incident involving a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado. That’s why GM is urging owners to act fast and get the repair done as soon as possible.
Which Silverado and Sierra Models Are Being Recalled
GM’s recall applies to approximately 320,000 trucks in the United States, specifically the:
- 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
It’s worth noting that only certain light-duty versions of these trucks are affected, and not all vehicles from those years will be part of the recall. GM is working closely with dealerships and regulators to narrow down the exact list.
If you own one of these models, it’s important to check your VIN number on GM’s recall portal or the NHTSA recall site to confirm if your vehicle is included.
How Can You Check If Your GM Truck Is Affected
GM and the NHTSA have made it easy for truck owners to check whether their vehicle is impacted by this airbag issue.
You can do this by visiting:
Just enter your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the system will tell you if your truck is part of the recall. If it is, you’ll be guided on what steps to take next.
It’s completely free to check and to get the repair done at an authorized GM dealership.
What Will GM Do to Fix the Issue
GM has already started notifying affected owners by mail. Once your truck is confirmed as part of the recall, you will be eligible for a free replacement of the defective airbag inflator at a GM dealership.
The process is fairly quick and should take less than a few hours at most service centers. GM has stated that there will be no cost to the vehicle owner, even if the truck is out of warranty.
In addition, GM encourages owners to avoid driving the affected vehicle until the repair is complete, especially if your VIN is confirmed as part of the urgent recall batch.
Why This Recall Is So Important for Truck Owners
Airbags are supposed to save lives, not put them at risk. That’s why this recall is being taken so seriously by both GM and government regulators. Even though the affected vehicles are now 9–10 years old, they are still widely used across the country for work, towing, and daily transportation.
If you or someone in your family drives one of these models, getting the recall repair done could be a life-saving decision. Delaying it might put you and your passengers in unnecessary danger.
Has This Airbag Problem Happened Before with GM
This is not the first time airbag-related recalls have affected automakers. Over the past decade, millions of vehicles from various brands have faced similar issues involving faulty airbag inflators, especially those supplied by third-party vendors.
In this particular case, the inflator manufacturer was ARC Automotive, which has been under scrutiny for airbag ruptures in multiple brands. GM had previously resisted a broad recall involving these inflators, but the fatal incident in 2023 changed the equation, leading to this widespread action.
What Should You Do Next If You Own an Affected Truck
If you believe your truck might be on the recall list:
- Check your VIN immediately at GM or NHTSA’s recall portals.
- Schedule a free service appointment at your nearest authorized GM dealership.
- Avoid driving the truck until the repair is complete if your vehicle is confirmed as high-risk.
Even if you haven’t received a recall notice yet, proactively checking your truck’s status is the safest and smartest step.
Conclusion: GM Recall Is a Serious Safety Call – Don’t Ignore It
Whether you use your Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra for hauling, commuting, or family trips, this recall should not be taken lightly. A simple check and free repair could prevent a life-threatening event caused by a defective airbag.
GM has promised to handle all repairs efficiently, and the process is already in motion. Don’t wait for a letter or warning light—check now, stay safe, and spread the word to other truck owners who may not be aware.