General Motors is recalling 240 pickups in Canada and another 2,061 in the United States due to airbags that may wrongfully deploy when there hasn’t been an accident or crash. The affected vehicles in Canada include crew-cab models of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD; and 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD. However, south of the border, the heavy-duty pickups are also being recalled for the 2019 model year.
In documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), GM explains the affected airbag inflators are “located on the left- and right-side roof rails above the headliner.” These airbags may have a defect that can cause the inflator end cap to separate, or the inflator sidewall to split.
If that happens, compressed gas can escape, propelling the end cap into the car, which can ultimately injure any occupants. The company also noted the inflator can rupture without occupants in the vehicle, as GM is aware of at least one instance in which that occurred.
GM will notify owners by mail and advise them to take their vehicle to a dealership to have both side curtain airbag modules replaced, free of charge.
You can also check online at Transport Canada, using your VIN, to see if your SUV is affected. Transport Canada’s number for the GM recall is 2024-595, while the manufacturer’s recall number is N242474500.
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