The 2009 GMC Sierra 2500 has 4 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side front airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, with the potential to cause serious injury or death.
The three airbag recalls all describe the same underlying defect in the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator, and together they cover vehicles registered across a wide range of U.S. states and territories where humidity and temperature conditions can degrade the inflator over time. Because the filings cover different geographic regions, more than one may apply to a given truck depending on where it has been registered throughout its life. In any of these cases, the inflator can rupture violently rather than deploy normally, scattering sharp metal pieces toward anyone seated in the front of the vehicle.
The fourth recall involves fire extinguishers installed in certain Sierra HD trucks as optional or dealer-fitted equipment. The extinguisher, depending on handle type, may fail to discharge when activated, leaving occupants without a working suppression tool if a fire breaks out in or around the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may fail to deploy or deploy incorrectly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator contains a propellant that can degrade and rupture after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature swings.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to discharge, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may detach forcefully, potentially causing injury and making the extinguisher inoperable.
What the fix does
GM will provide a free replacement fire extinguisher from Kidde. Contact your vehicle manufacturer's customer service to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
