The 2009 GMC Sierra 3500 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a Takata-related passenger airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator defect is covered across multiple filings that together address vehicles registered in high-humidity states as well as those in other regions of the country. In all cases, the concern is the same: moisture exposure over time can cause the inflator to explode with too much force, turning airbag hardware into shrapnel during a deployment. Prior repair attempts under earlier campaigns did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why additional filings cover overlapping model years and geographic areas.
On the electrical side, trucks equipped with an auxiliary battery have a fusible link that can melt and contact nearby components, including wiring harness conduit and the electrical center cover, raising the risk of a vehicle fire. This recall only affects Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 trucks built with the auxiliary battery option.
There is also a recall covering certain fire extinguishers installed in these trucks. The extinguishers, which use either a plastic handle or a push-button indicator, may fail to discharge properly when needed, leaving occupants without a working tool to suppress a fire.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 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.
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.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer harness can allow too much electrical current to flow through the auxiliary battery circuit, causing the fusible link to melt.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the jumper harness with one that includes a 40 amp inline fuse and provide updated Owner Manual information.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
