The 2009 GMC Sierra 3500 has 5 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can explode and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator defect is the subject of multiple recalls covering different geographic regions, as high heat and humidity accelerate the degradation that leads to the explosion risk. On the electrical side, trucks equipped with an auxiliary battery have a fusible link that can melt and contact nearby wiring and components, raising the risk of a fire under the hood. There is also an equipment recall covering a fire extinguisher that may fail to discharge properly when needed.
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.
