1,559 Chevy and GMC Trucks Recalled After Airbag Inflator Ruptures Inside the Cabin

General Motors is recalling 1,559 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks built in 2016 and 2017 after discovering a defect that can cause roof-rail airbag inflators to crack and rupture, potentially sending metal fragments into the cabin.

The recall covers 2016 Silverado 1500 and HD trucks, along with 2016 Sierra 1500 and HD models. A small number of 2017 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 trucks are also included. The affected vehicles were built between April 30 and May 11, 2016.

According to NHTSA recall 26V611, only about 1 percent of the recalled trucks are estimated to have the defect. GM is nevertheless replacing the affected components across the entire recall population.

How the Airbag Inflators Can Fail

The problem involves manufacturing flaws in the roof-rail airbag inflators. A small crack in the inflator canister may be present, while water left inside after the manufacturing wash process can create another problem.

GM says the combination can lead to stress-corrosion cracking inside the inflator. Over time, the corrosion can weaken the canister wall. If the inflator ruptures, compressed gas can escape suddenly, potentially turning the end cap or other components into projectiles inside the passenger compartment.

The latest recall follows an earlier campaign involving a similar roof-rail airbag defect. GM previously addressed the issue under NHTSA recall 26V166, which was later expanded under recall 26V325. The new 26V611 filing covers another group of vehicles that was not included in those earlier recalls.

One Rupture Brought the Problem to GM's Attention

GM became aware of the latest defect after the owner of a 2016 Silverado 1500 contacted the automaker on July 20, 2026. The owner reported what appeared to be a rupture from the left-side roof-rail airbag shortly after driving began. The occupants later reported ringing in their ears.

GM inspected the truck on August 28 and found a split in the inflator sidewall, along with damage to the headliner and roof.

The automaker says it has not identified any other ruptures involving the same inflator lot, and no additional injuries have been reported.

The repair will require dealers to replace both the left- and right-side roof-rail airbag modules at no cost. GM plans to begin notifying owners on November 9, 2026. Owners can also check their vehicle identification number to determine whether their truck is included.

Which Silverado and Sierra Trucks Are Included?

The recall includes:

• 723 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks
• 292 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks
• 33 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks
• 2 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks
• 329 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks
• 145 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 trucks
• 33 2016 GMC Sierra 3500 trucks
• 2 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks

Total recalled: 1,559 trucks
Estimated defect rate: 1 percent
Production window: April 30-May 11, 2016
Owner notification begins: November 9, 2026

The latest filing adds to a series of recalls involving the third-generation Silverado and Sierra. That generation preceded the fourth-generation Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500, which arrived for the 2019 model year.

GM had already recalled about 80,000 vehicles across its lineup in 2026 before this latest campaign.

What Owners Need to Do

Owners of affected Silverado and Sierra trucks should watch for a recall notification or check their VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup system.

The repair is free, and dealers will replace both roof-rail airbag modules once the recall work begins.