This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B0081 in the Sensing and Diagnostic Module and Passenger Presence Sensor modules. Technician should inspect the Sensing and Diagnostic Module and Passenger Presence Sensor powers, grounds, and communication circuits at all in line connectors for fully seated, backed out terminals, and proper terminal tension using the correct test probes.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 GMC Sierra airbags problems
severe 153 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
153
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
8crashes
11injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 153 airbags complaints filed for the 2007 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Airbags accounts for 45% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 153 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GENERAL MOTORS: DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT RESTRAINTS, AIR BAG (SIR) INDICATOR/LAMP ON WITH DTC(S) B0012, B0013, B0016, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 OR B0044 SET. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A LOOSE, MISSING, OR BROKEN CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE (CPA) RETAINER AT THE AIR BAG FOR THE SET DTC. INCLUDES TRAILBLAZER EXT. UPDATED 8/16/10. UPDATED 3/12/12.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GM: THE AIR BAG DOOR MAY BE WARPED OR NOT SIT FLUSH WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL/DASH.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗BUICK/CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC: AIRBAG LIGHT ON, DTC B0071 AND B0081 SET (DIAGNOSE AND REPLACE RIGHT FRONT SEATBELT BUCKLE, IF NECESSARY). UPON INVESTIGATION, THE TECHNICIAN MAY FIND DTC B0071 SET IN THE PASSENGER PRESENCE SYSTEM (PPS) AND A DTC B0081 IN THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTICS MODULE (SDM).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GMC/CADILLAC/CHEVROLET: AIR BAG READINESS LIGHT ON, SERVICE AIR BAG MESSAGE, INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) CORROSION (REPLACE SDM/CUT AND REMOVE CARPET PAD).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 GMC Sierra has been under multiple NHTSA airbag recall campaigns since May 2016 for defective Takata front passenger inflators that can rupture during deployment due to propellant degradation in hot climates. Owners consistently report the core problem: replacement parts remain unavailable, with many waiting 4 to 12 years after receiving recall notices. Dealerships repeatedly tell owners they cannot source components, and GM has provided no timeline for parts availability.
Multiple owners report the passenger airbag warning light stays illuminated for years. A 2019 complaint shows the warning light appearing and staying on every engine start. Some dealers have advised owners the vehicle is safe to drive despite the unresolved recall, while others simply say they'll call when parts arrive—which many have not.
A secondary issue emerges during recall repair attempts: dashboards crack or fracture when technicians remove them to access airbag inflators. Dealerships inform owners they are not responsible for dashboard damage and demand owners sign waivers accepting liability for replacement costs—one owner was quoted $760.60 out-of-pocket for dashboard damage allegedly caused during the recall work itself.
Owners also report actual airbag failures during crashes. One complaint describes an airbag that failed to deploy at 65 mph, leaving occupants injured by impact with steering wheel and ceiling. Another describes a driver-side airbag deploying without any collision at 20 mph, injuring the driver and causing a secondary crash. A third report details gas leaking from the airbag housing during a low-speed backing maneuver, along with seatbelts locking up.
One owner found no way to disable the passenger airbag to safely install a child car seat; GM corporate eventually indicated the procedure exists but requires contacting the manufacturer and completing a form—no standard dealer procedure appears available.
Same GMC Sierra airbags reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Takata Defective Airbag Inflators - Propellant Degradation
Front passenger airbag inflators supplied by Takata to GM suffer from propellant degradation over time, especially in hot and humid climates. Degraded propellant can cause inflators to rupture during deployment, creating serious or fatal injury risk. This is a component-level defect affecting multiple 2007-2008 GM vehicles.
When: 2007-2008 model years; degradation accelerates with long-term exposure to heat and humidity
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated or blinking; Passenger airbag warning light remaining on continuously; Warning light flashing intermittently
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V383000, NHTSA Campaign 16V381000, NHTSA Campaign 21V050000
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement airbag inflators required; parts have been unavailable since recall initiation in May 2016. Many owners report dealers unable to source replacement components even years after recall notice.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata issued defect notice; GM filed petition for inconsequentiality with NHTSA in 2016, granted extension to August 2017 to complete investigation. GM stated vehicles were safe to drive pending NHTSA decision. Multiple recall campaigns issued but remedy parts remained unavailable for extended periods.
Dashboard Cracking During Airbag Recall Service
During airbag inflator replacement under recall, dashboards are subject to cracking or fracturing. Dealerships have informed owners they are not responsible for dashboard damage incurred during the recall repair work, and owners would be liable for replacement costs.
When: Occurs during recall repair service on vehicles with pre-existing dashboard stress or deterioration
Symptoms owners cite: Large gaps and cracks in dashboard from windshield to front edge; Dashboard separation around airbag housing area; Cracking in center of dashboard around airbags; Dashboard cracks progressing over years of ownership; Sharp edges on cracked dashboard causing hand injuries to occupants
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 21V050000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers warn that dashboard removal for airbag access creates high risk of fracture; replacement dashboard costs $760+ if damaged during recall work. Some dealers required owners to sign waivers accepting liability for dashboard damage before performing airbag replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM dealerships refuse warranty coverage for dashboard damage during recall repairs. Some owners report GM stated in 2019 they would not be responsible for dashboard repairs.
Airbag Sensor and Wiring Faults Post-Repair
After dealer completion of airbag inflator replacement under recall, secondary electrical and sensor failures emerge. Passenger-side warning light fails to illuminate with occupancy, or airbag system diagnostic codes indicate sensor or module problems.
When: Appears after recall repair completion
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag warning light fails to illuminate when passenger seated; Dashboard airbag warning light remains illuminated; Airbag indicator blinking or flashing continuously
Codes mentioned: Sensing Diagnostic Module (SDM) sensor failure codes, Incorrect installation of equipment error codes
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnostic identified incorrect equipment installation. Dealers diagnosed SDM sensor failure requiring SDM reprogramming or replacement; secondary repair was not completed in reported case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged SDM failure diagnosis but did not complete secondary repair work.
Airbag Deployment Failures During Collision
Airbags fail to deploy during vehicle collisions despite vehicle being in motion. Occupants sustain impact injuries from steering wheel and vehicle structure instead of cushioning from airbag deployment.
When: During crash events; one case at 65 mph, another at 20 mph
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment upon vehicle impact; Occupant impact injuries from steering wheel and dashboard; Head impact with ceiling; Chest impact with steering wheel; Whiplash and back injury to passenger
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not diagnosed or repaired; owner did not seek dealer/manufacturer involvement in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement documented in provided complaints.
Inadvertent Airbag Deployment
Front driver-side airbag deploys without vehicle impact or collision, creating sudden injury risk and unexpected vehicle control loss.
When: At 20 mph during normal driving; battery warning light also illuminated at time of deployment
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deployed without impact or crash; Battery warning light illuminated at time of deployment; Vehicle struck barricade after inadvertent deployment; Occupant sustained concussion
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed; owner did not pursue repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of failure.
Airbag System Gas Leak
Airbag inflator housing develops pressurized gas leak without deployment. Loud noise and audible gas escape occur during low-speed backing maneuver.
When: At approximately 39,700 miles during backing at low speed
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from airbag housing area; Gas leaking from frontal airbags; Failure occurred without warning; Airbag warning indicator illuminated; Seatbelts locked up and rendered useless
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not driven or repaired; owner waiting for manufacturer response.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no documented response provided in narrative.
Passenger Airbag Off-Switch Unavailable or Unclear
2007 Sierra lacks ability to disable passenger airbag, or disable procedure is unclear. Makes front passenger installation of child safety seats unsafe, as airbag deployment could strike rear-facing child seat.
When: Identified when owner attempted to install child car seat in front passenger position
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag off-switch found on vehicle; Dealer and corporate initially stated no way to turn off passenger airbag; Safety concern with child car seat installation
Repairs/costs cited: GM corporate later indicated procedure exists but requires contact with manufacturer and form completion; dealer procedure not standard or communicated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM corporate (866-790-5600) stated airbag can be disabled but requires contacting manufacturer and completing form; procedure not clearly documented or accessible through dealers.
Synthesized from 153 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
Received initial recall notice concerning defective airbag inflators - issued in 2016 - and the recall notice still hasn't been repaired. Manufacturers recall number is #2049151; and due to the lack of repair I'm worried that a front seat passenger will be injured.
Air bag light problems with the GMC trucks had a professional diagnose the problem. Scanner codes," system configuration error" this is a common problem for these trucks gm needs to address, in a accident the air bag will not deploy. *dt*jb
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 GMC sierra 1500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). Keller motors (700 w Cadillac lane, hanford, ca 93230) confirmed that parts were not available to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH with his friend in the front passenger's seat, the vehicle crashed into the driver's side of another vehicle that was making a left turn. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that he hit his head against the ceiling, and hit his chest against the steering wheel, which caused him to have tense muscles…
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Sierra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (21V050000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 GMC sierra 1500. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called mossy of picayune (241 frontage rd, picayune, ms 39466, (601) 273-3595) and legacy Buick GMC (293 e howze beach rd, slidell, la…
Tl-contact owns a 2007 GMC sierra 1500 pickup truck .... Received recall letter two years ago for airbags... Spoke with gm and gm stated parts are not available to fix airbags..... 1recallsassociated with this VIN may 27,2016 manufacturer recall number2049152 NHTSA recall number 16v383 recall status recall incomplete, remedy not yet available summary takata corporation ('takata') has…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 GMC sierra 1500. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags), but the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to Buick GMC of vacaville (350 orange dr, vacaville, ca 95687, (707)…
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 GMC sierra. While backing out of the driveway, the contact heard a loud noise inside the vehicle followed by gas leaking from the frontal air bags. The failure occurred without warning. The air bags failed to deploy. The air bag warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and remained lit until the engine was turned off. The manufacturer was notified of…
The " service air bag" light comes on.
Had airbags trouble with your 2007 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2007 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 153 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 47 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 39,000 and 143,000 miles, with the median around 100,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,000; a quarter make it past 143,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/GMC/Sierra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.