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 ↗2008 GMC Sierra airbags problems
severe 266 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
266
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
12crashes
13injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 266 airbags complaints filed for the 2008 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Of the 17 model years of GMC Sierra we track for airbags problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 266.
Airbags accounts for 57% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
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 2008 GMC Sierra shows recurring airbag system failures spanning sensor corrosion, unintended deployment, and a prolonged Takata recall with no remedy. Owners report service airbag lights coming on at low mileage (57,000 miles and up) due to front sensor corrosion; dealerships cite factory over-tightened bolts and weather exposure as the cause, with replacements running $317–$550 per sensor. Multiple owners hit modest potholes or came to a stop at traffic lights and experienced side or frontal airbag deployment without impact—one owner told by GM that potholes alone are sufficient to trigger stability-loss deployment. Three owners had airbags deploy while the vehicle sat parked and off, including one that cracked the windshield. A major Takata front passenger airbag recall (NHTSA 16V381/16V383) was issued in May 2016, but owners report calling dealers repeatedly through 2017–2018 with parts still unavailable; some received Takata bankruptcy notices while their vehicles remained unrepaired. Dashboard cracks around the airbag compartment are widespread, exposing sharp plastic edges owners fear could injure occupants during deployment. One owner's frontal airbags failed entirely during a multi-vehicle collision at 65 mph due to a defective wire harness module, causing serious injuries. Repair costs run from diagnostic fees ($90–$133) to $2,700 for deployment damage and thousands more for combined airbag and belt replacement. GM has typically declined warranty coverage on sensor failures and declined liability for unintended deployments deemed "proper operation."
Same GMC Sierra airbags reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended airbag deployment
Side, driver, or passenger airbags deploying without impact, collision, or rollover. One owner hit potholes on dry road at low speed; another stopped at a traffic light; another sleeping driver crashed into 8 vehicles but airbags still deployed separately. Includes deployment while vehicle parked and turned off.
When: Between 22,000 and 138,000 miles; one occurred while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deployed without warning or impact; Vehicle not involved in collision or rollover; Windshield cracked by airbag deployment while parked; Seat belt locks engaged after deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Owners reported $2,700 repair cost for one deployment; another had to replace airbag at body shop; repair parts on backorder in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM supervisor stated deployment was functioning properly; GM determined pothole impact sufficient to trigger stability loss; investigation determined no merit to allegations; some cases referred to insurance; manufacturer declined responsibility in some cases; one case offered vehicle buyback
Airbag sensor failure and corrosion
Front driver or passenger airbag sensors failing or showing corrosion without collision. Dealers report bolts tightened too far at factory causing sensors to crack and collect moisture. Sensors reported as faulty when no impact occurred.
When: 57,000 miles; up to 128,907 miles; occurs across model years without pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light illuminates; Sensor diagnosed as corroded; Sensor cracked from over-tightened factory bolts; Moisture collection in sensor housing
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic costs $132.93 to $132; sensor replacement $317 to $550 per sensor; over $200 per sensor quoted for replacement; labor additional; owners state not covered by warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused recall; stated sensors located in area subject to weather exposure; no TSB or warranty coverage offered; no design relocation despite owner requests
Takata airbag recall parts unavailability (16V381/16V383)
Owners received NHTSA recall notification 16V381000 and 16V383000 for defective Takata front passenger airbag inflators, but parts remain unavailable for extended periods. Recall issued May 2016; as of narratives (dates through 2018+), parts still unavailable. Multiple dealers confirm no remedy available.
When: Recall notices issued 2016; unresolved through 2017-2018+
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light illuminates; Owner receives recall notice but cannot schedule repair; Dealership states parts unavailable; No estimated date for remedy availability
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 16V381000, NHTSA 16V383000, NHTSA 21V050000, GM 2049151
Repairs/costs cited: Repair never completed in any narrative; Takata bankruptcy filing received by owners; one case GM claimed repair completed by adjusting temperature without vehicle being taken to dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata Recall 2049151/16V381; GM filed petition for inconsequential with NHTSA; granted extension until August 2017 to investigate; owners advised remedy not available; GM claims VIN not included in some cases despite owner VIN tool showing vehicle at risk; dealer offered loaner in one case; one owner referred to disengage airbag via help line
Service airbag warning light—intermittent or undiagnosed
Service airbag light comes on and off intermittently or stays on steady. Dealers unable or unwilling to diagnose without $90 diagnostic fee; some report module issue disabling airbags; root cause not identified in narratives.
When: Sporadic illumination; one case 1 year post-purchase, another 2014, dates vary
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag light illuminates intermittently; Service airbag light stays on continuously; Warning light reappears after temporary resolution; Airbags disabled due to module fault
Repairs/costs cited: $90 diagnostic fee quoted; independent shop unable to repair, referred to GM dealer; repair not completed in narratives provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some dealers covered by partial recall for 2008 models but not all; GM customer service offered no support; dealers claim unable to repair without GM authorization
Dashboard cracking around airbag compartment
Dashboard cracks develop around passenger airbag compartment, exposing sharp plastic edges. Owners report cracks appear after vehicle parked in sun or without apparent impact. Concern that sharp plastic or plastic shards from cracked dash could injure occupants during airbag deployment.
When: Cracks observed 2010 onward; timing variable, some after parking
Symptoms owners cite: Cracks in upper dash panel around instrument panel and airbag compartment; Sharp plastic exposed at crack edges; Cracks run from center toward windshield across to airbag area
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost quoted at $1,200; owners unable to afford repair; affects vehicle resale value
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged safety concern in phone call; dealer confirmed awareness of defective dashboards and similarities across multiple owner complaints; no recall issued; no repair program offered
Airbag deployment failure in collision
Driver fell asleep at 65 mph, crashed into 8 vehicles. Frontal airbags failed to deploy despite impact. Driver sustained head, neck, and back injuries. Vehicle destroyed.
When: 22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment on frontal impact; Defective wire harness module identified as cause
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; investigator assigned to inspect wreckage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed contact that windshield washer fluid sensor recall was related; wire harness module defective; defect should have prevented vehicle sale until repaired; claim investigator assigned
Water damage to airbag modules
Water intrusion into airbag modules located beneath front seats, causing short circuits and unintended deployment. One case resulted in airbag deployment while vehicle parked with engine off, cracking windshield.
When: 38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water damage detected in modules under driver and passenger seats; Short circuit caused by water intrusion; Unintended airbag deployment while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement parts on backorder; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; parts unavailable for repair
Seat belt lock-up after airbag deployment
After airbags deploy, driver or passenger seat belts lock and cannot be used. Reported in two cases following unintended deployment events.
When: During unintended deployment events
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt remains locked after airbag deployment; Occupant unable to exit vehicle or release belt
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost approximately $6,000 reported in one case; combined with airbag replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No remedy offered in narratives
Synthesized from 266 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 12 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra 1500. While the vehicle was parked, the front passenger side air bag independently deployed. The vehicle was taken to ramey princeton Chevrolet (located at 135 fairmont dr, princeton, wv 24740, (304) 425-2134) where it was diagnosed that water entered the air bag control unit. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v383000 (air bags). The…
I had a recall on my airbag 2 years back and the dealer said that the parts or on back order.at what point does this become a safety issue????
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v383000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair as the recall notice was received over six months ago. The dealer (moore Buick GMC, 2445 n marine blvd, jacksonville,…
Placed truck in park, while running, service air bag light comes on. Goes on and off for two days. On second day loose both low beams will not turn on. Went out at the same time. Switch does nothing, running lights work, high beams work, fog lights. *tr
Driver side air bag exploded. The bag itself did not deploy. Just a loud explosion filling the cab with black smoke. Violent blast of air/smoke against the driver. Would have been very serious if not driving at low speed on a side road at the time. *tr
Vehicle's airbags did not deploy upon collision with two concrete walls, causing a life threatening tbi and also severe damage to the left arm which resulted in it's inability to control/use below the elbow, and especially the hand. This was due to the brachial plexus injury that was caused when the airbags did not deploy as they were supposed to. I have attached the report from police and…
Takata recall
Takata recall airbag has not been replace
Takata air bags. I have been to the GMC dealership service department several times over the last 2-3 years since the recall was placed on my pickup for the takata air bags trying to get the air bags replaced or fixed. I have been told that gm has not come up with a solution or resolution for my vehicle to replace or repair the recalled takata air bags. This absurd that the recall has gone on…
Had airbags trouble with your 2008 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 2008 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 266 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 95 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 47,997 and 116,241 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,997; a quarter make it past 116,241. 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/2008/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.