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 ↗2009 Chevrolet Silverado airbags problems
severe 240 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
240
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
8crashes
6injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 240 airbags complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 46% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 240 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.
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 ↗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 ↗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
Owners describe two main problems. First, the dashboard around the passenger-side airbag cracks and breaks on its own, even in garage-kept vehicles under light use. Cracks form across the plastic panel from thermal expansion and material failure, developing sharp edges and sometimes white discoloration streaks. Owners worry that when the airbag deploys, the fractured plastic will become projectiles causing lacerations, eye injuries, or blindness. Some report cracks appearing by 8,000 miles or 50,000 miles; others develop over years (noted as early as 2014). One owner heard a crack form when shutting the door on a warm day. A Facebook group with about 5,000 members exists dedicated to this dashboard-cracking issue in GM trucks.
Second, owners report a widespread recall delay tied to Takata airbags. The Takata propellant degrades over time and can rupture. Since 2016, owners have been notified of recalls (NHTSA campaign numbers 16V381000, 16V380000, 16V383000, and 21V052000/21V053000) but parts remain unavailable years later. Dealers and GM cannot confirm when replacement airbags will arrive. Some owners received notices that Takata filed for bankruptcy. A few owners experienced non-deployment during actual crashes at highway speeds, suggesting a separate sensor/module failure unrelated to Takata propellant.
Water intrusion into the SDM (Sensing and Diagnostic Module) has also caused corrosion and circuit-board failure in at least one case, with the owner noting GM had a prior recall for this issue that may not have fully resolved it.
Same Chevrolet Silverado airbags reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Dashboard cracking around passenger airbag panel
Plastic dashboard material surrounding the passenger-side airbag deploys panel cracks and breaks from thermal expansion and material structural failure. Cracks develop sharp edges, white discoloration streaks appear, and the plastic shows signs of deterioration. Owners fear fractured plastic will become projectiles if the airbag deploys, causing facial lacerations, eye injuries, or blindness.
When: Earliest reported at 8,000 miles; also reported at 50,000 miles; some cracks developed over years (noted since 2014). One owner heard cracking occur when shutting the door on a warm day.
Symptoms owners cite: Cracks in dashboard plastic around passenger airbag panel; Sharp jagged edges on broken plastic; White discoloration streaks on airbag panel plastic; Plastic deterioration and color change; Multiple cracks forming above instrument cluster on driver side; Popping noise from dashboard after prolonged air conditioning use
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs cited by owners. Dealers have refused warranty repairs, telling owners 'it's too bad.' One dealer required owners to sign a waiver that they would not be held responsible for dashboard damage during unrelated airbag recall repair work.
Takata airbag recall parts unavailable—extended delay
Owners notified of Takata airbag recalls (propellant degrades over time and can rupture) starting May 2016, but replacement parts have remained unavailable for years despite repeated owner contact with dealers and GM. Dealers confirm parts are not available; GM cannot confirm delivery dates. Takata filed for bankruptcy. Some owners report waiting over two years without resolution. GM stated it felt the vehicles were safe to drive and in some cases claimed to have consulted outside engineering firms, but refused to replace the airbags.
When: Recall notices issued starting May 27, 2016 (campaign 16V381000) and later campaigns (16V380000, 16V383000, 21V052000/21V053000). Complaints span 2016 through 2018+, some noting wait times exceeding two years.
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light illuminated or flashing; Recall notification received but parts unavailable for repair; GM and dealers unable to provide estimated delivery date for replacement parts; Recall remedy status listed as 'incomplete, remedy not yet available'
Codes mentioned: NHTSA campaign 16V381000, NHTSA campaign 16V380000, NHTSA campaign 16V383000, NHTSA campaign 21V052000, NHTSA campaign 21V053000
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement parts unavailable; repair not completed. One owner was quoted $750 for parts that were later confirmed unavailable. No costs incurred by owners due to lack of parts availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing; GM recalls issued but remedy not available; GM stated vehicles were safe to drive; GM consulted outside engineering firm in at least one case and refused to replace airbags; some dealers advised owners that recalls were 'pending' and to 'disregard the notice'
Airbag non-deployment during crashes
Airbags failed to deploy during multiple actual crashes, including high-impact collisions at highway speeds. One owner crashed at 50 mph (flip occurred), another at 60 mph (head-on into fence and guard rail), a third at 45 mph (hit and run), and a fourth at 35 mph (veered off road and crashed into embankment). In all cases, occupants sustained injuries that might have been mitigated by proper airbag deployment.
When: Various incidents; one at 38,000 miles, another at 90,000 miles, one at 120,000 miles, one at 15,450 miles, others unspecified.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag did not deploy during crash impact; Service airbag warning light illuminated (in some cases); Head-on collision at highway speed with no airbag deployment; Rollover crash with no airbag deployment; Occupants sustained injuries: broken ribs, stiff neck, bruised back, arm pain
Codes mentioned: NHTSA campaign 21V052000, NHTSA campaign 21V053000
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles were not repaired; no diagnostic testing performed in some cases. One owner reported an independent mechanic diagnosed faulty airbag sensors.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM advised one owner that an engineer could inspect the vehicle within ten days and results would be available within 120 days; however, inspection never occurred and vehicle was not repaired. In some cases, dealers refused to perform diagnostic testing.
SDM (Sensing and Diagnostic Module) water intrusion and corrosion
Water leaked into the vehicle floor area (driver-side) underneath padding, brake cable grommets, and sheet metal body seams that were not properly sealed or not sealed at all. Water intrusion caused corrosion inside the SDM, burned out the circuit board, and created risk of vehicle fire. GM had a prior recall (Canada recall 09270C) for this issue involving jute material over the SDM, but this vehicle had the jute removed and still experienced failure.
When: Unspecified failure timing; owner states GM had prior knowledge via recall 09270C.
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag light on; airbags disabled; Water intrusion into driver's floorboard area; Water entering under floor padding; Corrosion inside SDM (circuit board burned out); Burned components on circuit board despite no blown fuses; Potential fire hazard from burned components
Codes mentioned: Canada recall 09270C - MATERIAL OVER SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE
Repairs/costs cited: GM refused to fix the problem despite prior knowledge via earlier recall program.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated they would do nothing for this issue even though they know of the problem; prior recall (09270C) was issued but did not fully resolve the underlying water-intrusion issue
Spontaneous side curtain airbag deployment
Both side curtain airbags deployed independently while driving at 40 mph over a pothole, causing damage to seat belts, headliner, and ceiling light. A powdery residue (airbag propellant) was expelled inside the vehicle. Owner was not injured, but the unexpected deployment caused unwarranted property damage and safety concern.
When: At 38,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Both side curtain airbags deployed without crash or severe impact; Deployment triggered by driving over a pothole at 40 mph; Powdery residue expelled inside vehicle from airbag; Damage to seat belts, headliner, and ceiling light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was neither inspected nor repaired. Manufacturer advised engineer could inspect within ten days and provide results within 120 days; however, inspection did not occur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated engineer could inspect vehicle within ten days with results available within 120 days; no follow-through occurred
Synthesized from 240 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
My dash board and panels are cracked and falling apart. Dealer cannot replace air bags without doing more damage to dashboard and will not be responsible. Only 52000 miles On this Vehicle and dash board is cracked and broken. A compliant has been filed several years ago for a cracked dash.
Airbag light on airbags disabled safety concern vehicle is not as potentially as safe as it was designed to be. The sdm (airbag module) has water intrusion and caused corrosion inside the sdm and caused the circuit board to burn out no fuses were blown which is a concern as well because the board had burn components from the water intrusion. Gm had a previous recall on this problem it appears…
2000 Chevrolet silverado 1500. Consumer states his wife was involved in an accident and the airbags did not deploy *tgw
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v381000 (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. The dealer (monument Chevrolet, 3940 pasadena fwy, pasadena, tx 77503) was contacted and…
Tamara recall. Airbag replacement is not available.
Takata recall what is taking so long? Its been years, and takata has filed bankruptcy...are these airbags getting fixed, or am I just waiting for them to go off on my fiance and I? I live in texas, which is a very hot and humid area. I need this problem fixed! -[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'*jb
Takata recall... Went to ron carter autoland in alvin, tx. They looked up the VIN number and I was told there was no fix for this problem. They handed me the paper that was it.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (carl black GMC, 1110 roberts blvd nw, kennesaw, ga 30144, (888)733-9519) was contacted and…
I first received recall information in the mail pertaining to the airbags on my vehicle at the end of 2017. Around the same time the service airbag light on my dashboard appeared and has remained displayed since. I have periodically checked whether a remedy to the recall has been established, but to date there has not been one. I am now seeing commercials for attorney services regarding injuries…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet silverado 1500. Upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to carter Chevrolet (175 hartford turnpike, vernon, ct 06066, (860) 646-6464), but was not diagnosed because the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not…
Had airbags trouble with your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado?
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 2009 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 240 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 84 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 49,605 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 77,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,605; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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/2009/Chevrolet/Silverado.
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.