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 GMC Sierra airbags problems
severe 130 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
130
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
4crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Airbags accounts for 47% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 130 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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2009 GMC Sierras describe a perfect storm of airbag-related defects. The Takata airbag recall (initiated in 2016 and continuing) has left hundreds of owners waiting years for parts that remain unavailable; dealers confirm backlogs with no timeline for resolution, and in some cases cite Takata's bankruptcy as the reason. Meanwhile, the dashboards on these trucks crack spontaneously near the passenger-side airbag and behind the instrument cluster—one owner noted dealers admit 80% of these vehicles exhibit this failure. The cracks create sharp edges that cut occupants and could puncture airbags upon deployment, scattering plastic fragments into the cabin. Warranty does not cover the damage, and replacement costs $1,200–$2,000. Worse, dealers warn that their own technicians will crack the dash further when removing it for recall work, yet refuse to pay for the resulting damage. Separate from the recall, owners report complete airbag non-deployment in multiple serious collisions (20–75 mph), some causing serious injury, while others experienced unintended deployments from corroded sensors—with no prior warning. GM and dealers refuse to investigate failures outside of active recalls and decline responsibility for damage or injuries. One owner waited three years on a Takata notice with no resolution while the service light stayed illuminated, tanking the vehicle's resale value.
Same GMC Sierra airbags reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Takata Airbag Recall Parts Unavailability
Owners received recall notifications (campaigns 16V381000, 21V050000, 21V052000, 21V053000) for defective Takata airbags but replacement parts have been unavailable for extended periods—in some cases years after initial notification. Multiple dealers confirmed parts remain on backorder with no clear timeline for availability. Takata's bankruptcy further delayed remedies.
When: 2016 onward; many owners waited 2-3+ years
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated; Service airbag warning messages appearing; Unable to schedule recall repair despite notification
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 16V381000, NHTSA Campaign 21V050000, NHTSA Campaign 21V052000, NHTSA Campaign 21V053000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report parts unavailable; no repair completed in many cases. GM corporate stated owners must wait for recall decision before parts can be ordered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notifications issued; parts on backorder indefinitely. GM refused to cover diagnostic costs or repairs outside recall. Takata filed bankruptcy. GM stated vehicle safe to drive but would not diagnose issues for free.
Dashboard Cracking Near Airbag
Dashboards crack spontaneously on the passenger side near the airbag cover and behind the instrument cluster, even with no impact or sun exposure. Owners report the cracks appear to be defects in the material itself. Dealer stated this cracking occurs in 80% of these vehicles. Cracks create jagged edges that could cut occupants and potentially puncture airbags upon deployment, releasing fragments into the cabin.
When: Throughout ownership; one owner noted cracking at 66k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Visible cracks in dashboard near passenger airbag; Cracks also behind steering wheel gauge cluster; Dashboard separating or raising in cracked areas; Cuts to occupants from sharp dashboard edges
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement dash costs $1,200–$1,500 per owner reports. Not covered by warranty. Dealers advise that their service technicians often crack the dash further when removing it for airbag recall work, and dealers decline responsibility for that additional damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM and dealers refuse to cover dash replacement under warranty. Dealers explicitly state they will not replace dashboards damaged during recall work. Lawsuits filed in US and Canada over this issue.
Airbag Non-Deployment in Collisions
In multiple crashes at speeds of 20–75 mph with significant vehicle damage, front and/or side airbags failed to deploy despite impact severity meeting deployment thresholds. No warning lights preceded these failures. In one case, the owner struck a telephone pole at over 40 mph, causing $5,000 damage and sustaining neck injury with no airbag deployment.
When: Occurring at various mileages; one failure at 40k miles, another at 110k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy in frontal collisions; Airbags did not deploy in side/rear impacts; No prior warning light or diagnostic message; Vehicle damage severe despite speed being moderate to high
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refused to investigate without recall notification. No repair attempted or documented in most cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers stated they could not assist unless a recall notification was issued. No investigation performed by manufacturer in reported cases.
Airbag Unintended Deployment
Two instances of airbag deployment when the vehicle was off and unstarted. Passenger-side airbag deployed when owner had key in ignition but had not turned it; driver-side airbag deployed when owner approached vehicle with key only in pocket. Dealer diagnosed corroded sensor as cause but did not notify owner of the deteriorating condition before deployment.
When: Early October; incidents occurred weeks apart with vehicle parked
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger-side airbag deployed while vehicle off and key not turned; Driver-side airbag deployed while vehicle off with key nearby; No warning light or diagnostic message prior to deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed corroded sensor; airbag replacement needed. GM refused to take responsibility for repairs or deployment risk.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer towed vehicle but stated GM did not take responsibility. Told owner repairs were owner's responsibility. Vehicle declared unsafe to drive.
Airbag Module and Sensor Defects
Airbag warning lamp illuminated due to defective airbag module and/or sensor requiring replacement. In one documented case, the control module failed due to moisture and salt intrusion; GM refused full warranty coverage citing high mileage despite the vehicle being mechanically sound.
When: At 55,544 miles in one documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated; Airbag control module malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Airbag module and sensor replacement performed at dealer; repair cost not specified. GM refused extended warranty coverage due to mileage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Partial repair completed; GM refused full warranty coverage citing high mileage and moisture/salt damage.
Recall Work Causing Dashboard Damage
Dealers explicitly warn owners that their technicians will crack or break the dashboard in 92% of airbag recall jobs when removing the airbag cover, yet dealers refuse liability for the damage. Owners are told they must pay out of pocket for dash replacement even if the dash was undamaged before the recall service.
When: During recall service appointments
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard damaged during airbag recall removal; Cracks appearing after service technician removes airbag
Repairs/costs cited: Dash replacement costs $1,500–$2,000. Dealers demand owner payment for damage caused by dealer technician.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state they are not responsible for dashboard damage caused during recall work. GM will not reimburse or cover damage to vehicle caused by their recall service.
Synthesized from 130 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
General Published an article about the Takata Airbag recall stating that the dashboard would be inspected prior to doing the recall work and if already cracked or damaged the dashboard would not be replaced. My dash board is like new with no damage or cracks. The dealer told me (contrary to this article) that if their service men damaged my dashboard while doing the recall replacement I would be…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 GMC sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags) and stated that 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 GMC sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2009 GMC sierra 1500 dash is cracked up this is a safety hazard if the air bag comes out
The vehicle contains takata airbags that an open recall was started 3 years ago for but a decision has never been made. The dash has now cracked near the airbags. If the airbags deploy they could cause shrapnel from the dash to be put into the cabin. There is an open lawsuit in the us and canada with gm in regards to the dash. The vehicle is also displaying intermittent airbag service error…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 GMC sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called alferd matthews Buick GMC (3807 mchenry avenue, modesto, ca 95356; 209-577-0140)…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 GMC sierra 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 (duplessis Buick GMC, 2522 s burnside ave, gonzales, la 70737 (225) 621-2164) was contacted and…
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 GMC sierra 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 (beck and masten Buick GMC south, 12820 gulf fwy, houston, tx 77034 (713) 947-4111) was contacted…
Had airbags trouble with your 2009 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 2009 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 130 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 36 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 50,000 and 124,800 miles, with the median around 94,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 124,800. 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/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.