ProblemsByVin GMC / AIRBAGS

67 model-year entries · 2005–2022

GMC airbags problems

2,950 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against GMC vehicles for airbags issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See airbags across all makes →

Complaints

2,950

Recalls

Year-models

Avg fix

$1,100

282crashes

9fires

301injuries

5fatalities

Editorial perspective by Mark Driver · Founder, ProblemsByVin

I've had plenty of GMC in the bay over the years, and the airbag complaints on these don't surprise me. 2,950 on the NHTSA record across 67 model-year entries (2005–2022) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 5 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on GMC vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Average shop fix runs about $1,100 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Across the 1,082 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 80,851 miles. Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup before you buy. Takata-era inflators are still being recalled. The dealer fixes them free.

Worst-affected GMC model-years for airbags Top 25 by complaint volume

2007 GMC Yukon

338 complaints · ~$1,100 critical

2008 GMC Sierra

266 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2014 GMC Acadia

226 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2008 GMC Yukon

185 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2007 GMC Sierra

153 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2011 GMC Yukon

152 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate

2009 GMC Sierra

130 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2016 GMC Acadia

129 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2011 GMC Sierra

126 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate

2008 GMC Acadia

110 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2015 GMC Acadia

104 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate

2010 GMC Yukon

102 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2010 GMC Sierra

85 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2009 GMC Yukon

85 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2017 GMC Acadia

71 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2013 GMC Yukon

58 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate

2007 GMC Acadia

53 complaints · 1 recall · ~$1,100 severe

2013 GMC Sierra

41 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2015 GMC Sierra

40 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2012 GMC Yukon

37 complaints · ~$1,100 moderate

2012 GMC Acadia

29 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2014 GMC Sierra

26 complaints · ~$1,100 critical

2013 GMC Acadia

26 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

2005 GMC Envoy

23 complaints · ~$1,100 critical

2011 GMC Terrain

22 complaints · ~$1,100 severe

Active recalls — GMC airbags 4 on file

severe NHTSA 18V340000 May 24, 2018 2018 GMC Terrain

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles

If the SDM becomes inoperative, it will not detect a crash or command the necessary air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18179.

severe NHTSA 07V062000 February 21, 2007 2007 GMC Acadia

On certain vehicles, the sensing and diagnostic module (sdm), which controls the function of front air bags, may not operate properly

In the event of a crash, this condition could increase the risk of injury to occupants in the front seat.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the sdm computer module. This recall began on february 22, 2007. Owners may contact GMC at 1-866-966-9463 or Saturn at 1-800-972-8876.

severe NHTSA 25V856000 December 11, 2025 2025 GMC Canyon

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024–2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV vehicles

An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the SDM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252533510. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 11, 2025.

severe NHTSA 21V702000 September 10, 2021 2022 GMC Acadia

General Motors, LLC

The air bags will not deploy with an unactivated SDM, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: The vehicles will be returned to the assembly plant for SDM activation. Both affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212344261.

Common questions

How many GMC airbags complaints are on file with NHTSA?

2,950 complaints across 67 model-year entries from 2005 to 2022. 2 active recall campaigns cover airbags issues across the GMC lineup.

Which GMC model has the most airbags complaints?

The 2007 GMC Yukon leads with 338 complaints in this category. Next: 2008 Sierra (266) and 2014 Acadia (226).

What does it cost to fix GMC airbags problems?

Independent shops average $1,100 for airbags repairs across the GMC lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.

Are there GMC airbags recalls?

Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover airbags on GMC vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin and not affiliated with GMC. Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record. Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.