2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Airbag Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500?
243 owners have reported airbag problems on the 2008 GMC Sierra 1500, 64% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 49,000–125,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.
243 complaints 64% of all 2008 complaints 86,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (82 of 243). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Airbags complaints by the year the problem happened.
Airbags complaints by Sierra 1500 year
Related recalls
Inflator module
" Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge.
Recall 21V052000 · Feb 2021Inflator module
S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge.
Recall 21V050000 · Feb 2021Get an email when your 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 gets a new recall
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Common questions
What are common 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 airbag problems?
Complaints most often name the frontal.
At what mileage do 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 airbag problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 49,000–125,000 miles. The middle value is about 86,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 airbag problems?
Yes: 21V052000, 21V050000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Sierra 1500 year has the most airbag complaints?
The 2008 Sierra 1500, with 243 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.