Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V052000 (Air bags) The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the recall was serviced; but, a week later the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to have it diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,398.
I start my truck one nice summer day and my "service air bag" light came on, strange I thought, since my 2008 Sierra 1500 only has 57,[redacted] miles on it. . No accident, no prior issues, not even inclement weather when the light came on. Took it to the dealer to have it diagnosed. The diagnostic cost was $132.93, and that was to just for plugging in the tech 2 scan tool and running the sir air bag diagnostic test. I was not thrilled about it. Problem turned out to be a failure of the front left air bag sensor. The dealer said "oh we have one in stock at out other location, we can get it shipped over, and it would cost $550 but we could have the truck back to you later this evening." how does one of these just fail? If its due to corrosion shouldn't GM pick up the tab on that? …
My vehicle air bag sensors have been diagnosed as faulty. The dealership indicated that both front air bag sensors are part of a known problem where the factory tightened the bolts too far making the sensors prone to crack and collect moisture. This moisture then freezes and the sensors need to be replaced. This repair is very costly at over $200 per sensor and both sensors need replaced. This doesn't include labor. This is definitely a safety issue and I don't know if the air bags will function properly if an accident were to happen. This seems to be an item that should be recalled.
Takata recall went back to local Chevy GMC dealer again for the second time in almost 3 years since I received my recall letter from GM. They looked up recall and again told me that it has been recalled but they haven't agreed on whose going to fix the problem. I am tired of waiting and driving a truck that in my opinion is not safe to drive with this safety related issue. I want this fixed because 3 years is long enough to figure out whose paying and get the job done. If it dosen't get resolved soon I will have to take legal action against GM. I drive this vehicle daily so it needs to be fixed.
Tl contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra. While driving approximately 25 MPH on normal road conditions the contact became unconscious and crashed into a utility pole. The police and ambulance arrived and the driver was transported to the hospital. The contact sustained minor injuries and a police report was filed. The air bag system failed to deploy with the massive level of impact. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The contact has concerns of the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were 15,000. Updated 11/03/09 updated 11/03/09 updated 11/03/09.
On October 15, 2013, approx 7:45 am, single occupant, was entering the exit ramp from freeway when truck crashed and rolled twice. The air bags did not deploy. Truck was completely totaled. Occupant required medical transport to hospital and was kept for a week for testing and treatment for injuries. County sheriff attended to crash site and submitted traffic report. With all the recent recalls of GM products - like in other crashes, the air bags did not deploy. Ignition.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 39,180. Updated 11/18/15 the consumer stated the sensor failed prematurely. Updated 2/10/2016, updated 03/23/18
My Sierra has the same problem that many other GM vehicles have. The dash is cracking, creating loose pieces. It is cracked at the airbag. This sharp edges could impair the proper function of the airbag. In the event of an accident, I am afraid the loose dash pieces could post a danger to the vehicles occupants.
The dashboard is cracking due to a design flaw around the passenger airbag which can cause the airbag to tear and or fail to deploy properly in a accident. In researching this subject on the internet I came to find out that this is a common issue in all GMC and Chevrolet light duty trucks from 2007-2012.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. Upon impact, the air bag did not deploy contributing to the injury of the contact. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileages were 69,000.
Airbag complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 GMC Sierra, 37% of the model year's 86 complaints. The component named most often is frontal › sensor/control module (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 GMC Sierra airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2008 GMC Sierra, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 GMC Sierra airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.