2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 484 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the air bags of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, 1% of the 484 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,800 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving on state highway at posted speed. A deer ran into the right front and side of vehicle. Side airbags deployed. When the right side airbag deployed, it burned a hole in my passengers winter coat that completely went through the right sleeve forearm and scorched the sweatshirt that she was wearing under the coat. Smoke was visibly apparent in the cab of the vehicle. We thought the truck was on fire , then finally determined it was the sleeve of here coat.”
NHTSA complaint #11563034, filed 2024-01“I receive at random times the warning in the DIC (driver information center) on the dash of my car together with an air bag warning light. I have had this happen sometimes frequently and sometimes not for a thousand miles. I have taken it in at least 8 times, some parts were replaced in seat belt, but it continues to show up. The problem is it now doesn't leave a code but my local dealer said if it ever came up when I could get it to them to bring it in and leave it running. that happened and I brought it in the ran a computer check and got a code. …”
NHTSA complaint #11450056, filed 2022-02“Airbags failed to deploy after striking a street light pole head-on. The impact hit just right of dead center of the grille and shoved the front end back approximately 2 feet into the engine. There were no dash lights or warning lamps illuminated before the collision. I have notified GM and received a case number. I also have filed an insurance claim and the vehicle has been inspected by a reputable body shop and has been deemed a total loss. A police report was also filed. The vehicle is scheduled to be picked up by the insurance company on 5/18/21.”
NHTSA complaint #11417531, filed 2021-05“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra. The contact proceeded through the intersection when a vehicle crashed into the contact's driver's side door and wheel at unknown speeds. The contact stated that the other vehicle crashed into two vehicles, then crashed into the contact's vehicle and stopped. The contact stated that the police report stated that the vehicle that crashed into the contact was constantly moving at the posted limit of 50 MPH. The air bags did not deploy. …”
NHTSA complaint #11582161, filed 2024-04, 34,800 miles“The contact owned a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while he was stopped in traffic, he was rear-ended, which caused him to crash into the vehicle in front of him. The contact stated that smoke was seen coming from the air bag; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact had not sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11520581, filed 2023-05, 64,000 milesRelated recalls
- 20V446000Jul 30, 2020General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC…Covers: GMC Sierra 1500 2020, Cadillac XT6 2020, GMC Acadia 2020 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 11011993Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides repair information to correct customer concerns of Wheel Lock Up, ABS Event, Loud Bang and a Flashing “D” on Driver Information Center (DIC) when…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 1% |
| 2023 | 2 | 0% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 1% |
| 2019 | 7 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 3% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 12 | 4% |
| 2015 | 37 | 5% |
| 2014 | 26 | 4% |
| 2013 | 36 | 31% |
| 2012 | 42 | 39% |
| 2011 | 113 | 40% |
| 2010 | 77 | 46% |
| 2009 | 122 | 52% |
| 2008 | 243 | 64% |
| 2007 | 146 | 56% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 14 | 8% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 7 | 4% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
245 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
99 complaintsElectrical system
81 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsSteering
38 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsForward collision avoidance
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology