General Motors has recalled 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups, plus 2016 Silverado and Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks, because the side curtain air bag inflators can come apart when they deploy.
Which trucks
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2016 and 2017
- GMC Sierra 1500 2016 and 2017
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 2016
- GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 2016
The recall number is 26V611.
What is wrong
The roof rail air bags, also called curtain air bags, drop down from the headliner to protect occupants’ heads in a side crash or rollover. Each is fired by an inflator filled with compressed gas. On affected trucks, the inflator’s end cap can detach, or the side of the inflator can rupture. Gas and metal fragments could then be thrown into the cab, injuring the people the air bag is meant to protect.
The fix
Dealers will replace both roof rail air bag modules, left and right, free of charge. GM began mailing owner letters on October 21, 2026.
What to do
- Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or GM’s owner site.
- Book the repair with any Chevrolet or GMC dealer.
- Ask about other open recalls at the same visit. These model years also have earlier air bag and brake campaigns.
A look at these years
The 2016 and 2017 Silverado sit in the middle of the 2014-2018 generation. The 2014, the first year, drew about twice the model’s usual complaints, mostly for power steering and brake problems that were later recalled. By 2016 complaints had settled, and the 2018 is one of our two best Silverado years. See the Silverado page for the full year by year picture.
If you are shopping
This recall is a simple parts swap and does not change our view of these years. Confirm it has been done, along with any other open recalls, before you buy. On any used pickup, check for frame rust and signs of heavy towing too.
Questions
Can I keep driving? GM has not told owners to stop driving. Book the replacement promptly.
Does this affect the front air bags? No. This recall covers only the roof rail air bags along the sides of the cab.