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Table Of Contents
- GMC Sierra Recall Lawsuit Overview
- Latest GMC Sierra Recall Updates
- GMC Sierra Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a GMC Sierra Recall Lawsuit?
- GMC Sierra Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for GMC Sierra Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What Should GMC Sierra Owners Do if Their Vehicle Is Recalled?
- 2. What Legal Rights Do Owners Have if Their GMC Sierra Is Part of the Recall?
- 3. What Are the Potential Risks of Driving a GMC Sierra Affected by the Recall?
- 4. Which GMC Sierra Models Are Affected by the Airbag Recall?
- 5. Which GMC Sierra Models Are Affected by the Vacuum Pump Recall?
- 6. What Happens to the Airbag Inflator Over Time?
- 7. What Is the Problem with the Vacuum Pump in 2018 GMC Sierra Trucks?
- 8. When Did These GMC Sierra Recalls Begin?
- 9. How Many People Have Been Injured or Killed by These Defects?
- 10. Are the Repairs Free for GMC Sierra Owners?
- Get a Free GM Sierra Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
GMC Sierra Recall Lawsuit Overview
GMC Sierra recall lawsuits involve multiple safety defects affecting various model years. The recalls affect 2007-2008 GMC Sierra trucks equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant, and 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks with potentially defective mechanical vacuum pumps. The airbag inflator problem has led to at least 20 deaths globally, in addition to hundreds of severe injuries. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued recall notices for these defects.
Latest GMC Sierra Recall Updates
- August 12, 2025 – The latest class-action lawsuit against General Motors alleges that their recall “fix” for the 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine—replacing or inspecting affected engines and switching to heavier 0W-40 oil—is merely a temporary measure, failing to resolve the underlying defect with rod bearings that could still cause catastrophic failure during operation [3.]. The lawsuit further claims GM knew about this defect for years, yet continued marketing these engines as reliable, causing financial loss and safety risks for consumers despite ongoing recalls and regulatory scrutiny.
- November 11, 2020 – General Motors recalled 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine for a potentially defective mechanical vacuum pump that can decrease output over time. According to NHTSA, “A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash [1].”
- February 11, 2020 – General Motors began recalling 2007-2008 GMC Sierra trucks with airbag inflator issues. General Motors is notifying owners and dealers will replace the airbag inflators, free of charge [2].
GMC Sierra Injuries & Side Effects
The recalled GMC Sierra vehicles have been associated with serious safety issues. The PSAN used to inflate airbags on affected vehicles degrades over time upon exposure to heat and humidity, especially in warmer and wetter regions.
- Airbag Inflator Rupture: The inflator could rupture explosively once deployed, destroying the metal casing surrounding the propellant and resulting in shrapnel being injected into the vehicle’s passenger cabin
- Fatal Injuries: At least 20 deaths globally from airbag-related incidents
- Severe Injuries: Hundreds of severe injuries reported
- Brake System Issues: Decreased brake assist can increase brake pedal effort and stopping distance, increasing crash risk
Do You Qualify for a GMC Sierra Recall Lawsuit?
Based on the recall information, you may qualify if you owned or operated an affected GMC Sierra and experienced injuries related to the recalled components. The recalls affect specific model years and engine configurations as outlined in the NHTSA notices.
Evidence Required for a GMC Sierra Lawsuit
To pursue a GMC Sierra recall lawsuit, you will need to provide documentation that demonstrates your case. This typically includes medical records showing your injuries and treatment, proof of ownership or operation of the affected GMC Sierra vehicle, and documentation linking your injuries to the defective components covered in the recall.
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of GMC Sierra recall-related injuries may be entitled to compensation for various types of damages. These can include medical expenses for treatment of injuries, lost wages from time away from work due to injuries, pain and suffering compensation, and other damages related to the harm caused by the defective vehicle components.
GMC Sierra Recall Information
GM Safety Recall N202300860 (NHTSA Campaign ID: 20V603)
Affected Vehicles: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles with engine-mounted mechanical vacuum pump
Recall Date: November 2020
Defect Description: The engine-mounted mechanical vacuum pump output may decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist. If the vacuum level drops, customers may experience increased brake pedal effort, hard brake pedal, and/or potentially increased stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Warning Signs: The Driver’s Information Center (DIC) “Service brake assist” alert will activate 2-5 minutes after the vacuum level drops, and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will also be set. The condition is more prevalent at low speed when softly applying the brakes.
Repair Solution: GM dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module with a new calibration that will improve how the system utilizes the hydraulic brake boost assist function when vacuum assist is depleted. This service is performed at no charge and takes approximately 30 minutes.
Important Note: At all times, the brakes remain functional and exceed the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, “Light Vehicle Brake Systems.”
Statute of Limitations for GMC Sierra Lawsuits
Time limits for filing GMC Sierra recall lawsuits vary by state and the specific circumstances of your case. It’s important to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to understand the applicable deadlines in your jurisdiction and ensure your legal rights are protected.
FAQs
1. What Should GMC Sierra Owners Do if Their Vehicle Is Recalled?
Owners should immediately contact a GMC dealership to schedule a free repair, follow recall instructions, and avoid driving if safety is compromised.
2. What Legal Rights Do Owners Have if Their GMC Sierra Is Part of the Recall?
Owners have the right to a free repair, replacement, or refund under federal law, and may also pursue legal action if the recall caused harm or financial loss.
3. What Are the Potential Risks of Driving a GMC Sierra Affected by the Recall?
Driving a recalled GMC Sierra may lead to safety hazards like malfunctioning components, increased risk of accidents, or vehicle failure, compromising driver and passenger safety.
4. Which GMC Sierra Models Are Affected by the Airbag Recall?
The airbag recall affects 2007-2008 GMC Sierra trucks equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant.
5. Which GMC Sierra Models Are Affected by the Vacuum Pump Recall?
The vacuum pump recall affects 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine for a potentially defective mechanical vacuum pump.
6. What Happens to the Airbag Inflator Over Time?
The PSAN used to inflate airbags on affected vehicles degrades over time upon exposure to heat and humidity, especially in warmer and wetter regions, which can cause the inflator to rupture explosively.
7. What Is the Problem with the Vacuum Pump in 2018 GMC Sierra Trucks?
The mechanical vacuum pump can decrease output over time, and according to NHTSA, “A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.”
8. When Did These GMC Sierra Recalls Begin?
The airbag inflator recall began on February 11, 2020, and the vacuum pump recall began on November 11, 2020.
9. How Many People Have Been Injured or Killed by These Defects?
The airbag inflator problem has led to at least 20 deaths globally, in addition to hundreds of severe injuries.
10. Are the Repairs Free for GMC Sierra Owners?
Yes, General Motors is notifying owners and dealers will replace the airbag inflators free of charge for affected vehicles.
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Get a Free GM Sierra Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in GMC Sierra Recall Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled GMC truck, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
References:
- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCONL-20V603-5344.pdf
- https://www.cars.com/research/gmc-sierra_3500-2007/recalls/
- https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/lawsuit-says-gm-s-fix-won-t-save-your-v8-from-dying/ar-AA1In0Nz?ocid=esports&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1