GMC Envoy Air Bags Problems
Owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA about air bags problems on the GMC Envoy across 9 model years. The 2002 model year has the most (41). The words owners use most often: “air bag” (25% of reports).
- 159air bags complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 98mention a crash
- 75mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Air bag: mentioned in 40 of 159 complaints (25%)
- Failed deploy: mentioned in 24 of 159 complaints (15%)
- Upon impact: mentioned in 14 of 159 complaints (9%)
- Bags deployed: mentioned in 14 of 159 complaints (9%)
At what mileage do air bags problems happen?
Based on 115 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 159 complaints, 98 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 75 an injury.
GMC Envoy air bags complaints by model year
| Model year | Air Bags complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Envoy | 1 | 6% | 63,566 |
| 2008 Envoy | 5 | 6% | 99,214 |
| 2007 Envoy | 7 | 3% | 91,000 |
| 2006 Envoy | 9 | 3% | 49,000 |
| 2005 Envoy | 28 | 6% | 70,140 |
| 2004 Envoy | 30 | 8% | 81,000 |
| 2003 Envoy | 37 | 9% | 78,000 |
| 2002 Envoy | 41 | 8% | 48,500 |
| 2001 Envoy | 1 | 20% | 46,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Air bags:frontal
Model years: 2005, 2006
Problem: Certain vehicles originally built with cloth seats that were equipped with an automatic air bag passenger sensing system and later reupholstered with aftermarket leather seat cover kits are involved. Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction.
Risk: If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. In either case, in the event of a crash that requires air bag deployment, a front passenger's level of injury may be increased.
Fix: Because a replacement leather seat cover that is compatible with the passenger sensing system is not available, general motors (gm) will repurchase these vehicles in accordance with the terms stated in gm's letter to owners. The recall began on november 6, 2006. Owners should contact gm at 1-877-477-1022 to begin the process of repurchasing their vehicle.
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Model years: 2003
Problem: On certain mini vans, passenger and sport utility vehicles, some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag that may not deploy as designed. In addition, the air bag inflator could rupture.
Risk: This could result in reduced capability of the air bag to protect the driver. Also if the air bag inflator ruptured, pieces of the inflator could strike and injure the vehicle occupants.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag. Owner notification began on march 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Air bags:frontal
Model years: 2002, 2003
Problem: Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
Risk: Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owned a 2005 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, another vehicle driven by a drunk driver swerved into the front of the vehicle, causing a front collision. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact hit his face again on the steering wheel, but did not…
Air bags deflated without warning while driving. Engine misfire for no reason. Had them checked at automove shop.
On steering wheel where the GMC logo is . Melted/Melting from underneath. Some type of clear color gooey. Have been told it is seal for airbag. Also none of the chimes are not working at all example * seat belts, door,blinkers,dashboard chimes *dummy lights*,along with Bose stereo. Last issues are…
My brother was driving down the street, no bumps no potholes, both side airbags just deployed for no reason at all.
The contact owns a 2006 GMC Envoy. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Envoys have air bags problems?
No. NHTSA has 159 owner complaints about air bags for the GMC Envoy. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Envoy air bags?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list air bags. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about air bags problems on the GMC Envoy?
The most frequent phrase is “air bag”, in 40 of 159 complaints, followed by “failed deploy” (24).
Other GMC Envoy problems
See all GMC Envoy problems.