General Motors has announced more vehicles associated with the Takata airbag scandal, this time involving full-size trucks and SUVs from the 2007 to 2011 model years. GM says the affected vehicles are “safe to drive today,” but should be repaired as soon as owners are notified replacement parts are available.

The recall includes the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban from the 2007 through 2011 model year. Their GMC counterparts are included as well, making the 2007 through 2011 Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL under recall. The same is true for the 2007 through 2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT, and Escalade ESV.

Likewise, Chevy and GMC HD trucks are under recall. Specifically, the Silverado 2500 and 3500, along with the Sierra 2500 and 3500 truck from 2007 and 2008 are included.

The issue stems from the passenger-side front airbag’s propellant, the chemical agent that inflates the airbag upon a collision. Over time, heat and humidity can degrade the propellant inside the airbag inflator, causing the inflator to rupture if the airbag deploys. These affected airbags reportedly came with propellant but no drying agent designed to stabilize the explosive agent.

GM says it has no reports of inflators rupturing in these vehicles as of May 2016, covering an estimated 44,000 airbag deployments.

As with any safety recall, the repairs will be done for free by local dealerships. Owners of these vehicles can expect to be contacted by GM, but can proactively search for any active recall notifications on their vehicles’ VIN on GM’s website, www.gmtakataairbag.com.

Continue reading for more information

Why It Matters

The Takata airbag recall has affected a large number of automakers that relied on Takata to supply airbags and their various components. The recall has devastated Takata and has cost automakers millions in repair costs. Tragically, people are dying as a result of exploding Takata airbags, making this one of the most wide-spread and deadly safety issues in modern automotive times.

Thankfully GM is being proactive with recalling these full-size trucks and SUVs before anyone gets injured for killed. GM says it hasn’t received any reports of inflators rupturing within the estimated 44,000 airbag deployments in these vehicles.

Owners of these affected vehicles should run a search of their vehicle’s VIN within GM’s website. If the vehicle is under recall, owners contact their local GM dealership for immediate service. Remember, service to repair a recall is always free to the customer and most dealerships will supply customers with a loaner vehicle.

Chevrolet Silverado

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Silverado here.