Recall 11V543 affects 1,798 2012 GMC Savana and Express vehicles for a passenger air bag defect. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
GMC is recalling 1,798 2012 Savana and Express vans because the second stage of the dual-stage air bag will not inflate in a severe frontal crash. That improper deployment increases the risk of occupant injury, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The air bag system in the 2012 Savana and Express vans is built to protect occupants in a frontal crash. These vans use a dual-stage air bag, which is designed to adjust inflation for crash severity. In a severe frontal impact, the second stage is supposed to add inflation so the bag gives the occupant the crash protection required by its design.
On affected vans, that second stage does not inflate during a severe frontal impact. That means the air bag system does not deliver the full severe-crash inflation it is supposed to provide. The recall record does not identify a driver-visible root cause, only the failure of the second stage to inflate when the crash is severe enough to need it.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner will not know from normal driving that the air bag system has this defect.
Who's affected?
Covers the Savana and Express vans from the 2012 model year, both tied to the air bag system.
| 2012 GMC Savana | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Express | air bag system |
| Units affected | 1,798 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
An improperly deployed front passenger air bag increases the risk of injury to the occupant. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the air bag replacement soon. Repair will be free at any franchised GMC dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 GMC Savana or Express is included in this recall.
- Watch for the GM owner notice mailed on November 29, 2011, if you have not already received it.
- Contact a franchised GMC dealer about the free front passenger air bag replacement that fixes the second-stage deployment defect.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 11V543 when you call.
- Limit front-passenger use until the air bag repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The remedy calls for a dealer to install a new front passenger air bag free of charge. The safety recall began on November 29, 2011. At the dealer, a GMC technician installs the replacement passenger air bag and confirms the air bag system is ready for service. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Contact the dealer with your VIN so the service desk can confirm whether the repair applies to your Savana or Express before scheduling.
Timeline
| November 8, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 29, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V543?
Recall 11V543 covers 1,798 2012 GMC Savana and Express vehicles with a front passenger air bag defect. In a severe frontal crash, the second stage of the dual-stage air bag will not inflate, increasing injury risk. Dealers install a new front passenger air bag for free.
What should I do if my 2012 GMC Savana or Express is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V543. If it is, contact a franchised GMC dealer and ask for the front passenger air bag replacement. Reference recall number 11V543 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 11V543 is a new front passenger air bag installed free of charge at a franchised GMC dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced air bag protection for the front passenger in a severe frontal crash. The second stage of the dual-stage air bag will not inflate, which increases the risk of injury to the occupant. The free dealer repair replaces the front passenger air bag.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2012 GMC Savana or Express is included, then call a franchised GMC dealer and reference recall number 11V543.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V543000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-800-462-8782 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V543 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V543000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →