NHTSA Investigating Potential Airbag Issue With 750,000 GM Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting an investigation into a potential air bag failure in some GM vehicles. The 750,000 vehicles that could potentially be affected are from 2020 and 2021 model years. Most of the vehicles are full size trucks and SUVs under their Cadillac, GMC, and Chevrolet brands.
According to ABC News, Tuesday the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted documents on their website highlight 15 complaints of air bag malfunctions. Six crashed were reported with 8 injuries along with an additional 8 field reports.
GM had previously issued a service bulletin about the issue in March but an official recall has not yet been ordered. In the service bulletin it describes rust particles that can accumulate and disrupt the connection terminal. That in turn will trigger the air bag malfunction warning, where it would then not deploy in a crash.
Specific models they are looking at include the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, Cadlilac CT4 and CT5, and Cadillac XT4.
The first step when it comes to recalls is people reporting the problem, which they can do on the NHTSA website. Then the agency reviews the complaints and decides whether or not to open an investigation. After an analysis period, they decide if they move forward with an investigation. Next they require the manufacturer to disclose the issues and remedy the defects.
You may have a recall that you were unaware of. You can enter your VIN number and even sign up for e-mail alerts about recalls for your vehicle. A massive Takata air bag recall has been underway for years. There's a good chance your vehicle may be on that list.