General Motors is amidst a vehicle recall involving some 43 million vehicles and their airbag software. This recall is unrelated to the recall involving the Takata airbags linked to several injuries and deaths worldwide.
The recall concerns a rare occurrence where the sensor that controls the airbag deployment will go into standby mode. If this happens during a crash, the airbag will not deploy and seat belts may not function correctly.
The company first learned of the problem in May when a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was involved in a crash and the airbag did not deploy. The company notified Delphi. The two companies tested the modules and made the decision to recall the vehicles.
Customers will be notified and the software would be updated for free. For vehicles still on dealer lots, the dealers have the update so these vehicles can be quickly updated.
The recall is a large one. However, the recall involves a software update and not a mechanical change. The affected vehicles are models from years 2014 through 2017. Affected brands include Buick, Chevrolet, GM, and Cadillac.
This recall is unlike the notorious ignition switch recall in 2014. This recall is voluntary and does not appear to involve the company’s failure to respond to reports of serious injury or fatality.
In total, the recall involves some 4.28 million vehicles worldwide. The majority, 3.6 million are in the United States.
In a statement, the company said that the cost of this recall is not expected to be material. It will be included in the third-quarter earnings report which will be released in late October.
If you have been injured due to a GM vehicle airbag failure, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the “Strong Arm” attorneys at the law offices of John Foy & Associates. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.