GM Recalls Sports Cars Due to Air Bag Defect

Warren, M.I. – Feb. 21, 2017 – General Motors Co. has recalled more than 91,000 Pontiac and Saturn sports cars with defective air bags. The recall affects Pontiac Solstice coupes and convertibles, as well as Saturn Sky roadsters produced between 2005 and 2009, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Both vehicles are equipped with passenger air bag suppression systems that leverage seat sensors to determine if passenger safety features should be deployed in the event of a crash. The sensors used in these systems can bend and become damaged over time with repeated passenger contact. In some cases, these devices can malfunction completely and inhibit air bag deployment, even when occupants are present. This presents serious safety risks, as passengers could be left without protection when an accident occurs.

Timeline of Events

In April 2016, an owner submitted a defect petition requesting that GM investigate the PPS systems in Solstice and Sky models. Roughly one month later, the automaker opened an internal inquiry. The NHTSA made GM aware of additional complaints soon after and, in July, solicited warranty information for potentially vehicles. On Dec. 15, GM launched an official investigation. Engineers met with NHTSA officials throughout December and January 2017. The automaker’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority initiated a recall Jan. 19 and notified dealers Jan. 26.

The Solution

GM has not yet developed a workable solution to the problem, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. There is no timetable for when a solution might be available but dealers have been advised to address customer concerns. Consequently, the automaker has updated its Global Warranty Management system so dealership personnel can effectively respond to individuals who may own affected vehicles. GM also advises Solstice and Sky owners to contact customer service for additional assistance.

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General Motors recalls SUVs for liftgate failure

Detroit, MI — July 13, 2015 — According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), General Motors has discovered a new problem that has prompted a recall for hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The company wants to address possible faults with the power liftgates in certain vehicles, since users could unexpectedly see these gates fail while in use if they don’t follow the prescribed response actions.

The recall acknowledgement document submitted for this case says that the real problem lies with the gas struts that enable affected vehicles to hold the liftgates open when in use. A total of 686,287 vehicles may be affected, including Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and Saturn Outlook models.

Another problem associated with this recall is the Prop Rod recovery software in these vehicles, which normally works to regulate liftgate operation to prevent injury, but would be unable to do so in the affected SUVs.

In a Safety Recall Report also issued by the government agency, the source explains the warning signs associated with this defect.

“As the vehicle’s gas struts wear, the liftgate’s Prop Rod Recovery system will operate to slowly return the liftgate to the closed position,” it states. “The vehicle will also provide audible warnings and flash the tail lamps to indicate there is a problem.”

While there is no notification schedule associated with this recall as of yet, 56 injuries are reportedly associated with the liftgate error, as CBS stated. The fix will involve a software update for better actuator motor control that will keep the liftgate from crashing.

The specific structure of a vehicle and the features it contains require recalls that match these conditions and give dealers and owners a specific place to work from for recovery and success.

Recall MastersGeneral Motors recalls SUVs for liftgate failure