GM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators 

Warren, MI  – February 5, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) is recalling 20,712 sedans over roof-rail airbag inflators that may rupture upon deployment and injure the car occupants.

This is an expansion of an earlier recall issued by the automaker in September 2023.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2014 Buick Verano 
  • 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Recall summary  

Also called side curtain airbags, the roof-rail airbags (RRAB) are mounted on the roof rails above the vehicle’s headliner, which is material that sticks to the car roof on the inside.

In the event of an impact on the vehicle’s roof, the airbags are triggered by inflators welded to the rails.  

In the affected vehicles, a manufacturing defect could introduce contaminants to the airbag inflator chamber. This may cause the metal inflator inside the bag to explode, hurling shrapnel at the occupants or surrounding motorists.

Recall risks

The risks of exploding metal inflators were previously described in articles regarding the eerily similar Takata airbag issue.

Background of the recall

The automaker issued the first recall for this issue in September of last year. In December, it found additional vehicles that had the same defect, prompting the present recall.  No injuries or ruptures have been identified in connection with the current recall.

Other General Motors recalls

In April 2023, GM recalled 40,428 pickups over a problem with the brake system design, which could lead to a higher risk of fire.

In December 2023, GM also recalled 60,154 crossover SUVs spanning the Buick and Chevrolet lines due to the digital instrument cluster switching off while the vehicles were in use.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the RRAB modules in the affected units free of charge, reimbursing owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall notice was issued. 

Owners will receive letters with more information by February 5, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 20,000 sedans are affected by this GM roof-rail airbag recall. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators 

GM recalls Cadillacs for twisted airbags

Warren, MI – September 10, 2021 – General Motors  (NYSE:GM) has recalled 34,157 Cadillac CT sedans that whose roof rail airbags (also called side-curtain airbags) may fail to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The recall includes:

  • 2020 – 2022 Cadillac CT4 sedans
  • 2020 – 2022 Cadillac CT5 sedans

Recall summary  

These Cadillacs are built with roof rail airbags, which  deploy like “curtains” over the windows to protect vehicle occupants’ heads during a crash. The airbags are stored compactly folded along the sides of the car’s roof. However, the recalled vehicles’ airbags may actually be twisted, meaning that they may not deploy properly in a crash.

The problem was first discovered over a year ago when a roof rail airbag failed to properly deploy during crash testing conducted by a government safety agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The affected part is the roof rail side airbag with multiple part numbers, including 84929315 and 84929316.

Risks

Side and curtain airbags reduce side-impact crash fatalities by an estimated 31.3%, according to NHTSA. If these airbags do not properly deploy in a crash, this safety benefit is stripped away.

Cadillac recalls

Over the summer, GM recalled close to 400,000 Cadillac and Saab vehicles due to faulty suspension. Rear toe links – which is what keeps tires on the ground and the car stable – on these vehicles were misadjusted leading to some of the recalled vehicles veering uncontrollably off the road. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect both left- and right-side roof rail airbags to see if they are twisted and will untwist them if necessary. This service will be free of charge. Courtesy transportation is available for Cadillac CT owners. Customers will be notified about the recall starting September 20, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 34,000 vehicles are included in this GM airbag recall. To see if your Cadillac is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGM recalls Cadillacs for twisted airbags