GM Initiates Recall Of Nearly 1 Million Vehicles Due To Airbag Defect

GM recently issued a recall of nearly one million vehicles over a potentially fatal airbag defect. When airbags go wrong, it’s because of the inflator. The inflator can inflate the airbag too rapidly causing it to explode in the faces of front seat passengers and the driver. Years ago, the auto part manufacturer Takata faced similar allegations. Their airbags could explode throwing shrapnel into the face of the driver. The problem was related to the degradation of a chemical used to inflate the airbags. Over time, the airbags would become more dangerous and prone to exploding.

Takata never informed the public about the problem and didn’t issue a recall until it was too late. Four instances of airbags exploding occurred as late as 2021. In each instance, the driver was killed.

The GM recall 

GM issued a recall of 994,763 crossover vehicles related to a potential airbag defect. The recalled vehicles include Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, and GMC Acadia manufactured between 2014 and 2017. There is a risk that the airbags could explode sending metal shrapnel into the face of the driver upon deployment.

GM issued a recall after a report that the front driver airbag of a 2017 Chevy Traverse exploded in the face of the driver. An inspection revealed that the front driver-side airbag ruptured during deployment. GM dealers were notified of the defect in May of 2023. Dealerships will replace the airbags free of charge.

ARC Automotive Inc. 

The allegedly defective airbags were manufactured by ARC Automotive Inc. The NHTSA has issued a recall on behalf of drivers who have ARC airbags installed. ARC has denied the request to issue a recall and battle is now brewing in the courts. ARC claims that it cannot eliminate all instances of airbags exploding. However, they are responsible for injuries and deaths that occur when the airbags do explode.

Lawsuits against both GM and Arc Automotive Inc. are likely if more injuries and fatalities are reported. As of now, GM is attempting to get out ahead of the problem and is replacing the airbags in affected vehicles. The NHTSA recall would affect 67 million airbag inflators across multiple brands. Affected manufacturers include Stellantis, BMW, and Hyundai.

Defective auto parts lawsuits 

Defective auto parts lawsuits are filed under a theory of product liability. Product liability lawsuits come in three distinct types. Those include: Design defect, manufacturing defect, and failure to warn. In the case of exploding airbags, the plaintiffs would allege that the airbag was designed defectively making it prone to exploding under certain conditions. The plaintiffs will need a theory to establish how the airbags are defective but the mere fact that airbags should not explode in your face is a powerful foundation for a lawsuit.

Talk to a Florida Product Liability Attorney Today 

Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represent the interests of Florida residents who have been injured by a dangerous or defective product. Call our Florida personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and we can begin discussing your case immediately.