Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
Your vehicle has a special air bag system that checks if a passenger is in the front seat. If you've had your seats reupholstered with leather seat covers, these covers might trick the system into thinking the air bag isn't there when it should be, or vice versa.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag system malfunctions, the passenger air bag might not deploy when it should, or it might deploy when it shouldn't. This could lead to a higher risk of injury to you or your front passenger in the event of a crash.
Free Fix
Since there's no compatible leather seat cover available, General Motors will repurchase your vehicle. To start the process, call them at 1-877-477-1022.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
Original — Remedy
BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →