Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
The passenger air bag sensing system in your vehicle is a safety feature that helps decide whether to deploy the front passenger air bag. However, if you've had aftermarket leather seat covers installed, they might interfere with this system.
Risk if Unfixed
If the passenger air bag sensing system fails because of the seat covers, the air bag might not deploy when it should, or it might deploy when it shouldn't. This could increase the risk of injury to the front passenger in a crash.
Free Fix
Unfortunately, a new leather seat cover that's compatible with the passenger sensing system isn't available. As a result, General Motors will repurchase your vehicle to ensure your safety, and you should contact them at 1-877-477-1022 to start the repurchase process.
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 →