General Motors has announced a recall of 4.28 million vehicles to fix a software defect that has been linked to one reported fatality. The affected vehicles, 3.6 million of which are in the U.S., include 2014-2017 model year Buicks, Cadillacs, GMCs, and Chevrolets.
The software defect affects the airbag’s ability to deploy in a crash. According to GM, the vehicle’s sensing and diagnostic module can enter into a test mode. When in this mode, the airbags will not inflate in the event of a collision. The seat belts may also malfunction in this scenario.
The company was first notified of the problem in May of this year when a 2014 Chevy Silverado crashed and the airbags didn’t deploy, leading to the death of the driver. GM reached out to the supplier of the module, and after testing, confirmed the presence of a defect. The recall was announced on Friday, September 9, 2016, by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The vehicles below are included in the recall:
- 2015-2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2014-2017 Buick Encore, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Caprice police vehicle, Chevrolet Trax, Chevrolet Corvette, and GMC Sierra 1500
- 2014-2016 Chevrolet Spark EV, Chevrolet SS, and Buick LaCrosse
If you have been injured in a crash or have suffered the loss of a loved one, and you suspect that the airbag failed to perform properly, contact Kelley | Uustal to learn more about your legal rights. Our forensic team can launch an investigation of your case to determine the exact cause of your auto accident and implement a legal strategy to bring you the compensation you deserve. Case reviews are provided free of charge, so don’t wait to call (954) 522-6601.
