GM Increases Airbag Recall Following New Tests That Uncover Concealed Hazard in Older Models | Carscoops

      Yet another airbag recall affects older models after recent testing revealed contamination risks that could lead to hazardous ruptures.

      GM is recalling thousands of vehicles due to airbags that may rupture.

      This issue involves the 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze.

      This marks the third recall concerning faulty airbags in these vehicles.

      Airbags are back in the spotlight as GM issues a recall for thousands of cars with roof-mounted airbags that could rupture, posing a risk of sending sharp metal fragments into the vehicle cabin, potentially causing injury.

      The recall affects 2,099 vehicles, specifically the 2014 Buick Verano and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, which have roof-rail airbag inflators that might rupture at the weld joint.

      According to the government agency, the "inflator chamber in these airbags may be contaminated … which can lead to corrosion that may cause intergranular cracking near the weld joint over time."

      This could lead to the inflator rupturing and allow only partial inflation of the airbag during an accident. Additionally, “one or more sections of the inflator may enter or exit the vehicle,” thereby posing a risk of injury.

      The components were manufactured by Autoliv, and this recall expands on two previous recalls involving nearly 30,000 vehicles. The initial recall population was determined based on metallurgical analysis of three airbags that had ruptured in the field.

      GM and Autoliv conducted further testing after the initial recalls and discovered one airbag outside of the recall population with contamination levels indicative of a potential hazard. Out of an abundance of precaution, they opted to broaden the recall.

      To rectify the situation, dealership technicians will replace the roof-rail airbag modules. Notifications to vehicle owners are expected to be sent out shortly before Christmas, and the repair should be relatively straightforward.