GM recalls select Chevy Cruze, Sonic and Buick Verano models over airbag issue

Wed, 14 Nov 2012

General Motors is recalling certain 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze and Sonic models due to a defect in the driver's airbag system. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the airbag has a shorting bar which may contact two internal terminals. If that happens during a crash, the supplemental restraint may not deploy, increasing the risk of driver injury. The recall includes a total of 2,949 units.

GM will contact owners and replace the steering wheel airbag coil at no cost. At this point, it's unclear when the recall will begin, though owners may contact the automaker at 1-800-521-7300 for more information. You may also take a closer look at the full NHTSA notice below.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BUICK / VERANO 2012
CHEVROLET / CRUZE 2012
CHEVROLET / SONIC 2012

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC Report Receipt Date: OCT 31, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V522000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,949

Summary:
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.

Consequence:
If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.

Remedy:
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Notes:
This is General Motors recall number 12261. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Zach Bowman