GM recalls over 42,000 SUVs due to exploding airbags

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General Motors is recalling 42,140 SUVs in Canada, and nearly one million more SUVs in the U.S., due to an airbag that may potentially explode during deployment. The vehicles being recalled were made with airbags produced by ARC Automotive Inc. (This recall is not to be confused with the many Takata airbag recalls.)

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If the affected vehicle is in an accident, the driver’s airbag inflator may deploy, but may not properly inflate. This means loose fragments could fly out, potentially injuring the vehicle’s occupants.

The affected vehicles include:

However, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been urging ARC to recall some 67 million inflators that have been produced over 18 years, including the ones in the GM cars — and the company is refusing the request, saying “the 67 million inflators in this population are not defective.” Other companies, including Stellantis, BMW, Hyundai, and more, have also used the ARC airbags, but so far, none of those companies have recalled their products in regards to this issue.

Owners will be notified by mail to take their vehicles to the dealer, where the driver’s airbag module will be replaced.

You can also check online at Transport Canada, using your VIN, to see if your SUV is affected. Transport Canada’s number for the GM recall is 2023-277, while the manufacturer’s recall number is N232404980.