Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- Component
- Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- Manufacturer
- GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Vehicles affected
- 437
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2007-08-07
- Owners notified
- 2007-08-30
Defect description
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN THESE VEHICLES, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS BUILT WITH A PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM. WHEN TESTED WITH A REPRESENTATIVE UNRESTRAINED SMALL ADULT, THE SYSTEM IS REQUIRED TO TURN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG ON. AN ERROR IN THE SEAT SENSOR CALIBRATION CAN CAUSE IT TO FAIL THIS TEST. IN ADDITION, THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM TURNING OFF WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A SMALL CHILD.
Safety risk
WHENEVER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED, THE DRIVER SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK THE AIRBAG INDICATOR TO SEE IF THE AIRBAG IS ON OR OFF. IF IT IS NOT CORRECT FOR THE SITUATION, THE PASSENGER SHOULD BE MOVED TO A DIFFERENT SEAT. THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SEAT'S ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.