According to the official information, the recall has been prompted by the discovery of a kink, bend or fold in the front passenger presence system mat, which can lead to the passenger air bag failing to deploy.
This potentially serious fault has so far caused no injuries, but GM plans to play it safe. The problem in itself is quite serious, as it pretty much knocks out one of the critical safety systems in case of a crash.
GM says however that the disabling of the airbag will not pass unnoticed by the driver. Should such an event occur, the passenger airbag status indicator on the rearview mirror will show that the airbag is off, the Air Bag indicator will be illuminated, and a Service Air Bag message will appear in the Driver Information Center.
“The passenger presence system in affected vehicles may have been built with a sensor mat that can kink, bend, or fold while the seat is in use. This flexing can cause the traces in the mat to fatigue and fracture, causing loss of continuity in the trace that would tell the airbag to deploy,” GM explains.
The recall is expected to begin in February 2011, with the dealers instructed to replace the passenger presence system in affected vehicles. As usual in recalls, all this work will be done free of charge for the owners.
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