Chevrolet Cruze and Buick Verano Are Recalled for Dangerous Airbags
The roof airbag’s inflator may rupture and spray sharp metal fragments at vehicle occupants
GM is recalling more than 20,000 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick Verano sedans from the 2014 model year because of a problem with their side curtain airbags, which are also called roof rail airbags. The airbag inflators could rupture without a collision occurring and propel parts into the cabin or outside of the vehicle, which could injure vehicle occupants or bystanders. An unexpected airbag deployment could also startle a driver.
This is an expansion of an existing recall that was first issued in October, as GM found that more vehicles were manufactured with potentially faulty airbags than previously thought. About 10,000 vehicles were included in the original recall.
Recall Details
Vehicles Recalled
• Chevrolet Cruze sedans manufactured between Jan. 17, 2014, and June 1, 2014.
• Buick Verano sedans manufactured between Jan. 13, 2014, and June 2, 2014.
The problem: Faulty roof rail airbag inflators can rupture at the weld joint. If this happens, GM says that compressed gas can escape and partially inflate the airbag, spraying parts of the inflator inside or outside the vehicle. This could potentially cause injury if a person is in or around the vehicle during the event.
The fix: Chevrolet and Buick dealers will replace the faulty airbags free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may call Chevrolet at 800-222-1020 or Buick at 800-521-7300.
NHTSA campaign numbers: 23V674 and 23V870. GM’s own number for this recall is N232408490.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
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