Another Takata Airbag Recall: GM Recalls 5.9M Trucks and SUVs
On November 23, 2020, General Motors agreed to recall over 5.9 million pickup trucks and SUVs to replace faulty Takata airbags after a four-year long battle between GM and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA alleges that if the airbags deploy, the inflators can rupture launching metal shrapnel toward vehicle passengers causing serious injury and even death.
GM was alleging that a recall was unwarranted because the airbags it installed were substantially different from those involved in other Takata airbag recalls and were safe on the road and in testing. The NHTSA rejected this argument, and the recall will move forward as planned with NHTSA concluding that the GM inflators in question are “at risk for the same type of explosion after long-term exposure to high heat and humidity as other recalled Takata inflators.” Takata used a volatile substance, ammonium nitrate, that creates a small explosion to fill airbags when involved in a crash. However, it has been found that the chemical can deteriorate if exposed to heat and humidity causing the airbag to explode with too much force – blowing apart the metal canister and spraying shrapnel within the vehicle.
This ultimately means that owners of GM SUVs and trucks from 2007 – 2014 will require replacement airbags. Owners will be notified by GM if their vehicle is included in the recall.
Otherwise, in general the following GM models are included in the recall include:
• 2007 to 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks
• 2007 to 2014 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks
• 2007 to 2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup trucks
• 2007 to 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche pickup trucks
• 2007 to 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban SUVs
• 2007 to 2014 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SUVs
• 2007 to 2014 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV SUVs
Check here to see if your vehicle is included in the recall using your vehicle’s VIN number: NHTSA.gov Website.
At McEwen Law Firm, our legal team has extensive experience in mass tort and products liability litigation and is dedicated to holding companies and manufacturers accountable for their actions. We take pride in making sure our clients are fully compensated for their injuries and suffering. Our firm has received over $500 million in damages for our clients.
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