GM Expands Takata Recall To Include Some 2015 Vehicles

WASHINGTON – General Motors is recalling 395 vehicles, including the 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu and GMC Terrain, to replace defective Takata airbags, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side-impact airbags whose inflators may rupture upon deployment,” said NHTSA in its recall summary. “The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

“Additionally, if the airbag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

GM told federal safety regulators the problem was discovered in testing at the Takata Monclova Mexico inflator plant on October 5. One side airbag inflator failed a certain test.

“In this test, certain of the inflator’s components separated from each other during deployment, releasing high-pressure gas and propelling the separated components apart,” GM said in its recall chronology. “On October 6, Takata notified GM of the failed test and GM immediately initiated actions to trace inflators from the same lot as the failed inflator to potentially impacted plants and vehicles.”

GM spokesman Alan Adler said there are no incidents linked to the recall.

GM dealers will replace the side-impact airbag modules. The recall is expected to begin on October 19.

Owners can contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.

Edmunds says: GM said that owners will be notified through Federal Express on October 19. If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is important to contact your dealer immediately for the repair.