Some may remember the Takata airbag crisis from a few years ago and the latest recall from GM is unfortunately in the same vein. The American automaker is recalling approximately 2,700 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia models over driver’s side airbag inflators that can potentially explode and harm the occupants.
Some Buick Enclaves, Chevy Traverses, and GMC Acadias may have faulty airbag inflators
2015 Buick Enclave | General Motors
According to Cars.com, various 2015-model-year Enclaves, Traverses, and Acadias are affected. Just like the Takata airbag crisis, the issue is that the driver’s side airbag inflator, which is manufactured by ARC Automotive, can potentially explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect.
This explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver and other occupants, which could result in injury or even death. Fortunately, this recall doesn’t involve the passenger side airbag inflator or the side airbags. To date, there have been no reported no deaths related to this recall, however, GM did acknowledge one reported issue back in November of 2021.
How is GM resolving this issue?
General Motors will start notifying owners of the affected vehicles starting on May 30. In order to resolve the issue, dealers will replace the driver’s airbag module for free. Any owners of these affected models can contact Buick at 800-521-7300, Chevrolet at 800-222-1020, or GMC at 800-462-8782.
Additionally, if you want to check if you’re specific model is part of the recall, then you can run its VIN through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website to check.
Is my SUV safe to drive if it’s recalled?
2015 Buick Enclave Interior | General Motors
Yes. Although this recall does affect an important safety feature, you can still drive your potentially affected Enclave, Acadia, or Traverse for now. If you’re not sure whether or not your car vehicle is part of the recall, be sure to check the NHTSA’s website first.
You can also call your nearest dealership to check if your car is part of the recall. If it is, the dealership can likely let you know when the part replacement will be available and possibly even schedule an appointment for you to come in. If the part isn’t ready yet, then you may need to wait a little longer until dealerships can get them in.
What was the Takata airbag crisis?
2015 GMC Acadia Denali 3/4 front in white | General Motors
For the unaware, the Takata airbag crisis was a major recall across 19 different automakers concerning airbag inflator defects. Unfortunately, through the years, some drivers were hurt and/or killed due to faulty inflators and there were even reports of fatalities as recent as last year.
Luckily, that hasn’t been the case for the latest recall from General Motors, but we urge drivers to be careful on the road if they have a vehicle that is affected by this recall. While you can technically drive the car safely until the inflator is replaced, it’s better to have it parked until then and use a different car if one is available.
Keyword: Recall Alert: Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, and GMC Acadia Airbags May Explode