The 2014 GM side airbag recall was initiated to help prevent fatal accidents to consumers, but critics have stated this response came far too late. General Motors reportedly knew about this issue since 2008, but did not initiate the GM side airbag recall until 2014.

The side airbag defect would allegedly cause deployment failure, compromising the safety of driver and passenger. The 2014 GM side airbag recall ultimately affected 1.2 million GM vehicles with model years from 2008 to 2013, with the following vehicle models affected:

• Buick Enclave, models years 2008 to 2013
• GMC Acadia, model years 2008 to 2013
• Chevrolet Traverse, model years 2009 to 2013
• Saturn Outlook, model years 2008 to 2010

Overview of GM Side Airbag Recall

According to the company’s initial announcement, vehicle owners should not ignore the “Service Air Bag” warning light. It could be a sign that the side airbags may fail to deploy in a crash. The company says the problem with the side airbags could cause resistance to increase to a point where they will not react during a crash.

General Motors explains that the problem is causes by corrosion or loose crimps in the side airbag’s wiring harness connectors, which ultimately causes greater resistance. The airbag control system might detect a change in the side airbags, which may signal the “Service Air Bag” warning light to come on.

General Motors further states that the design defect can cause deployment failure of side impact restraints of driver and passenger seat airbags, the seat belt pretensioners, and the front center airbags.

Critics Cite Delay in Announcing GM Side Airbag Recall

Even though this problem could be potentially dangerous to vehicle owners and the company reportedly knew about the problem since 2008, the GM side airbag recall was not initiated until March 2014.

General Motors reportedly investigated this issue on four separate occasions and issued six difference service bulletins to automotive dealers about the side airbag problem.

GM also reportedly bought back an undisclosed amount of vehicles due to the alleged side airbag problems.

During a 2010 investigation, an engineer had found that 6,800 GM vehicles had been subjected to at least two warranty claims regarding the “Service Air Bag” message. Several months later, a General Motors executive committee had decided to address the problem with another bulletin and extended warranty coverage rather than initiate the GM side airbag recall. GM had continued to offer similar solutions in 2011 and 2012, but consumers continued to submit warranty claims.

General Motors was reportedly reluctant to issue a full GM side airbag recall, announcing it would conduct a “customer-satisfaction campaign” to address the alleged design defect. However just a day later, the company switched gears and implemented the GM side airbag recall.

The repair work necessary would require removing the wiring harness connectors and repairing the wiring. Even though the GM side airbag recall prevents further injuries, it does not help consumers who were already injured or have had to find alternative transportation.

Consumers who have been affected by alleged GM defects may be able to file legal action against the automotive company. Potential claimants should contact a lawyer to determine eligibility for a GM recall lawsuit.