Millions of vehicles were included in a massive GM airbag recall back in 2016 over defective frontal airbag software that prevented the system from properly deploying.

The GM airbag recall was issued over 3.64 million vehicles in the U.S. covering models from 2014 to 2017. Globally, the GM airbag recall included nearly 4.3 million vehicles total.

According to a General Motors statement, the GM airbag recall came after the company became aware of one fatality and three injuries caused by the serious safety defect. Though the company is aware of several crashes, it has not released information about those crashes, including the specific injuries or which vehicles were involved.

Background of the GM Airbag Recall Defect

GM stated that airbag software in some of its vehicles had a defect that may have prevented the frontal airbag from deploying properly “in certain rare circumstances when a crash is preceded by a specific event impacting vehicle dynamics.” Essentially, the software’s sensing and diagnostic module, which controls the airbag’s deployment, may prevent the airbag from deploying in a crash, placing the driver and passenger at serious risk.

In response to these recalls, some consumers may choose to turn to litigation against GM. Some GM defect lawsuits have resulted in substantial awards and settlement amounts for injured plaintiffs.

Other Major GM Recalls

The GM airbag recall is not the only recall issued by the automaker in recent years. GM has also recalled vehicles over a defective ignition switch problem, in which the ignition switch can be accidentally triggered turning off the engine. The ignition switch recall was fairly high profile, and affected 2.6 million vehicles back in 2014. So far, reports suggest that 124 deaths have been linked with the ignition switch recall.

The GM airbag recall is not the first airbag recall for GM. A different airbag problem affects the side impact airbags, preventing these airbags from deploying due to a wiring harness problem. Millions of GM vehicles were also affected in the recall of the defective Takata airbag system.

Filing a GM Airbag Recall Defect Lawsuit

If you or someone you love was injured in a GM vehicle included in the GM airbag recall you may be able to file a GM airbag defects lawsuit. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by injuries, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.