GM has been the target of a lot of controversy surrounding manufacturing defects that have led to numerous accidents and injuries. From the GM side-impact airbag defect to the frontal airbag defect, to the power steering defect and the infamous ignition switch defect, GM has been hit with one problem after another in the last several years.

GM Side-Impact Airbag Defect OvervieIn March 2014, the manufacturer issued a recall over a GM side-impact airbag defect that impacted more than 1.18 million vehicles. In particular, the 2008 to 2013 Buick Enclave, 2009 to 2013 Chevrolet Traverse, 2008 to 2013 GMC Acadia and 2008 to 2010 Saturn Outlook were said to have had these potential side airbag problems.

As a result of the GM side-impact airbag defect, the wiring harness responsible for the side airbags mounted in the seat can become pinched. Corrosion and loose crimps in the wiring harness were said to be the cause of increased resistance that signals a problem with the side airbags.

Once this happens, a warning light in the instrument panel is turned on. If drivers ignore the warning light after a period of time, according to GM it “will eventually result in the non-deployment of the side impact restraints, which include) passenger seat-mounted side airbags, front center airbag (if equipped), and deceit built pre-tensioners.”

The automaker repaired the GM side-impact airbag defect by removing the wiring harness connectors of the side airbag and then spliced and soldered the wires together to allow the airbag to correctly deploy.

According to an article that appeared on Automotive News shortly after the recall was issued, the manufacturer knew of the GM side-impact airbag defect as far back as 2008. The article states, “Since then, GM investigated the matter at least four separate times, issued six service bulletins to dealers and bought back an unspecified number of problematic vehicles from customers, according to the document, before ultimately approving a recall on March 14 [2014].”

In August 2010, Automobile News goes on to say that an injury near discovered that more than 6800 vehicles were involved in at least two warranty claims over repairs related to the GM side-impact airbag defect. However, instead of issuing the recall at that time, the company “decided to address it with another bulletin and a special warranty-coverage program.”

Taking Legal Action over a GM Side-Impact Airbag Defect

If you have a car that was recalled as a result of a GM side-impact airbag defect (2008-2013 Buick Enclave, 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse, 2008-2013 GMC Acadia or 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook) and you suffered from an accident with or without personal injury, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation.

Potential claimants should have documentation of an accident such as an insurance claim or a police report and if personal injury was involved, evidence of hospitalization should be available.

An experienced GM side-impact airbag defect attorney can review your case at no charge and can help you understand your options to pursue legal compensation.