General Motors recalled 2,099 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick Verano sedans from the 2014 model year because their roof-rail airbag inflators may explode, sending hot metal fragments into the cabin where they could injure occupants.
Airbags inflate thanks to inflators — small metal capsules containing chemicals that combine to create a rapidly expanding gas. In an accident, the inflator spews that gas out of a nozzle, quickly inflating a folded airbag so that it can cushion occupants from hitting collapsing car parts.
But GM says that certain older inflators can corrode, weakening a welded joint within. That could cause them to explode suddenly. That might send hot metal shrapnel into the cabin.
The company knows of no injuries related to the problem, but at least three incidents in which an inflator has exploded.
Dealers will replace the airbag modules to fix the problem.
By law, dealers never charge for recall repairs.
Manufacturers recall many cars, often more than once, during their lifespan. Automakers try to contact every owner but don’t always reach them all. Discover if your vehicle has any outstanding recalls with the easy-to-use vehicle identification number (VIN) tool at our recall center.
