If you own a GMC vehicle, you may be at risk of serious injury or even death due to a defective airbag.
The airbag, made by Takata, a major parts supplier, has a flaw that can cause it to explode with excessive force.
This can occur specifically in a crash sending metal fragments flying into the vehicle’s interior.
This defect has been linked to 26 deaths and more than 400 injuries in the U.S. alone.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ordered General Motors to recall and repair about 7 million vehicles worldwide with Takata airbag inflators.
The recall affects certain 2007 to 2014 model-year GMC vehicles, such as the Sierra, Yukon, and much more.
But how can you check if your car has an airbag recall?
And what can you do next if your GMC car has an airbag recall?
These and many more questions about Gmc Takata airbag recall are well discussed for you in this article.
So don’t be at risk! Learn how to check for the GMC Takata airbag recall today and get your free repair as soon as possible.
It could save your life and the lives of your loved ones. This is a matter of utmost urgency and importance.
Don’t delay, act now!
What Is Gmc Takata Airbag Recall?
The GMC Takata airbag recall is a safety recall that affects certain GMC vehicles that have airbags made by Takata, a Japanese supplier. The recall is due to a defect in the airbag inflators, which may explode in a crash. The explosion can result in fragments being sent into the vehicle, injuring or killing the occupants. The recall covers about 7 million vehicles worldwide, including some models of the GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL.
How To Check If Your Gmc Vehicle Is Involved In The Takata Airbag Recall
Here are two ways to check if your GMC vehicle is involved in the Takata airbag recall:
Method 1: Using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website
Visit the NHTSA website
Enter your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the search bar.
Click “Search.”
The website will display a detailed report about your vehicle, including any open recalls. Look for the section titled “Safety Recalls” or “Open Recalls.” If your vehicle is involved in the Takata airbag recall, it will be listed there.
Method 2: Using the General Motors Takata Airbag Safety Recall website
Visit the General Motors Takata Airbag Safety Recall website
Enter your vehicle’s VIN in the designated field.
Click “Check for Recalls.”
The website will display a message indicating whether your vehicle is involved in the Takata airbag recall.
What To Do Next If Your GMC Vehicle Is Involved In The Takata Airbag Recall
If your GMC vehicle is involved in the recall, you should not drive your vehicle until you receive the replacement airbags. Gmc will replace the faulty airbags for free at any authorized dealer.
Here is a breakdown of the next action to take;
- Contact Your Local GMC Dealer
Once you confirm your vehicle is involved in the recall, schedule an appointment with your local GMC dealership for a free repair.
You can find your nearest dealership through the official GMC website (https://www.gmc.com/) or by calling their customer service hotline (1-800-462-8782).
- Prepare for the Appointment:
Bring a copy of the recall notice (if received) and your vehicle registration to the appointment.
Be prepared to leave your vehicle at the dealership for a few hours, as the repair time can vary depending on the specific model and the workload of the service department.
Also Read: Recall On Mercedes-Benz Airbag: What You Need to Know as an Owner!
How Long Does The Takata Airbag Recall Take?
The repair time for the Takata airbag recall in your GMC vehicle can vary depending on several factors, but it generally ranges from 1 to 4 hours. Here’s a breakdown of the influencing aspects:
Specific vehicle model: Different models might have varying airbag inflator designs and accessibility, impacting the repair complexity and duration.
Dealership workload: If the service department is busy with other repairs, your wait time might be longer.
Parts availability: In rare cases, if the necessary parts are not readily available at the dealership, there might be a delay in obtaining them.
While the repair itself typically takes 1-2 hours, additional factors like paperwork processing and waiting for available technicians can extend the total time to 3-4 hours.
How Much Did The GMC Takata Airbag Recall Cost?
Determining the exact cost of the GMC Takata airbag recall is challenging due to the following reasons:
- Shared Responsibility: The Takata airbag recall involved multiple car manufacturers, not just GMC. The overall cost is attributed to various companies, making it difficult to isolate the specific expenses incurred by GMC.
- Ongoing Recall: The Takata airbag recall is still ongoing, and the total number of affected vehicles and repairs is constantly evolving. Therefore, calculating a conclusive cost is not possible.
However, we can explore some available information:
- Estimated Industry Cost: The entire Takata airbag recall across various manufacturers is estimated to cost the industry between $20 billion and $40 billion.
- GMC’s Potential Share: Given GMC’s market share, it’s likely they shouldered a significant portion of this cost. However, the exact figure is not publicly available.
- Individual Repair Cost: While the recall repairs are free for vehicle owners, the cost falls upon the manufacturers. Replacing Takata airbags involves parts, labor, and logistics, resulting in individual repair costs for each vehicle.
What GMC Cars Are Affected By Takata Airbag Recall?
The Takata Airbag recall covers about 7 million vehicles worldwide, including about 5.9 million GMC vehicles in the U.S. The affected GMC models are:
- 2007-2014 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2007-2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD
- 2007-2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD
- 2007-2014 GMC Yukon
- 2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL 1500
- 2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL 2500
Do Airbag Recalls Expire?
Airbag recalls do not expire. However, manufacturers are only obligated to provide a free remedy to vehicles not more than 15 years old. As per the NHTSA, “To be eligible for a free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 15 years old on the date the defect or noncompliance is determined.
How Serious Is The Takata Airbag Recall?
The Takata airbag recall is considered extremely serious due to the potential for severe injuries and fatalities associated with the defective airbags. Here’s a breakdown of the gravity of the situation:
Risks associated with defective Takata airbags:
- Explosive Rupture: In a crash, the faulty inflator can explode with excessive force, causing the metal casing to fragment and propel shrapnel into the vehicle cabin.
- Serious Injuries: These fragments can strike occupants, inflicting serious injuries like lacerations, broken bones, and even blindness.
- Fatalities: In tragic instances, the metal shrapnel can cause fatal injuries to drivers and passengers.
Scope of the recall:
- Massive scale: The Takata airbag recall is one of the largest and most complex in automotive history, encompassing millions of vehicles across various manufacturers, including GMC.
- Global impact: The recall affects vehicles in numerous countries, highlighting the widespread nature of the safety concern.
Ongoing efforts:
- Despite ongoing efforts by manufacturers and safety regulators, the recall process is complex and takes time due to the vast number of vehicles involved and the need for replacements.
- While significant progress has been made, some affected vehicles remain unrepaired, posing a continued risk to drivers and passengers.
Therefore, taking action on the Takata airbag recall is critically important. Here’s why:
- Life-saving potential: Getting the faulty airbag replaced eliminates the risk of serious injuries or death in the event of a crash.
- Free repair: This crucial safety measure is offered at no cost to vehicle owners.
- Prioritizing safety: Addressing this issue demonstrates a commitment to your safety and the safety of others on the road.
At What Speed Do Airbags Deploy?
Airbag deployment is not primarily triggered by speed but by the sudden change in velocity (deceleration) experienced by a vehicle in a crash. This deceleration is measured in units called g-forces, which represent multiples of the Earth’s gravitational pull.
Here’s a breakdown of typical airbag deployment thresholds:
Frontal airbags: These airbags are designed to deploy in frontal crashes when the vehicle experiences a deceleration equivalent to hitting a solid, immovable object at 10-16 miles per hour (mph).
Side airbags: These airbags deploy in side-impact crashes at even lower thresholds, typically around 8-18 mph, depending on the severity and location of the impact.
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What Happens If A GMC Airbag Is Overinflated?
If a GMC Takata airbag, or any airbag for that matter, overinflates during deployment, it can cause serious injuries or even death to the vehicle’s occupants. Here’s a breakdown of the potential consequences;
Excessive Force: The primary risk associated with an overinflated airbag is the excessive force it exerts upon inflation. This force can be significantly higher than what a typical airbag deployment generates, exceeding the limits designed to safely absorb impact and protect occupants.
Impact Injuries: This excessive force can cause various impact injuries, depending on the location of the airbag and the occupant’s position:
Chest and Abdominal Injuries: The most common injuries occur in the chest and abdomen due to the impact of the airbag against the occupant’s torso. These can range from bruises and broken ribs to serious internal organ damage.
Head and Neck Injuries: In some cases, the forceful inflation can cause the occupant’s head to snap backward, potentially leading to neck injuries, spinal cord damage, or even head injuries if contact occurs with other interior components.
Shrapnel and Fragmentation: In extreme scenarios, an overinflated airbag might rupture, causing the metal casing or other components to fragment and propel shrapnel into the vehicle cabin. This can inflict lacerations, puncture wounds, and even blindness depending on the trajectory and severity of the fragments.
Psychological Trauma: Even if physical injuries are not sustained, the experience of an airbag overinflating during an accident can be highly stressful and lead to psychological trauma, especially for children or those with pre-existing anxiety disorders.
Does Takata Airbags Get Overinflated?
Not all Takata airbag recalls involve overinflation. The specific defect in Takata airbags primarily concerns the potential for explosive rupture and shrapnel generation, although overinflation is a possibility in some cases.
Airbags are crucial safety devices. Despite the potential risks associated with overinflation, airbags play a vital role in mitigating injuries during crashes. They are designed to deploy rapidly and absorb impact, significantly reducing the forces acting on occupants compared to an unbelted collision.
Therefore, it’s essential to address any potential airbag issues through proper maintenance and adhering to recall recommendations. If you have any concerns about your GMC vehicle’s airbags, consult a qualified mechanic or your local GMC dealership for professional assessment and guidance.
What is the List Of GM Recalls?
GM recalls are safety issues that affect certain models of General Motors vehicles, such as Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saturn, HUMMER, or SAAB. GM recalls are issued when the company or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle has a defect that poses a risk to the driver, passengers, or other road users. GM recalls requiring the owners of the affected vehicles to bring them to a certified service dealer or Saab’s official service center for a free repair or replacement of the defective part.
Some of the most recent and notable GM recalls are:
- Takata Airbag Recall: This recall affects millions of vehicles from various manufacturers, including GM, that have faulty airbag inflators made by Takata. The inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the vehicle, causing serious injuries or fatalities. GM has been notifying the owners of the affected vehicles and urging them to get their airbags replaced as soon as possible.
- Ignition Switch Recall: This recall affects millions of vehicles from various GM brands that have defective ignition switches that can move out of the run position while the vehicle is in motion. This can cause the engine to stall, the power steering and brakes to lose power, and the airbags to fail to deploy in a crash. GM has been repairing the ignition switches and providing compensation to the victims of the defect.
- Chevy Bolt EV Recall: This recall affects certain 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles that have high-voltage batteries that may pose a risk of fire when charged to full or near full capacity. GM has been advising the owners of the affected vehicles to limit their battery charging to 90% and park their vehicles outside until further notice. GM is working on a software update to address the issue.
Also Read: Chevy Equinox Vs GMC Terrain? The Ultimate Showdown!
Conclusion
The Takata airbag recall stands as a significant public safety concern, impacting millions of vehicles across various manufacturers, including GMC.
The Takata airbag recall poses a serious threat to the safety of drivers and passengers in affected GMC vehicles.
The primary risk associated with the Takata airbags lies in their potential to explode with excessive force during a crash.
This malfunction can cause the metal casing to fragment, propelling shrapnel into the vehicle cabin at high speeds.
These metal fragments can inflict severe injuries, including lacerations, broken bones, and even blindness, posing a significant threat to drivers and passengers.
By understanding the associated risks, employing the provided methods to check for involvement.
This promptly scheduling a free repair, you can significantly reduce the danger and ensure your GMC vehicle is equipped with a reliable safety system.
