A software bug has prompted General Motors to issue a recall for 4.3 million vehicles that include trucks, cars and SUVs manufactured from 2014 to 2017. The faulty software may have the tendency to prevent airbags from deploying during a crash, and it can also affect seat belts, further aggravating the potential risk.
The announcement on Sept. 9 came on the heels of a recent recall of 368,000 vehicles blamed on defective windshield wipers, Tech Times previously reported. In the latest recall, the software failure affects the sensing and diagnostic module, which prevents the airbags from deployment.
This module refers to the computer component that can sense the movement of the vehicle and triggers the airbag to inflate in case of a crash. The problem was first reported in 2014 after an accident involving a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado.
GM has since been conducting tests and diagnostics and reached the recall decision early this month. Information regarding their findings or how the failure actually transpires, however, were not made available.
The problematic software has already led to a fatality and three injuries, Detroit News reported.
The affected models include: Buick (LaCrosse, Encore); Chevrolet (SS, Corvette, Silverado 1500, Silverado HD, Spark EV, Tahoe, Trax, Caprice Suburban); GMC (Yukon, Yukon XL, Sierra HD); and, Cadillac (Escalade, Escalade ESV). To check whether a vehicle is part of the recall, consumers can head to safecar.gov where they can verify coverage using their Vehicle Identification number.
GM states that owners of the cars covered will be contacted about recall details. They are also entitled to a free software upgrade, which can be undertaken in car dealers quickly.
The number of recalled GM automobiles has not been seen since 2014 when 2.59 million cars were identified as defective due to faulty ignition, affecting their Takata airbags. This particular episode has been linked to 124 fatalities, which the company has compensated.
GM has maintained that the fresh wave of recalled vehicles will not affect its financial results. However, the company has claimed in July that it stands to lose $550 million if government regulators will force it to recall 4.3 million automobiles to replace Takata airbag inflators, according to Fortune.
The experience of Ford Motor could also provide insight into this issue after it recalled six of its car models due to faulty door latches. The move prompted the company to cut its 2016 profit before tax from $10.8 billion to $10.2 billion, according to a Bloomberg report.
It is, however, important to note that GM's recall is voluntary and appears to be less serious than the 2014 problem with the Takata airbag.
Photo: Abdullah AlBargan | Flickr
