Chevrolet Impala sedans from the 2009–2010 model years are being recalled by General Motors Co., according to a filing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 20.
The almost 290,000 vehicles are being recalled over passenger seat air bag concerns, and were manufactured from April 25, 2008, through Feb. 16, 2010.
General Motors says the passenger detection system can be damaged if the front passenger seat frame makes contact with, and damages, the wires of the module that contains the sensors. If the wires are damaged, the sensory system will not recognize when the passenger seat is occupied, disabling the airbag.
“Damage may also cause the air bag fuse to short, resulting in a loss of all air bags and seat belt pretensions.” said the NHTSA filing. “Both conditions increase the risk of injury during a crash.”
The company said it will notify owners of the faulty air bags and its dealers will fix the problem for free by double-wrapping the wires with anti-abrasion tape and replacing damaged wires.
Owners of those vehicles can call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or the vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov.
