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General Motors Airbags

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There are two things that can go wrong with air bags -- they can deploy when they shouldn't, and they can fail to deploy when they should. Every manufacturer, including GM, has had problems with air bags, which are intrinsically complex and dangerous.

• GM air bags that failed to deploy
• GM air bags that deployed erroneously

Our advice? Never rely on your air bag. Always wear your seat belt and insist that passengers do the same. Equally important -- NEVER let small children sit in the front passenger's seat in a vehicle equipped with air bags. They can be very seriously injured and even killed if the air bag deploys. Children must be belted in in the back seat, using an appropriate child booster or infant seat.

Some recent complaints ...

John of Port St Lucie FL (11/26/06)
I purchased a used 1998 chevy k2500 regular cab pick up truck from the man named above. Recently i was involved in a serious accident hitting a tree head on. No airbag was ever deployed and later I leaned that the airbag was removed.

The injuries I recieved from the accident more than likely would have been greatly reduced. I was unable to work and need to have surgery to repair my knee.

Kirk of St. Charles, MI September 30, 2006

Kirk of St. Charles MI (09/30/06)
I own a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado Pickup with less than 50, 000 miles. There are several manufacturing defects in my pickup that I believe calls for a recall. 1.) The airbag system light is on at all times. Mechanic states airbag will not work until fixed. 2.) Both tail lights literally fell out. Broken assembly bewteen tail light, and attaching nut. Plastic cracked on all securing points that hold light to frame. 3.)Acuator froze up on passenger side door. Cannot use lock manually or by power. All three of these problems occured over the course of two months.

I have already had repaired the power lock system at 140 for parts, and labor. Tail lights have been temporarily fixed with epoxy more than one time. The airbag system will require a dealership for repairs. My own mechanic will not touch it. This cost will be significant. I do not believe I should be burdened with this costs with a vehicle having less than 50, 000 miles.

Virginia of Fayetteville, NC August 1, 2006

Virginia of Fayetteville NC (08/01/06)
My son Jonathan was killed in a one-car accident. He hit the median on his way home from work. there was no drugs or alcohol involved. He lost control and the chevy Cavalier he was driving hit the median and the air bags never deployed. The car flipped 8 times, he hit the steering wheel which crushed his forehead. He was only 22. It happened on I-95 south just below exit 55 near Fayetteville NC.

Car belonged to his roommate, it was a 2003 Chevy Cavalier. His insurance paid for the car but not my son's funeral.  I think my son may still be alive if the air bags would have deployed.

My son lost his life. His funeral was July 27, 2006

Sandra of Gaithersburg, MD June 1, 2006

Sandra Lynn  of Gaithersburg MD (06/01/06)
The airbag exploded without an impact or collision on February 24, 2003. My full coverage insurance would not cover the repairs or the injuries; I was driving at a speed of 5 miles per hour. I was entering into a parking lot. Without a collision, the Airbag exploded in my face causing Head and Chest contusions. I weigh only 110 pounds.

This made me semi-conscious. I did not have a collision because Thanks to God I impulsively turned off the key in the ignition without even being able to see. This severe explosion took the paint off my steering wheel. The fire department was called as well as an ambulance by a pedestrian. The car was smoking from the steering wheel for a long time.

I have a 1994 Buick Regal.

Scott of Franklinville, NJ February 23, 2006

Scott Lange of Franklinville NJ (02/23/06)
Was involved in an accident in my 1999 Chevy Silverado pick-up truck. I approached an intersection and I attempted to apply the brakes but nothing happened. I was hit in the side by an 18 wheeler and then T-boned another 18-wheeler. To top all of this off.......the airbags didn't deploy!!!!

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