Defective Airbag Sensors Lead to Cadillac Recall
Cadillac is recalling its 2009 CTS model vehicles because of defective airbag sensors, which could affect proper deployment of the airbags. Company officials say a software glitch in the passenger sensing system could disable the front passenger airbag when it should be enabled. On the other hand, the glitch could also enable the airbag when it should be disabled. When the recall becomes effective later this month, dealers will reprogram the sensing module free of charge. Our source for this blog was a news report on consumer watchdog Web site Consumeraffairs.com.
Consumers who have questions about this recall are asked to call Cadillac toll-free at 1-866-982-2339 or visit www.gmownercenter.com. More information about this recall is also available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Web site at www.safercar.gov or by calling the federal agency at 1-888-327-4236.
I’m glad to hear Cadillac is acting in a timely manner and recalling these vehicles that are equipped with these defective airbag sensors. Airbag defects can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death, although the main purpose of having airbags in vehicles is to save lives. According to the NHTSA, between 1990 and 2001, 215 people died because of airbags deploying in low-impact crashes when they were not supposed to. This fatality number includes 72 drivers, 10 adult passengers, 111 children between the ages of 1 and 11 and 22 infants.
Also, when airbags inflate, they do so at a high rate of speed and with a lot of force. Improper airbag deployment causes severe facial or eye injuries that could even result in permanent blindness. When airbags fail to deploy during severe accidents, especially rollover crashes, we see catastrophic or fatal injuries occur as a result. So whatever the airbag defect – a bag that inflated too soon, one that deployed late or failed to deploy – it could cause tremendous damage and injury to the vehicle’s occupants. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured because of an airbag defect and would like to learn about your legal rights, please contact us.
