Due to an electrical issue concerning the air bags, the all-new Chevrolet Malibu will soon be recalled. The sedan’s Sensing and Diagnostic Module is to blame for the issue as it has the potential of resetting itself under certain conditions. Controlling the car’s roof rail air bag system and the seatbelt pretensioners, the module could cause serious, unwanted harm to occupants. If hard braking occurs, the system might shut off and then restart. After that, if a driving maneuver aggressive enough takes place that could “warn” the rollover sensors, the roof rail airbags could deploy prematurely. In the event of a crash, the seatbelts may not work to their full potential as well.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall is expected to begin on June 1. To fix the issue, owners will be notified to have certified dealers reprogram the Sensing and Diagnostic Module. Affected cars are 2013 model year Malibus manufactured from October 24, 2011 through March 31, 2012. So far, approximately 4,304 Chevrolets are at risk. General Motors will conduct the recall at no extra cost to owners.
Source: NHTSA
