GM RoofRail Airbag Failure Lawsuits Attorneys

GM Truck Airbag Recall

According to the GM Organization, in July 2021, they issued a recall for its 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks [1] because of the potential for malfunction of the roof rail airbag module (RRAB), which may result in unexpected deployment of the side curtain airbag.

The roof rail airbag inflator side wall on affected vehicles may rupture, or the end cap may detach from the inflator, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This could cause unexpected airbag deployment or sudden release of compressed gases which may propel metal debris into the truck’s cabin. This type of airbag failure may be catastrophic and increase the risk of crash, injury, or death.

Related Article: Malfunctioned Airbags Recall Lawsuit Update

Why was the Recall Initiated?

GM issued the roof rail airbag recall after the company received at least 3 reports involving unoccupied Silverado pickup trucks in Texas and Florida which experienced ruptured airbags.

The automaker found that the malfunction was caused by corrosion due to moisture introduced into the inflator during manufacturing and worsened by high heat temperature and temperature changes in hot regions.

The GM vehicles are allegedly equipped with airbag control unit software calibrated to prevent the airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying 45 milliseconds after a crash has begun. The lawsuit says this is a serious problem where a crash involves multiple impacts and the airbags fail to properly deploy.

Which Models Are Affected?

Vehicles affected by the GM roof rail airbag recall include:

• 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD pickup trucks
• 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD pickup trucks

What is a Roof Rail Airbag?

A roof-rail airbag, also referred to as a side curtain airbag, is mounted in the roof liner and ejects downward in front of the side windows. The device is designed to restrain occupants to protect them in case of a car crash and reduce the degree of injury.

Other GM Recalls and Statistics

The July 2021 GM roof rail airbag recall involves approximately 410,000 vehicles in the United States. An earlier recall for the same problem was issued in December 2020, but it only affected 9,300 vehicles.

This recall is the latest in several problems involving airbags around the U.S.; however, it is not linked to the Takata airbag or the SDM Calibration problem cited in other recalls. It is a new and separate issue.

A separate class-action lawsuit claims that in frontal collisions involving GM vehicles, about 1,300 people were killed or injured but the airbags did not deploy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided data on events from 1999 to the present, which served as the basis for this statistic.

The lawsuit also describes a unique flaw in the diagnostic and sensing modules of the airbag that may prohibit seatbelt pre-tensioners and airbags from correctly deploying in some types of crashes.

Related Articles:

• GM Airbag Recall Lawsuit
• Chevrolet Silverado Recall Lawsuit
• Average Settlement for Airbags Not Deploying

See all related product liability lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.

Do Airbag Recalls Expire?

No. Safety, Compliance, and Emissions Recalls do not expire. Affected vehicles remain eligible until the repair is completed. Other types of vehicle programs, called Customer Satisfaction Programs, typically have expiration dates and/or mileage limitations.

FAQs

1. How Can Owners Determine if Their GM Vehicle’s Roof Rail Airbags Are Defective?

Owners should check for manufacturer recalls, consult a dealership for inspection, or review any warning signs such as airbag warning lights or deployment issues.

2. What Legal Options Are Available for Victims of GM Roof Rail Airbag Failures?

Victims can pursue a product liability lawsuit against GM, seeking compensation for injuries, damages, and other losses caused by defective roof-rail airbags.

3. What Compensation Might Be Available for Those Affected by GM Roof Rail Airbag Failures?

Affected individuals may receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs or replacement costs, depending on the lawsuit’s outcome.

Get a Free GM RoofRail Airbag Failure Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in GM RoofRail Airbag Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you or a loved one was injured by a GM roof rail airbag failure, or if you own or leased a 2015 or 2016 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra pickup truck, you should fill out the form below and contact the law firm of Schmidt & Clark, LLP, immediately for a free consultation.

You may be entitled to a settlement for medical costs and a lawyer can help.

Reference:

1. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/07/chevy-silverado-gmc-sierra-recalled-for-risk-of-roof-rail-airbag-rupture/