It has to be one of the worst times to be an automaker. In a time of epic recalls, General Motors just announced another one. GM recalling 4.3M vehicles due to airbag software; this recall is worldwide. Though the recall is worldwide, most of the affected vehicles (3.6M) are in the U.S.The software defect can sometimes keep airbags from actually working if you’re involved in an accident. Apparently, the defect is present in a “sensing and diagnostic module that controls airbag deployment.” It’s the front airbags that are affected and, to date, the defect is potentially responsible for three injuries and one death.

A deployed airbag is seen in a 2001 Honda Accord (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images).

If the software defect “kicks in,” the front airbags can be put into test mode, meaning no deployment in the event of a crash. On top of this, as if it weren’t enough, the seat belt pre-tensioners might not work either, thus failing to tighten around those belted in allowing further injuries to occur.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall late last week. GM said it will contact affected customers and provide free software updates to fix the defect.“The vehicles involved in the recall are all from the 2014-2017 model years and include models from Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac.They are:

• 2014-2016 Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet SS, Chevrolet Spark EV

• 2014-2017 Buick Encore, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Trax, Chevrolet Caprice police car and Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• 2015-2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, GMC Sierra HD, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV.”

GM is confident that this recall won’t have a “material impact” on its financial statements.This recall may not impact those statements, but the earlier (and ongoing) Takata airbag recall may. GM announced earlier this year that if it was forced to recall 4.3M more vehicles over the Takata defective airbag inflators, it could lose $550 million.

Sources:

GM to Recall 4.3 Million Vehicles for Software-Related Airbag DefectGM recalling 4.3 million
 cars to fix air bag sensorGM Faces Up to $550 Million Charge to Fix Future Takata Airbags