A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation into the front passenger-side airbag system in the first-generation Chevy Volt has now been closed.
The investigation was opened back in 2019 after the NHTSA received a large number of complaints related to the front passenger-side airbag system in the 2012-2013 Chevy Volt. The problem was eventually traced back to the airbag sensor mat in the passenger seat, which is intended to detect a child seat or a smaller occupant that could potentially be injured by the airbag deployment. According to Car Complaints, the passenger side sensor mat could become bunch up and fold over itself, causing the airbag malfunction indicator light to appear on the vehicle’s instrument panel. This condition would also prevent the passenger side front and knee airbags from deploying in a crash.
The NHTSA investigation found no injuries or deaths related to this problem. GM’s warranty data also shows a low repair rate for this problem, despite the affected vehicles having been on the road for 10 years. General Motors has also now created a program to replace the passenger sensing systems in 2012 and 2013 model year Chevy Volt vehicles, remedying the issue. Because there were no injuries or deaths related to this problem and a repair program is now in place, NHTSA was able to close its investigation.
In a statement, NHTSA said the closing of this investigation “does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.” Interested parties can read the findings of the safety watchdog’s investigation via NHTSA’s website at this link.
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“General Motors has also now created a program to replace the passenger sensing systems in 2012 and 2013 model year Chevy Volt vehicles, remedying the issue.”
Do you have more information on this program? Is GM covering the cost of fixing the problem?
Thanks
Does this mean the repairs are still at the same high quoted prices?? Having the same issue! Started at around 65k miles. Want to get it fixed before another year of constant ringing!
I have a 2013 Volt with over 120,000 miles. Wonderful car! The warning just appeared on the dash board. Only 3 warnings so far, but I am concerned. Will GM provide a repair for this issue? My car is at the dealership now.
Thanks!
Airbag issue for 2013 Chevy Volt.
General Motors has also now created a program to replace the passenger sensing systems in 2012 and 2013 model year Chevy Volt vehicles, remedying the issue.”
My dealership knows nothing about this…. So they say!!!
My 2013 Volt has been doing this since 60k miles and only option is pay GM $1000 to fix a known safety defect. What is this plan by GM? Are they paying for the fix? If they based this program on the low volume of service fixes actually done then it is extremely misleading as most people were simply unwilling or unable to pay GM $1000 to fix their known safety issue. WHAT IS THE PROGRAM?
GM has instituted a cost reduction program for the repair/replacement of the PSS in the subject vehicles based on the NHTSA Investigation (NHTSA Action Number: PE19013). Hopefully that helps the dealer find the cost reduction program offered, although I have no idea how much of a reduction it is in price.
Well, GM has no idea about this program and part is discontinued.