GM has recalled certain units of the 2014 Chevy Cruze that were produced using roof rail airbag inflators from a defective batch, with a faulty weld in the inflator potentially rupturing in certain situations.
The problem: roof rail airbag inflators from specific suspect production lots were fitted to some 2014 Chevy Cruze vehicles, and may rupture at a defective weld joint. The reports of field incidents suggest the rupturing may occur randomly in some instances, and not just during a collision when the airbag activates.
The hazards: if the roof rail airbag inflator ruptures at the defective weld joint, the airbag partially inflates while escaping pressure turns part of the metal inflator into shrapnel. These metal pieces are driven into the cabin interior at high speed, potentially causing injury or death to occupants.
The fix: the recall notice serves to warn dealers and owners of the problem with certain affected 2014 Chevy Cruze units, but no repair for the defect is currently available. Eventually, GM will supply new, correctly manufactured airbag inflator modules to replace the defective modules currently installed.
The General also placed a hold on any 2014 Chevy Cruze units still in dealer used inventory. This means dealerships are not allowed by law to sell, deliver, demonstrate, or trade the affected Cruze units until the fix has been correctly applied and registered in the GM system, once available.
Affected components: Roof rail air bag inflator module.
Number of affected vehicles: component traceability has enabled GM to identify all vehicles affected by the defect. In total, 8,150 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles are included in the current recall.
Owners should: GM plans to mail notification letters to 2014 Chevy Cruze owners with affected units beginning on November 6th, 2023. Once available, the fix will be applied to involved Cruze cars free of charge. Owners who want more information about the recall or related matters can call Chevy customer service at the telephone supplied below, with the recall number for reference:
Contacts:
- GM recall number: N232408490
- Chevy customer service number: 1-800-222-1020
Note: the recall also applies to certain units of the 2014 Buick Verano. GM first discovered the issue and began its investigation when three vehicles experienced explosive failure of the faulty weld joint at various locations in Texas during summer 2023. All three vehicles were parked and unoccupied, so no injuries resulted.
However, it is unclear from the supplied information if another vehicle collided with the parked Cruze and triggered the airbag, or if the inflator spontaneously and randomly ruptured.
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Comments
Lordstown quality, of which there was ever very little.
Vehicle manufacturing plants do not fabricate the component set for the vehicle this is a supplier defect. Place the blame to the correct people.
Sigh, is there ANYTHING in the Cruze that isn’t going to be a disaster?
Was a great budget car on paper. But is trying its best to be GM’s worst vehicle since the 1980’s.
9 years later 3 vehicles affected in the hot Texas sun with no occupants. Crack a couple of windows open. Genius.