The Economy

GM Recalls 96,000 Cadillacs Because of Airbag Issue

Dec. 27, 2010

Automaker also recalls small number of vehicles to fix rear-axle cross pin.

General Motors is recalling nearly 96,000 Cadillac CTS vehicles due to an issue that can cause the front-passenger airbag to fail to deploy.

The recall affects Cadillac CTS vehicles from the 2005-2007 model years, according to the automaker.

"The passenger presence system in affected vehicles may have been built with a sensor mat that can kink, bend or fold while the seat is in use," GM said in a news release. "This flexing can cause the traces in the mat to fatigue and fracture, causing loss of continuity in the trace that would tell the airbag to deploy."

GM dealers will fix the problem at no charge. The automaker said it will begin sending out a letter to Cadillac owners in February.

GM also is recalling 1,300 vehicles to repair an improperly manufactured rear-axle pin. The recall affects some model-year 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado LD and GMC Sierra LD vehicles.

"The pin was improperly heat-treated and could facture and become displaced within the rear axle," GM reported on the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's website.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.