2007 Chevrolet Equinox airbags problems

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIRBAGS OR OPTIONAL SUNROOF FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201,"OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING NHTSA IMPACT TESTS, THE INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Consequence

THE RESULTS OF THIS TEST INDICATED A POSSIBILITY OF AN INCREASED RISK OF HEAD INJURY IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ENERGY ABSORBING FOAM PIECE TO EACH OF THE A-PILLAR TRIM ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN THESE VEHICLES, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS BUILT WITH A PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM. WHEN TESTED WITH A REPRESENTATIVE UNRESTRAINED SMALL ADULT, THE SYSTEM IS REQUIRED TO TURN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG ON. AN ERROR IN THE SEAT SENSOR CALIBRATION CAN CAUSE IT TO FAIL THIS TEST. IN ADDITION, THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM TURNING OFF WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A SMALL CHILD.

Consequence

WHENEVER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED, THE DRIVER SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK THE AIRBAG INDICATOR TO SEE IF THE AIRBAG IS ON OR OFF. IF IT IS NOT CORRECT FOR THE SITUATION, THE PASSENGER SHOULD BE MOVED TO A DIFFERENT SEAT. THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO A SEAT OCCUPANT DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SEAT'S ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.