General Motors is in the process of notifying owners of some vehicles that passengers should not ride in the front passenger seat until the air bag inflator device has been replaced.
The models affected are the Pontiac Vibe and the Saab 92X. GM is unsure exactly how many vehicles will be impacted by the warning, but the estimate is roughly 15,000. The company is sending notices to owners via overnight mail and is targeting affected vehicles in high humidity states. The warning comes as the nation's safety wathdog is urging millions of car owners to get the defective air bags fixed immediately. The air bags, made by Takata of Japan, could explode under certain circumstances, possible hurling shrapnel at motorists. The defect may have been responsible for up to four deaths and numerous injuries, according to safety experts.
IN-DEPTH
- U.S. Expands Recall Warning for Vehicles with Defective Air Bags (with list)
- Federal Website to Look Up Recalled Cars Crashes
-- CNBC and NBC News Staff