recall alert

GM Recall: Side Air Bags Can Explode in Chevy, GMC Pickups

About 9,000 of the trucks were recalled last year for the same problem

A closeup of the GMC logo on a car's grill.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

General Motors is recalling more than 400,000 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the side air bags can explode without warning and spew parts into the cabin.

The recall covers certain 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks.

Documents posted Friday by U.S. safety regulators say the air bag inflator can rupture or the end cap can fly off on both sides of the trucks. Documents say three inflators ruptured in 2015 Silverados last month, one in Florida and two in Texas. All three trucks were unoccupied at the time, and GM says it has no reports of injuries..

The company says a manufacturing defect allowed moisture into the inflator while it was being manufactured, causing corrosion. The inflators were made in Mexico by Joyson Safety Systems.

Dealers will replace both side air bag modules. The company says it has a limited number of replacement parts available. Owners will be notified starting Aug. 16 and they'll get a second letter when parts are widely available.

Ford Motor Co. announced on Monday that it is recalling 661,000 Explorer SUVs at the request of U.S. regulators over concerns that the roof covers could become detached.

About 9,000 of the trucks were recalled last year for the same problem.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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