GM Recalling 38,000 Pontiac G8s Over Airbag Issue

November 7, 2011

General Motors Co. is recalling 38,400 Pontiac G8 models made in Australia to reprogram the front-passenger airbag module.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Saturday that the air-bag modules for the 2008 and 2009 models might not comply with federal standards for head injury protection.

No complaints, crashes or injuries have been reported related to the issue, GM said.

But the company found that in case of a crash, the air-bag sensor could be delayed and put some passengers at increased risk for a head injury. GM said crash tests found that the risk was limited but slightly higher for small women sitting in the front passenger seat.

GM dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module at no charge.

The G8 was manufactured in Australia and imported to the United States.