New Cadillac XT5s Recalled for Faulty Airbags

General Motors is recalling a small number of new Cadillac XT5 sport utility vehicles over a problem with airbags that could prove dangerous on the road.

The automaker recently acknowledged in a defect report that the safety devices may develop small holes, which would render them ineffective when needed. 

“In the event of a crash causing the driver front airbag to deploy, a tear in the airbag cushion can degrade airbag performance, increasing the risk of injury,” GM said in the report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The automaker blamed a supplier for the problem.

“GM’s airbag module supplier made a design change affecting a brief production window,” the company told NHTSA. “The design change may cause tears or small holes in the bag.”

The recall covers just 74 SUVs from model year 2024. The company plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles via mail by June 17. In the meantime, XT5 drivers can check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are covered by the recall.

GM will ask owners of recalled SUVs to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. They will have airbag modules replaced.

This is not the first time Cadillac and other GM vehicle owners have had their cars recalled. 

GM late last year announced it was calling back some Lyriq SUVs over problems with passenger warning sounds. More recently, GM recalled certain Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks, citing a wheel hub bolt assembly defect.

Understanding Your California Lemon Law Rights

GM is not alone. Major auto manufacturers recall millions of vehicles every year, citing a wide range of defects and malfunctions that put everyone on the road at risk.

These recalls often come long after defective vehicles have left factory floors and dealership lots, sold to unsuspecting buyers. More than 2.5 million vehicles are currently subject to open, urgent recalls, according to data compiled by CARFAX.

Fortunately, car owners and lessors have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. Many do not need to wait for a recall to get defective cars fixed.

The lemon law forces automakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back - or replace, in some situations - vehicles that they are unable or simply not willing to fix. That includes covering the purchase price and financing costs, along with other related expenses.

There is no set number of repair requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replacement obligation kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Talk with an Orange County Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.