The driver's front airbag includes a safety device called a shorting bar - this prevents unexpected deployment of the airbag when it is removed from the vehicle. In this case, the shorting bar may intermittently contact the airbag terminals while it is installed in the vehicle. This could result in illumination of the airbag warning light or the airbag may not deploy when necessary. Failure of the airbag to deploy would increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil to correct this concern.
Recalls
Recalls are issued for cars with safety-related defects or problems
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
The Driver's Airbag may not Deploy as Expected
Body, Interior & Misc., January 24, 2013
The Driver's Front Airbag may not Deploy as Expected
Body, Interior & Misc., October 31, 2012
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals. If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury. General Motors dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil to correct this concern. The General Motors recall number is 12261
Windshield Washer May Not Function as Expected
Body, Interior & Misc., August 17, 2012
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The windshield wiper washer hose on these vehicles may separate from the washer fluid reservoir. If this occurs, washer fluid will be unavailable. A lack of washer fluid could impede the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash. To correct this concern, dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to prevent separation. The General Motors recall number is 12176.
Front Brake Pad May be Missing
Brakes, December 22, 2011
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Some vehicles may be missing a front inner or outer brake pad. A missing pad could result in reduced brake system performance, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the front brakes for missing pads. If a brake pad is missing, dealers will install new brake pads, a new brake caliper, and a new rotor. The General Motors recall number is 11354.