General Motors (GM) has issued a warning to Pontiac Vibe owners, strongly urging them to cease driving their vehicles due to a critical airbag-related problem. This issue stems from the Takata airbags that were originally installed in these cars. The latest airbag complication is exceptionally hazardous, posing a significant risk to the safety of the occupants.

GM Tells Pontiac Vibe Owners: Stop Driving

Citing information from the Associated Press, it has come to light that 2003 and 2004 Pontiac Vibe models may be afflicted by a potentially catastrophic situation involving the Takata airbag inflator. This flaw could lead to the inflator exploding, causing dangerous shrapnel to be projected towards the individuals inside the vehicle. It is crucial to note that around 11,000 affected Vibe units are spread across the United States.

Moreover, the report shared that it is worth mentioning that the Pontiac Vibe shares a close resemblance to the Toyota Matrix and Toyota Corolla, both of which are also encompassed by this advisory. Interestingly, the Vibe and Matrix were manufactured at the former Toyota-GM joint venture NUMMI assembly plant situated in Fremont, California. Production of the second-generation Vibe ceased in 2009, with Tesla subsequently acquiring the facility in 2010.

A spokesperson representing the Japanese-based automaker Toyota has articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, in the event of an airbag deployment, there exists an increased probability of an internal component undergoing an explosion, releasing sharp metal fragments, and potentially inflicting serious injuries or even fatalities upon the driver or passengers. Such problem prompted GM to tell Pontiac Vibe owners to stop driving their cars.

About Takata Airbag

Takata Airbag has been in the hot seat for some years now. This gained popularity is due to its defective airbag inflator, that may cause accidents even leading to fatalities. Consumer Reports provided details about one of its recalls, particularly in 2021.

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The report talks about what a recall is and what car owners must do. Automobiles manufactured by 19 distinct automakers, encompassing 34 different brands, have been subject to recalls aimed at replacing the front airbags on either the driver's or passenger's side, or even both.

 This extensive recall has been dubbed by NHTSA as "the most extensive and intricate safety recall in the history of the United States." These airbags, which were produced by the prominent parts supplier Takata, were originally fitted in vehicles predominantly from model years spanning from 2002 to 2015.

Some of these airbags have the potential to deploy explosively, posing a significant risk of harm and fatality to the occupants of the affected vehicles. Additionally. the report shared some advice to car owners affected.

Owners of vehicles located in coastal regions around the Gulf of Mexico, spanning Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, as well as those in Florida, Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, and Hawaii, are urged to take immediate action. These areas are especially affected by the recall. When replacement parts become accessible, affected vehicle owners will receive notification by mail, instructing them to bring their vehicles to the dealership for the necessary repairs.

Additionally, for those who are hesitant to drive their vehicles to the dealership, contacting their local Toyota dealer will enable them to arrange a convenient vehicle pickup service, ensuring that the required work is carried out without compromising safety or convenience.

The recent recall this year involving Takata Airbags involved GM's and Toyota cars.

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