What's with the airbag recall on 1996-97 J-bodies?
June 1998: General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet Cavalier Years: 1996-1997 Pontiac Sunfire Years: 1996-1997
Number Involved: 675,302
Dates of Manufacture: April 1995 - May 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V146
Description of Defect: Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sending and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan. Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module. Owner notification is expected to begin during August 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.