The problem
Certain vehicles originally built with cloth seats that were equipped with an automatic air bag passenger sensing system and later reupholstered with aftermarket leather seat cover kits are involved. Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction.
The risk
If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side May be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. In either case, in the event of a crash that requires air bag deployment, a front passenger's level of injury May be increased.
The fix
Because a replacement leather seat cover that is compatible with the passenger sensing system is not available, general motors (GM) will repurchase these vehicles in accordance with the terms stated in GM's letter to owners. The recall began on November 6, 2006. Owners should contact GM at 1-877-477-1022 to begin the process of repurchasing their vehicle.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 06V-417 (06V417000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 06102 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal |
| Report date | October 31, 2006 |
| Owners notified | November 6, 2006 |
| Vehicles affected | 794 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2005 Buick Lacrosse
- 2006 Buick Lacrosse
- 2005 Buick Rendezvous
- 2006 Buick Rendezvous
- 2006 Chevrolet HHR
- 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2004 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2005 GMC Envoy
- 2006 GMC Envoy
- 2005 GMC Sierra
- 2006 Hummer H3
- 2006 Pontiac G6
- 2005 Pontiac Montana
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2005 Buick Lacrosse airbag problems 34
- 2006 Buick Lacrosse airbag problems 38
- 2005 Buick Rendezvous airbag problems 5
- 2006 Buick Rendezvous airbag problems 9
- 2006 Chevrolet HHR airbag problems 63
- 2006 Chevrolet Malibu airbag problems 34
- 2004 Chevrolet Silverado airbag problems 31
- 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe airbag problems 19
- 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer airbag problems 70
- 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer airbag problems 31
- 2005 GMC Envoy airbag problems 28
- 2006 GMC Envoy airbag problems 11
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 06V-417 repair free?
Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Because a replacement leather seat cover that is compatible with the passenger sensing system is not available, general motors (GM) will repurchase these vehicles in accordance with the terms stated in GM's letter to owners.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 794 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.