Camaro Deploys Airbags During Spirited Driving
Jason Lancaster | Aug 11, 2011 | Comments 16
First, we showed a documented instance of a Camaro suffering from unintended acceleration (where’s the LA Slimes on that one?). Now, for your enjoyment, we have video of a Camaro blowing the side curtain airbags while the driver tries to do some donuts:
A few thoughts…
1. Why is this high horsepower car so hard to break lose? Me thinks the driver didn’t shut off the electronic nannies…
2. Why is the driver laughing? His insurance isn’t going to cover the cost of replacing his now deployed bags…figure that cost will stretch upwards of $3,000 (maybe even more).
3. Our contributor Mark, wise to the ways of the auto industry, has pointed out a few more things about this accidental airbag deployment:
- GM isn’t going to cover it under warranty, even though they were clearly defective in terms of calibration…for the exact same reason Ford didn’t cover Raptors with bent frames. They’ll argue abuse.
- GM is the only company that sells airbags for this car. This is why the costs are so high – there’s no after-market competition that drives down costs.
- The airbag replacement may also include some repairs to the interior. Plastic panels can stretch or crack during a deployment, not to mention that all the clips holding the piece are probably ruined.
- In the ultimate ironic twist, there’s a very good chance the company that replaces the airbags will be forced to report the deployment to CarFax. Probably not going to help resale value at trade-in time.
4. What are the odds that the owner of this Camaro used an after-market programmer to modify his engine, only to find out the programmer also messed with the side curtain deployment settings?
Comments?
Filed Under: Auto News
Who’s the moron cutting away the airbag andwhy??
If GM doesn’t cover replacement under warranty for the airbags, I’d be pissed. Over what, a few donuts in a hot rod V8. Has to be most likely too sensitive a calibration to cause the airbags to deploy in error on GM’s fault. It would be the last GM vehicle I’d buy if they didn’t cover the faulty air bag deployment 100%. May be in the minority here, but GM needs to get this fixed ASAP.
Quick response to 1:
It wouldn’t be much of a sports car if it were easy to break the tires loose. Also, it shows that the traction control works 🙂
And finally, for rednecks who like to say “hey y’all watch this” then do something not so smart will live another day.
I think they must have got their airbags from Ford 🙂
and thats why Toyota has a button to turn those things off. lmao
where is the airbag off button for the side curtain airbags on my 2010 tundra DC? I don’t think I have one, do you?
or, is it the RSCB button whatever that stands for?
Yes, its the Rollover Side Curtain airBag button, to turn off deployment during offroad/other extreme use.
wonder what that button was for, guess I will never shut it off since not worth trashing my 26K tundra doing extreme stuff, but doing donuts in an empty parking lot should no way set off those airbags – agree?
LOL, MK I sure hope not, but you never know. There is always that once in a blue moon chance.
We’re looking for a classic Toyota in the Dream Cruise today on Woodward Avenue where over a million people will gather. Can’t find one anywhere. It’s like looking for big foot. No Toyota muscle cars, no Toyota classic cars, especially no Toyota muscle or classic trucks. Welcome to the Motor City! LOL!
Anonymous you won. The biggest idiot contest. Here’s your sign “IDIOT”. Love it Motor City… Where is that? Is it still there? Ohh yes I forgot it went south to Mexico. Hope you speak spanish there Anonymous.
Ohh yes Anonymous what motor city was that vehicle doing donuts and the airbags deployed? Yes I love Motor City.
Dez – I don’t think you can put them back together can you? What’s SOP when they deploy in a car accident? (Asking cause’ I don’t know.)
mk – As soon as the video starts, GM will deny the warranty. The owner’s manual clearly states that this type of use isn’t covered…even if it is indeed a problem with the calibration.
LJC – Fair enough. Every RWD I’ve had broke loose easy enough, but I’ve never had a new Camaro, so good point. Also good point that it’s there to save fools from themselves. Thanks for commenting.
Josh – LOL
Biglitz – Best comment.
Marko – Bonus points.
Mickey – LOL…I think that’s another Hexmate citing. He’s always steaming over something.
I can tell you from my 98 Silverado accident. Both airbags deployed and at the that time in 2003 the airbags cost $3,000 a piece. Insurance companies won’t allow used airbags to be put in. They have to be new.
Sorry about that. Since my hard drive having issues all that was saved is no longer on the computer.