Airbags failed when needed the most

Just wanted to let everyone know that our 2003 was in a crash a couple weeks ago, and the airbags failed to deploy. Our car was traveling 40+mph, and another lady was traveling 50+mph, and she went through a red light, and we hit the right side of her Impala with the front of our Impala. She drove a 2005, and all of her airbags deployed, and not one of ours did. The front of our car was ripped right off and was totalled in the end. It bent our frame and collapsed the front of our car. No one was fatally injured luckly, however after hospital visits, doctor visits and a couple of months of Physical therapy for our future, we will be fine. I just wanted to let everyone know that I can. I wanted to know if anyone else has heard of similar problems. We purchased our 2003 impala brand new, and know all about the services. The vehicle was nothing but problems since we got it. We are just upset that they failed to deploy. Our injuries would be less sever then they are now if they had worked properly. We have contacted attorneys, but no one is brave enough to take on an automake like GM. We were all wearing our seatbelts like we should. I just want to let everyone know, and a reminder to wear your seatbelts. You could be the safest driver in the world, and all it takes is one person on the cell phone to run a red light and destroy your life or your family. I just wanted to let everyone know not to depend on your airbags.

P.S. We contacted chevrolet about the situation, and they are going to hire a private investigator to gather the information front the computer within the vehicle and determine why the failed. We will see.....

I sorry to hear that. I heard couple years ago GM did recalls on impala, cause of front air bags. but i dont know what year it was.

Look at this, maybe this what you looking for.

Recall 02V222000: Driver's Air Bag Replacement


DEFECT: Certain passenger cars, minivans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment. Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants, and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
REMEDY: Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during September 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo
1.Remove the cover from the electrical center on the left side end of the instrument panel.
2.Remove the "SRS" fuse.
3.On IMPALA models, using tool J-44298 release the spring clips on the rear side of the DRIVER's air bag that attach it to the steering wheel.
On MONTE CARLO models:
^With the front wheels facing straight ahead, turn the steering wheel 90 degrees (1/4 turn) to the left so that the right spoke is now facing upwards. Using a flat-bladed screwdriver through the hole in the rear side of the upwards facing spoke, move the spring clip in a DOWNWARDS direction while pulling that corner of the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) away from the steering wheel.
^Continue turning the steering wheel another 90 degrees (1/4 turn) so that the bottom spoke is now facing upwards. At this point the steering wheel is upside down. Again using a flat-bladed screwdriver through the hole in the rear side of the upwards facing spoke, move the spring clip towards the CENTER of the vehicle while pulling that corner of the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) away from the steering wheel.
^Turn the steering wheel back until the left spoke is facing upwards. Once again using a flat-bladed screwdriver through the hole in the rear side of the upwards facing spoke, move the spring clip in an UPWARDS direction while pulling that corner of the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) away from the steering wheel.
4.Disconnect the two air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) electrical connectors and the one horn electrical connector.
5.Remove the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230).
IMPORTANT :The complete 14 character bar code found on the rear side of the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) in the next step must be recorded on the Repair Order in order for the claim to be paid.
6.Record on the Repair Order the 14 character bar code number found on the label on the rear side of the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230).
7.Compare the last five characters of the bar code with those in the appropriate list included in the bulletin. Please note that the lists are broken down by vehicle name and interior color.
^If the last five (5) characters of the bar code ARE found in the appropriate list, proceed to the next step and install a NEW air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230). See the "Parts Information" section in this bulletin for important information on how to obtain a new air bag.
^If the last five (5) characters of the bar code are NOT in the appropriate list, proceed to the next step and reinstall the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230). Do NOT install a new air bag if the bar code number is NOT on the list.
8.Connect the two air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) electrical connectors and the horn electrical connector to the air bag.
9.Route the wiring harness as necessary and position the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) to the steering wheel.
10.Press the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) to the steering wheel to engage the spring clips.
11.Install the "SRS" fuse.
12.Install the cover over the electrical center on the left side end of the instrument panel.
13.Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position and verify that the "AIR BAG (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230)" indicator flashes seven (7) times and goes out.
14.Open the hood, install the GM Recall Identification Label and close the hood.
15.If a NEW air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) was installed, place the old air bag in the box that the new air bag came in, tape it shut and mark the box as follows:
"DO NOT DEPLOY" -- "FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REFER TO RECALL BULLETIN # 02032"
To arrange for return of air bag modules removed from vehicles involved in this recall ONLY contact Autoliv via telephone at US (800)-503-0967, CAN./MEX./IPC 1-248-375-6567. An Autoliv representative will make arrangements to pick up and safely dispose of the modules.
Removed modules should be stored in an area with limited access.

Chevrolet Impala
1.Remove the cover from the electrical center on the left side end of the instrument panel.
2.Remove the SRS fuse.
3.Using tool J-44298, release the spring clips on the rear side of the DRIVER'S air bag that attach it to the steering wheel.
4.Disconnect the two air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) electrical connectors and the one horn electrical connector.
5.Remove the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230).
http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OB0~P4R0H~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34850750/42103745/98979857/98979859/98979870/101783018/101783019
Important Only the vehicles with the VINs shown require an inspection to determine if the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) should be replaced. All other vehicles will require air bag replacement.
6.Compare the VIN of the vehicle you are working on to the VINs listed.
^If the VIN of the vehicle you are working on is listed, the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) must be inspected to determine if the air bag needs to be replaced. Proceed to step 7 to perform the inspection.
^If the VIN of the vehicle you are working on is NOT listed, the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) must be replaced. Proceed to step 9.
Important The complete 14 character bar code found on the rear side of the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) in the next step must be recorded on the Repair Order in order for the claim to be paid.
7.Record, on the Repair Order, the 14-character bar code number found on the label on the rear side of the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230).
8.Compare the bar code with the two codes listed below.
AB3106Q1UCRDGY AB3107Q1UCSCOM
^If the bar code matches one of the two codes above, proceed to the next step and install a NEW air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230).
^If the bar code DOES NOT match one of the two codes above, proceed to the next step and reinstall the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230). Do NOT install a new air bag if the bar code number is NOT listed above.
9.Connect the two air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) electrical connectors and the horn electrical connector to the air bag.
10.Route the wiring harness as necessary and position the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) to the steering wheel.
11.Press the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) to the steering wheel to engage the spring clips.
12.Install the SRS fuse.
13.Install the cover over the electrical center on the left side end of the instrument panel.
14.Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and verify that the AIR BAG indicator flashes seven (7) times and goes out.
15.Install the GM Recall Identification Label.
16.If a new air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) was installed, place the old air bag in the box that the new air bag came in, tape it shut and mark the box as follows:
"DO NOT DEPLOY FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REFER TO RECALL BULLETIN 03008."
To arrange for return of the air bag modules that were removed from the vehicle, contact Autoliv at 800-503-0967 (U.S.), or 248-375-6567 (Canada/Mexico/IPC). An Autoliv representative will make arrangements to pick up and safely dispose of the modules. Store removed modules in an area with limited access.

Recall - Driver's Air Bag Inspection/Replacement
File In Section: Product Recalls
Bulletin No.: 03008
Date: March, 2003
PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL
SUBJECT:
03008 - DRIVER AIR BAG INFLATOR
MODELS:
2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE
2003 CHEVROLET VENTURE, IMPALA, MONTE CARLO, TRAILBLAZER, TRAILBLAZER EXT
2003 GMC ENVOY, ENVOY XL
2003 PONTIAC MONTANA
FOR VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL, DO NOT FOLLOW THE NORMAL PROCEDURE OF DEPLOYING REMOVED AIR BAG MODULES. DEPLOYMENT OF AN AIR BAG MODULE REPLACED UNDER THIS RECALL COULD CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO FRACTURE, AND COULD RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY FROM METAL AND PLASTIC DEBRIS.
To arrange for return of air bag modules removed from vehicles involved in this recall, contact Autoliv via telephone at 800-503-0967 (U.S.), or 248-375-6567 (Canada/Mexico/IPC). An Autoliv representative will make arrangements to pick up and safely dispose of the modules. Store removed modules in an area with limited access.
CONDITION
General Motors has decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2003 model year Buick Rendezvous; Cadillac DeVille; Chevrolet Venture, Impala, Monte Carlo, TrailBlazer, and TrailBlazer EXT; GMC Envoy and Envoy XL; and Pontiac Montana vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/62339153) that may not deploy as designed, resulting in reduced capability of the air bag (http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OD~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34866154/34866155/56275230) to protect the driver. In addition, the air bag inflator may fracture. If this were to occur, pieces of the inflator could strike and injure the vehicle occupants.
CORRECTION
Dealers are to inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag.
VEHICLES INVOLVED
http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OB0~P3R0H~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34850750/42103745/98979857/101783007/101783008
Involved are certain 2003 model year Buick Rendezvous; Cadillac DeVille; Chevrolet Venture, Impala, Monte Carlo, TrailBlazer, and TrailBlazer EXT; GMC Envoy and Envoy XL; and Pontiac Montana vehicles built within the VIN breakpoints shown.
IMPORTANT: Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through GMVIS (GM Vehicle Inquiry System) or GM Access Screen (Canada only) or DCS Screen 445 (IPC only) before beginning recall repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved.]
Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the recall bulletin. The customer name and address data will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this recall. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the recall bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several state/provinces/countries. Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.
http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OB0~P4R0H~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34850750/42103745/98979857/101783007/101783009
PARTS INFORMATION
Important: Replacement parts are on order control and cannot be ordered without the authorized 14 character bar code found on the rear side of the air bag module.
^For U.S./Canada - Call GMSPO to order the replacement part.
^For IPC - Dealers should contact their International Customer Service Representative at GMSPO.
Parts required to complete this recall are to be obtained from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please refer to your "involved vehicles listing" before ordering parts.
RECALL IDENTIFICATION LABEL - For US and IPC
Place a Recall Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Recall Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the recall number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the recall service. This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.
http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OB0~P3R0H~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34850750/42103745/98979857/101783007/101783010
Put the Recall Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle. When installing the Recall Identification Label, be sure to pull the tab to allow adhesion of the clear protective covering. Additional Recall Identification Labels for US dealers can be obtained from Dealer Support Materials.
Additional Recall Identification Labels for IPC dealers can be obtained from your Regional Marketing Office.
RECALL IDENTIFICATION LABEL - For CANADA
Place a Recall Identification Label on each vehicle corrected in accordance with the instructions outlined in this Product Recall Bulletin. Each label provides a space to include the recall number and the five (5) digit dealer code of the dealer performing the recall service This information may be inserted with a typewriter or a ball point pen.
http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OB0~P3R0H~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34850750/42103745/98979857/101783007/101783011
Put the Recall Identification Label on a clean and dry surface of the radiator core support in an area that will be visible to people servicing the vehicle.
COURTESY TRANSPORTATION
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product recall is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for Courtesy Transportation guidelines.
CLAIM INFORMATION
http://www.alldatadiy.com/alldata/AFI~V6758051~C37398~R0~OB0~P4R0H~N/0/89012112/94694975/94694986/94694990/34853741/34850750/42103745/98979857/101783007/101783012
Submit a Product Recall Claim with the information shown.
Refer to the General Motors WINS Claims Processing Manual for details on Product Recall Claim Submission.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION - For US and CANADA
Customers will be notified of this recall on their vehicles by General Motors (see copy of customer letter shown in this bulletin).
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION - For IPC
Letters will be sent to known owners of record located within areas covered by the US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. For owners outside these areas, dealers should notify customers using the sample letter.
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY - For US and IPC (US States, Territories, and Possessions)
The US National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act provides that each vehicle that is subject to a recall of this type must be adequately repaired within a reasonable time after the customer has tendered it for repair. A failure to repair within sixty days after tender of a vehicle is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time. If the condition is not adequately repaired within a reasonable lime, the customer may be entitled to an identical or reasonably equivalent vehicle at no charge or to a refund of the purchase price less a reasonable allowance for depreciation. To avoid having to provide these burdensome remedies, every effort must be made to promptly schedule an appointment with each customer and to repair their vehicle as soon as possible. In the recall notification letters, customers are told how to contact the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if the recall is not completed within a reasonable time.
DEALER RECALL RESPONSIBILITY - ALL
All unsold new vehicles in dealers' possession and subject to this recall must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. This could be done by mailing to such customers, a copy of the customer letter shown in this bulletin. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.

Hey, thanks for your reply. After the accident I did some research, and I found that post about the airbags. HOWEVER we purchased the vehicle AFTER that was issued. So i am wondering if the problem possibly may have continued to be a problem even after that was issued. Sorry if that makes no sense or is confusing. Thanks for the information though! I greatly appreciate your input.

You welcome. If you gonna find good layer maybe you can make a bunch of $$$$.

I wish. But any attorney we speak with is too scared of automakers to go after them, which is a shame. People like us that pay for a safe dependable vehicle end up no getting what we pay for in the end. And instead of a company standing behind their products and taking responsiblity, they don't. Its just really frustrating, and now I'm hoping that people will read this and think twice. We always believed in American made, but the more and more problems we have, Nissans are looking pretty good...

Just wanted to let everyone know that our 2003 was in a crash a couple weeks ago, and the airbags failed to deploy. Our car was traveling 40+mph, and another lady was traveling 50+mph, and she went through a red light, and we hit the right side of her Impala with the front of our Impala. She drove a 2005, and all of her airbags deployed, and not one of ours did. The front of our car was ripped right off and was totalled in the end. It bent our frame and collapsed the front of our car. No one was fatally injured luckly, however after hospital visits, doctor visits and a couple of months of Physical therapy for our future, we will be fine. I just wanted to let everyone know that I can. I wanted to know if anyone else has heard of similar problems. We purchased our 2003 impala brand new, and know all about the services. The vehicle was nothing but problems since we got it. We are just upset that they failed to deploy. Our injuries would be less sever then they are now if they had worked properly. We have contacted attorneys, but no one is brave enough to take on an automake like GM. We were all wearing our seatbelts like we should. I just want to let everyone know, and a reminder to wear your seatbelts. You could be the safest driver in the world, and all it takes is one person on the cell phone to run a red light and destroy your life or your family. I just wanted to let everyone know not to depend on your airbags.

P.S. We contacted chevrolet about the situation, and they are going to hire a private investigator to gather the information front the computer within the vehicle and determine why the failed. We will see.....
Let us know the outcome of the investigation, all mfgs. are required once a complaint of non deployment is filed, to bring in a 3rd party to analyze the nature of the impact and determine if in fact the sirs should have deployed. I have done some initial investigations as a NYS licensed adjuster myself and found up till now the non- deployed sirs were operating properly based on the angle of impact, decel figures and unibody/sheetmetal impact points.

Thanks for telling me! If someone could explain to me how to post a picture, I have a picture of our car destroyed. I took them before the insurance company hauled it away to be scrapped. The front was rippped right off and the radiator was bent. The "stabilizer bar?" was also bent in the front right side. I would appreciate some input. I understand there is no way to determine if the airbags should or should have not deployed, but take a lot at the pictures and you tell me... (once I know how to get them up)
Thanks guys!

Am I correct in you saying that NONE of the airbags deployed?? Sure sounds like a legitimate lawsuit to me!! Many years ago I was in a bad wreck while driving a tiny Toyota Corolla... This was before airbags but I did have my seat/shoulder belts on... If it wasn't for the belts I would have been killed... Needless to say I always wear them and require any passengers to do the same...

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i85/gemstonian/2001_LS_2.jpg

Yes you are correct in saying that NONE of them deployed. And when the police showed up that was the first thing they noticed. Luckly we are the type of people that do wear seatbelts. (Oh, by the way, my father was driving, I was in the passenger seat, and my mother was sitting directly behind me.) The way we hit, I was pulled sort of out of my seatbelt and to the left (becuase the shoulder strap on the passenger seat belt goes from the top right down to the left) and was thrown forward. Had the airbags gone off I would not have been thrown nearly as far as I was. My father was fine, but my mother and I were brought to the hospital. We suffered from whiplash and are pre-scheduled for the next month in therapy, and they believe we will be in there longer than that. I just want people to be aware that no matter how many safety features you have, sometimes you can't depend on them.

Just for a little update....

since it was the other person's fault that hit us, HER insurance company technically owns our impala now, and is refusing to allow chevrolet to touch the vehicle. The insurance company says they can "take pictures" of the car, but is not allowed to touch it. Which means that the person chevrolet hired is not allowed to gather data from the car's computer about the crash and how the vehicle reacted. So basically, we are screwed. Chevrolet is pissed because they really want to investigate this (once they found out we spoke to attorneys they were very concerned about the situation). This just sucks.

I'm no expert and I'm no lawyer but your car is STILL your car... The accident was the other parties fault... You are free to do whatever you need to do with the car... IT'S YOUR CAR... Am I missing something??

you would think wouldn't you??? But aparently when the car was totalled, the insurance company rushed us to accept their offer for the car so they didn't have to pay storage at the towing place. So as soon as my mother accepted the offer, the title was turned over to the insurance company. So technically it is not our car anymore, becuase the insurance company had to buy it from us. So we told the insurance company we wanted someone to investigate it, they led us to believe that they could. Now she is saying that they are only allowed to look at it, not touch it. This is complete horse s*** in my point of view. What does it matter to her. They aren't taking anything out of it, or ruining anything. The car is freak'n totalled, and they just need to access the computer to get some codes, but the lady is being a royal pain in the ass. So now we are going to no where.

Wow, this whole situation sucks. You could always contact somebody from the NTSB to put some pressure on the insurance company. The NTSB should want to find out if this is a new/undocumented problem and can put all kinds of pressure on the insurance company. I'm pretty sure that the insurance company could not refuse them because the NTSB runs that sector to investigate defects.

If they paid him off for the car and he signed over the title, it is the insurance co's car.

If they paid him off for the car and he signed over the title, it is the insurance co's car.

Sure it is, but if GM or the NTSB wants to bad enough, they can get access to the car for any tests they want. It just depends on how bad they want to. I doubt GM really wants to know the answer, but it is the responsibility of the governemnt agencies to take care of matters like this, especially when they pertain to a major safety feature.

Yes the NHTSB has the power to perform any test on any car, regardless of ownership, GM may have to push some to to the same.

Wow. I'm sorry about your situation. Perhaps your crush sensor on your radiator was bad or disconnected (but you'd probably have an "airbag" light). There was another guy on the forum who had the same thing happen to him. You might want to look a few months back into the records. Post pictures for us to see your car and how bad it actually was. Do you have pictures of the other lady's impala?

I had trouble with my Impala too. Mine was a 2001 that I ran straight into a guard rail at about 50mph after going to sleep. I have no doubt that our seat belts saved our lives or at least the quality of our lives. How did you contact Chevrolet?

The lawyers around here are not too afraid of the auto manufacturers, they just want a death or serious injury. If you don't loose a limb or more it doesn't seem to be worth their time.