GM Recalls About 290K Cars; Air Bags May Not Work In Crash

DETROIT (AP) - General Motors is recalling nearly 290,000 older Chevrolet Impala sedans in the U.S. because the air bags might not inflate in a crash.

The recall covers Impalas from the 2009 and 2010 model years that were made before Feb. 10, 2010.

GM says in government documents that the front passenger seat frame can rub against the wiring for a passenger detection sensor. Damaged wiring could cut power to the sensor and knock out the air bags.

Air bag warning lights will illuminate if the wires are chafed. But some gauges may not work.

Dealers will add anti-abrasion tape to fix the problem. There's no schedule yet for when repairs will be made.