After discovering a problem with the software that controls the sensing and diagnostic module, or SDM, on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedan, General Motors has issued recall that affects 4,304 vehicles manufactured from October 24, 2011, through March 31, 2012.

General Motors said that in the event of hard braking, the SDM might reset itself and under certain conditions, trigger an airbag deployment when not needed, or under a different scenario, prevent the airbag from opening during a crash.

“If this occurs during an aggressive turning maneuver, and then afterwards a potential vehicle rollover event is sensed, the roof rail airbag may unintentionally deploy,” the automaker said in a filing to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Additionally, the air bags and/or seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy during a severe crash, increasing the risk of personal injury,” GM added.

The Detroit carmaker will begin sending letters to owners on June 1, notifying them how to make an appointment with their local dealer who will reprogram the SDM free of charge.

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