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Automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM) is recalling more than 38,000 Pontiac G8 vehicles, over an issue with its airbags that may increase the risk of head injury in accidents. Specifically, Detroit-based GM is recalling 38,444 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured from Nov. 2, 2007 to Jan. 22, 2009.

A 5th percentile female Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) in a 30 mph frontal barrier test exceeded the head injury criteria (HIC) requirements of the standard. With the front passenger seat positioned full forward, the seat position sensor will cause a 30 milliseconds deployment delay between the first and second stages of the dual-stage frontal passenger air bag, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a statement.

The agency said, in the event of crash, this delay may result in increased head injury to certain front seat occupants. The NHTSA added that GM dealers will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic modules free of charge.

The Pontiac G8 is a rear-wheel drive sedan that was produced by GM's Australian unit. The G8 was released in early 2008 for the 2008 model year in the U.S., and in 2008 for the 2009 model year in Canada. However, GM's bankruptcy in 2009 marked the end of the Pontiac brand, including the G8.

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