The recall is related to the ongoing Takata airbag recalls.
GM had argued that the now recalled airbags were fine.
The Takata airbag story dates back to 2014.
The Takata airbag incident quickly became the largest auto recall in history, shortly after it was initially launched in 2014. Since then, more than 63 million airbags in roughly 40 million vehicles in the US have been recalled. This latest round of recalls involves an inflator that GM says is fine.
Back in 2016, GM recalled 800,000 vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. There were 5.9 million other vehicles fitted with Takata airbags however GM argued that these units have a different kind of inflator that does not cause explosions or spray shrapnel in the cabin.
According to CNN Business, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ordered a US recall on Monday from GM.
“NHTSA concluded that the GM inflators in question are at risk of the same type of explosion after long-term exposure to high heat and humidity as other recalled Takata inflators,” said the agency.
This recall, which is expected to cost GM 41.2 billion, covers 5.9 million 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe, and the GMC Sierra and Yukon. A further 1.1 million vehicles from other world markets will also be recalled.