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An airbag defect has led to the recall in the US of 38,444 vehicles. But the defect with the Australian-made Pontiacs, built from November 2, 2007 and January 22, 2009 - is unique to the left-hand drive car. Holden spokesperson Emily Perry says the recall of the left-hand drive cars was attributed to their specific airbag and seatbelt calibrations.
The problem does not affect the Commodore or the Australian-made Caprice model being made for police duties in the US. Holden says it started an investigation into the airbag problem on January 19 this year and subsequent tests found an anomaly.
Specifically, it says the airbag might not adequately protect a "fifth-percentile female anthropomorphic test device in a 30mph (48km/h) frontal barrier test (where it) exceeded the head injury criteria requirements of the standard".
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has put out a statement - based on Holden's test results - saying the Pontiac G8 may have a passenger-side airbag flaw that may prevent proper deployment in certain circumstances.
"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," it says. A fifth-percentile female is listed as a woman who is about 1.5m tall and weighs about 49kg.
The test results do not apply to men or children. Pontiac has subsequently been closed down but US owners of the G8 will be able to have the airbag repaired at any GM dealer.
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