1996 Chevrolet Suburban Air bags Problems

“Driving from work-snowy/icy conditions. Smelled a strange odor in vehicle going from I-270s to I-370w ~ 1/4 mile from ramp. Traffic moderate. Traveling 45 MPH I tapped brakes, they went all way to floor. Turned off electrical equipment. Used engine braking selecting 3-2-1 to slow vehicle. Vehicle slowed, applied emergency brake - drove to brake down lane. Vehicle stopped-white smoke coming around edges of hood. Lower portion of windshield had couple of heat discoloration marks about 1/4 size of a penny in the middle lower portion. Air bag light came on. …”

“From: david b parker comments: in a crash on 5/27/06 where another driver pulled out in front of me and I hit him at approximately 45 MPH or slightly below the driver's side airbag in my 1996 chevy. Suburban 1500 lt. If this is a known problem, please add this to your database; if not you may want to investigate other such models. I do have photos of the aftermath of the crash but was not able to attach them here.”

“The battery leaked/sprayed acid onto the engine and right front side components of the Suburban. The air bag sensor had to be replaced, but the rest of the components were just cleaned off (this included brake hydraulic cables and lines, brakes, air conditioning hoses, radiator, etc.). The dealer/manufacturer said they don't cover the battery because it is not made by them althought I think the company is owned by them. We had to buy a new battery and pay for all the damage to the car and still don't know what the long term affects of this corrosive acid will be. …”

“While driving 55 MPH, had a frontal impact with a smaller vehicle on which driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, and did not protect occupants in this crash. No prior problems with airbag system. Dealer claimed that because vehicle was large impact did not trigger airbag sensor, and did not deploy airbags unpon impact. Please provide further information.”

“While traveling at 55 MPH driver hit a deer, and there was no deployment of driver's side air bag. Vehicle is being held at the body shop. Owner not sure if the truck would be totalled. Please provide any further information.”