Air Bag On-off Switch problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox

Passenger side airbag sensor doesn't go on or goes on and then turns off while in car driving or stationary. Moving around on seat makes it switch back and forth. Looks like this is the same issue from the 2007 recall, but not extended to 2008. Haven't taken to dealership yet, but seems to be a common problem. Was sold to me last month from a used car dealer.

Passenger side air bag doesn't work and may be because of the ingition switch which seems to be a problem with a lot of gm vehicles.

I took my 2008 chevy Equinox to the dealer because the service airbag light was on. It was determined that the roof rail module needed replacement at a cost of $1,475. I had to rent a car for $175 and leave Equinox for repair when the gm tech told me the Equinox was dangerous to drive because the airbags would not deploy in an accident. Upon completion, the service airbag light was off and the passenger airbag light displayed on as my 115lb daughter was in the passenger seat. Half way home, passenger air bag light switched to off. Would the airbag have deployed in an accident now that the sensor wasn't detecting anyone in the passenger seat? most likely not. Sometimes the passenger light is on and then it goes off. Sometimes it never senses a passenger at all. I have contacted gm corporate office and they will not rectify the problem. They want to give a $2,000 loyalty certificate to purchase a new gm vehicle within a year. I can't afford to purchase a new vehicle. Per gm corporate, this $1,475 repair is routine maintenance. This contradicts the certified gm tech who told me this shouldn't be happening. He said it had nothing to do with the mileage or maintenance of the vehicle. A quality vehicle & the safety of their customers is of no concern to gm. I've had this issue for a year now since the passenger presence module was replaced in September 2011 at a cost of $545. Bob bell chevy bel air can't replicate the problem so therefore deemed there is no problem. I can't have anyone sit in the passenger seat due to this defective airbag system. There are many complaints about the Equinox on this same issue. In fact, 2007 Equinox was recalled for similar airbag issues. I have requested a full refund from gm but they refuse. I am concerned for my safety and my children's safety. Replacing air bag modules & sensors is not routine maintenance that I should be forced to bear.

I purchased my car in Dec. 2007 and have had electrical issues since Jan. 2008. At first it was simple things like replacing the radio in Apr. 2008 (under warranty), faulty wiper switch in sept. 2009 (under warranty). Then in oct. 2010 I had to pay $175. 54 to replace a faulty spark plug and wire. But February 2011 has been the worst! on 2/10/11 I was driving down a mountain in bad weather on my way to work when my entire dashboard lit up, stabilitrack disabled, abs, traction control turned off, check engine light; I couldn't drive faster than 20 mph without my car sliding all over the place. I was terrified. The dealership said the vacuum line wasn't plugged back in during my last oil change and that's what was causing it. I drove home and the same thing happened all the lights lit up again. Back to the dealership 2/16/2011. Dirty sensor, they cleaned it. I picked up my car and all the lights were on again so they replaced the sensor costing me $174. 54. Eight days later my car is back in the shop. The check engine light came on, stabilitrack light came on and my power steering failed. The dealership says its electrical and I most likely wont have to pay for it but I don't feel safe driving my car at all anymore. I have read numerous complaints online with the exact same issues and some are worse than mine. Gm needs to take responsibility and recall this vehicle. And for years my passenger side airbag hasn't worked properly. I'm 112lbs and it doesn't turn on when I'm sitting in the passenger seat. This can't be safe!.