In an unforeseen $1 billion expense, General Motors (GM) announced plans to recall 5.9 million SUVs and pickup-trucks to replace potentially faulty Tataka air-bag inflators, after a recall order was issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The recall affects GM's most popular vehicle models from 2007-2014, including the Cadillac Escalade SUV, GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado pick-up trucks, Suburban and Chevy Tahoe SUVs as well as the GMC Yukon SUV.

Initially, GM tried to stop the NHTSA from issuing a massive recall, arguing that not all of the listed vehicles could have the same air-bag complications. The NHTSA denied the automaker's petition citing a plethora of research data indicating that the Tataka inflator was a major safety risk.

According to the NHTSA, the Tataka air-bag suffers from a design flaw in which the equipment degrades over time, raising a risk that it will explode during a car crash resulting in shrapnel projectiles that could seriously harm or kill drivers. The Tataka recall is one of the largest in U.S. history and involves over 19 auto manufacturers and tens of millions of vehicles.

The NHTSA noted that 18 fatalities have occurred in the U.S. as a result of the faulty air-bags and an additional 12 globally. GM still maintains that the data does not suggest that Tataka airbags are faulty. Rather, 67,000 successful airbag deployments with Tataka inflators points to their general level of safety.

Since 2016, GM has been petitioning the NHTSA to stay a recall of the Tataka inflator. This time it appears GM's luck has run out.  It agreed to the recall to avoid the risk of running afoul of regulatory authorities.

“We disagree with NHTSA’s position. However, we will abide by NHTSA’s decision and begin taking the necessary steps,” GM said. The company added the recall will cost nearly $1.2 billion.

Currently, GM has 30 days per NHTSA guidelines to notify consumers and issue recall details.

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