GM recalls 88,129 GMC Terrain crossovers over software defect

General Motors is recalling certain 2018 GMC Terrain crossover in the U.S. because a software defect may prevent airbags from deploying during a crash.

The recall affects 88,129 Terrains produced between March 2017 and May 2018.

In the affected vehicles, the sensing diagnostic module -- which controls airbag deployment -- might not deactivate correctly when the vehicle is powered off, according to a report filed with NHTSA.

If this happens, the module may be defective when the vehicle is restarted, the report says.

"If the SDM is inoperative when the vehicle is started, the airbag warning lamp will be illuminated," the report says, "the driver information center will display a "service restraint system" message, and warning chimes will sound."

GM estimated in NHSTA documents that 1 percent of the vehicles recalled could have the defect.

Problems with the modules were identified in January by a GM engineer, the report says. An investigation was launched on March 28, and data analysis performed on April 20 showed no accidents, injuries or fatalities.

GM dealerships will reprogram the modules with updated software, but the automaker has not provided dates for when dealers and customers will be notified.