Holden checks Cruze fault after US recall

Holden is investigating an airbag fault that has stopped US sales of Chevrolet Cruze cars to see if Australian-made cars are affected.

Holden's US parent, General Motors, has ordered a halt to sales of 2013 and 2014 models after a fault was discovered in airbags from Japanese supplier Takata.

Airbags could rupture and blow debris around inside a car, according to a report from news service AFP.

The order affects about 33,000 new and used vehicles.

Australian-sold Cruzes are made locally and on Thursday Holden said it was investigating whether the airbag fault affected its fleet.

"We are aware that GM North America has ordered a stop sale of Chevrolet Cruze 2013/14 model cars due to a potential airbag fault," Holden said in a statement.

"Holden is immediately reviewing whether this has any impact on the Holden Cruze."

The car maker said it would contact customers if any follow-up action was required.

In the US, General Motors spokesman Jim Cain said it had notified US and Canadian distributors to halt Cruze deliveries "until further notice", though sales of unaffected models were set to resume by the end of the week.

"Certain vehicles may be equipped with a suspect driver's air bag inflator module that may have been assembled with an incorrect part," he said.

The decision was more bad news for Takata and for Chevrolet.

Honda, Mazda and Nissan recalled nearly three million vehicles worldwide on Monday over an airbag defect that could pose a fire risk.

Takata, which made the airbag, noted its US subsidiary was the component manufacturer.

Honda is recalling 13 models in Japan, including the popular Accord.

Front passenger airbag inflators could have a faulty propellant component, it said.

That could cause the container to rupture in the event of a crash, posing a fire or injury risk.

The same problem has caused top car maker Toyota to recall millions of vehicles.