General Motors is recalling 289,254 2009-2010 model-year Chevrolet Impala cars because of a potential problem that could disable passenger-seat air bags, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The sedans at issue were manufactured from April 25, 2008, through Feb. 16, 2010. In these cars, the front-passenger seat frame may contact and damage the wires of the passenger-presence sensor module. If the wires become damaged, the passenger-presence sensory system may fail to recognize that the passenger seat is occupied.

As a result, the air bag for that seat may be disabled. Damage might also cause the air bag fuse to short, resulting in a loss of all air bags and seat belt pretensions. Both conditions increase the risk of injury during a crash, NHTSA said.

GM dealers will double-wrap the wires with anti-abrasion tape and replace damaged wires as necessary, free of charge. Vehicle owners can reach Chevrolet customer service at (800) 521-7300. GM’s recall campaign number is 36110.