NHTSA Sets Hearing on Proposed Airbag Recall
Federal agency aims to take 52 million of the devices out of commission over explosion risk.
Regulator says the airbag inflators are defective and have led to the death of at least two people and the injury of seven others in the U.S. and Canada since 2009.
IMAGE: Pexels/Dietmar Janssen
U.S. auto safety regulators are pursuing a recall of 52 million airbag inflators used by a dozen or more brands.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration scheduled an Oct. 5 public hearing on the recommended recall, which affects front driver and passenger airbags made by ARC Automotive and under license to Delphi Automotive Systems.
The federal regulatory agency has decided that the airbag inflators are defective and says they've led to the death of at least two people and the injury of seven others in the U.S. and Canada since 2009. It asked ARC to recall them in May, but ARC has refused, saying it believes there’s no defect in the inflators.
The NHTSA says the airbags’ inflators can explode in a crash, sending shrapnel flying inside the vehicle. They’re used by the likes of General Motors, Stellantis and others.
“Additional inflator ruptures are expected to occur in the future, risking more serious injuries and deaths, if they are not recalled and replaced,” it said in its initial decision on the matter.
DIG DEEPER: Auto Recalls Fall lin Q2
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom
New-Vehicle Prices Stay Put
Affordability pressures and model availability shaped new-vehicle sales in September, according to an analysis by Kelley Blue Book.
Read More →
EV Buyer Consideration Shifts
What drives American consumers to purchase an electric vehicle is shifting as the question moves away from Should I?' to 'Which features and experience do I want to have?'
Read More →
Year-to-Date Auto Sales Holding Their Own
A forecast through August shows that automakers have shifted strategies to keep deliveries and revenues up despite tariffs and other economic challenges.
Read More →
Slow to Robo
Ten years of polling consumers shows autonomous vehicles’ profiles have risen considerably, but even more people now want at least some level of control if they go that route.
Read More →
Dealers a Little Down
A third-quarter Cox Automotive survey finds them in a mixed mood, bummed by fallen customer traffic but encouraged by better profits, costs and EV interest.
Read More →
European EV Sales Skyrocket
The EV market on the continent held strong in July with almost 25% of new-car sales being fully electric units, a stark contrast to the U.S., where EV sales declined about 42%.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Used Lots Getting the Business
Many consumers are seeking out the units to save money, and the demand – higher in July than normal – is keeping supply limited and prices up.
Read More →
Used Market Stabilizes
The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.
Read More →
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →