U.S. regulators have taken a significant step towards pushing for a recall of up to 51 million airbag inflators that have been deemed potentially dangerous in the event of a crash. This decision marks a major escalation in a safety issue that has been a concern for the auto industry for quite some time.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a “supplemental initial decision” declaring the airbag inflators defective after a thorough comment period and resistance from the industry. The manufacturers identified for producing these faulty airbags are Knoxville, Tennessee-based ARC Automotive Inc. and the former Delphi Automotive Systems LLC.
Despite the recommendations from regulators back in May 2023, ARC Automotive Inc. has been hesitant to issue a widespread recall. The company has not responded to requests for comments on the matter. In response to the NHTSA’s latest action, interested parties have been given an additional 30 days to provide their feedback.
Various car manufacturers, including General Motors Co., Stellantis NV, Volkswagen AG, and Hyundai Motor Co., have utilized these airbags in their vehicles. General Motors recalled nearly 1 million vehicles from 2014 to 2017 with ARC inflators in May. NHTSA has linked nine cases of ruptured airbag inflators to injuries, including two fatalities, spanning from 2009 to March of last year.
Delphi Automotive, which no longer operates as an independent entity, sold its airbag business to a subsidiary of Sweden’s Autoliv Inc. in 2009. NHTSA has stated that it has not confirmed the entity responsible for the Delphi inflators. This situation is reminiscent of the massive recall of over 100 million defective airbag inflators produced by Takata Corp., which remains the largest auto recall in U.S. history.
While the issue with ARC airbag inflators may not be directly related to the Takata recalls, the potential recall of millions of vehicles for repairs poses a significant challenge for both the industry and car owners. The safety of consumers is paramount, and addressing these defective airbags is crucial to preventing further injuries and fatalities on the road. The NHTSA’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety regulations in the automotive industry to protect the public.