Quick Buzz Feed
A U.S. regulator announced it still believes that air bag inflators in 49 million U.S. vehicles assembled by 13 automakers pose serious safety risks.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified air bag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive as problematic. These inflators may rupture, leading to metal fragments being propelled into the vehicle cabin, which poses a significant safety risk. The issue has resulted in one fatality and several injuries linked to these inflators after a lengthy investigation by the government.
If the NHTSA moves forward with plans for a recall, it could potentially be the second-largest in U.S. history, affecting vehicles produced from 2000 to early 2018. The agency has given automakers a 30-day deadline to respond to its determination before formal recall proceedings may commence.
Major automakers such as General Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen have contested the NHTSA's push for a recall, asserting that the data does not support such action. GM, in particular, believes their existing recalls adequately address the concerns raised, and noted that up to 15% of all registered motor vehicles in the U.S. could be impacted by a recall.
The affected air bag inflators were used across a variety of brands and models, manufactured by 13 different automotive companies. The recall discussions have reignited scrutiny over the safety of vehicle components produced over decades, with specific focus on the historical context of the products that have been in service for many years.
In the latest evaluations, NHTSA emphasized the gravity of the risks posed to vehicle occupants. They reaffirmed their earlier stance from September and initiated another review with manufacturers after previous hesitations to comply with the recall request.