The US government has ordered the recall of 52 million ARC airbag inflators from auto suppliers due to potential dangers to passengers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as many as 52 million airbag inflators need to be recalled. The agency claims that this could be one of the largest recalls in US history, affecting tens of millions of vehicles and costing up to $10 billion.
Major car manufacturers, including General Motors, Ford, and Volkswagen, have voiced their opposition to this recall request. In their response to the NHTSA, both GM and Ford argue that there is no evidence of faulty components, despite reports of some inflators rupturing during accidents, causing injuries or fatalities.
Other carmakers, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, and Porsche, have also issued statements opposing the NHTSA request.
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Despite the carmakers’ objections, the NHTSA will proceed with unilateral actions to enforce its decision. The agency asserts that the airbag inflator units on the recall list may rupture when deployed, potentially causing harm to occupants. A report from the NHTSA revealed that at least 7 people have been injured and one person has died as a result of this issue.
About 12 different automakers have used ARC-produced airbag inflator units between 2000 and 2018. The list includes BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Tesla, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
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The NHTSA is still actively soliciting input from stakeholders before making a final determination on whether the components are defective or not early next year. If implemented, this would be the second-largest industry-wide recall in history, following the Takata airbag scandal.
Thái Sơn (Tuoitrethudo)
References: Carscoops, Japantimes
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