Department Of Transportation Orders Massive Takata Airbag Recall
In what has become the largest recall in U.S history, The Department of Transportation (DOT) has ordered automotive parts company Takata to recall 35-40 million airbags. The vehicles are being recalled based on recent data provided by three independent testing groups and DOT experts. These recalls are in addition to the 28.8 million airbags Takata has already recalled. The expansions are to take place in phases between May 2016 and December 2019. The faulty airbags are already responsible for ten deaths and more than 100 injuries in the United States alone. There have been two deaths related to the airbags in Malaysia within the last three weeks. Just like a backup camera system could prevent accidents, a properly functioning airbag is a safety necessity.
The expansion comes only 6 months after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued Takata a Coordinated Remedy Order and a Consent Order. These orders included a hefty $200 million dollar fine, prevented Taktata from entering new contracts with suppliers of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant (PSAN) inflator, and required the company to phase out products with PSAN. PSAN has long thought to be a factor in the airbag malfunction. This an assertive push towards safety by the NHTSA.
“Today’s action is a significant step in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s aggressive oversight of Takata on behalf of drivers and passengers across America,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a May 4th press release. “The acceleration of this recall is based on scientific evidence and will protect all Americans from air bag inflators that may become unsafe.”
After an investigation of the airbags, federal safety officials have determined the cause of the malfunction.
“The root cause of Takata air bag inflator ruptures is a combination of temperature, moisture and time, except in instances where there is a clear manufacturing error that is at fault,” Said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind in a recent press conference.
“NHTSA has reviewed the findings of three independent investigations into the root cause of the ruptures of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate air bag inflators that do not contain a chemical drying agent that is known as desiccant,” Rosekind continued.
Because temperature is a significant factor in the airbag malfunction, the amended consent order divides the recall into three geographic zones, addressing the most at risk vehicles first. Around 8 million airbags have already been repaired as of April 22, 2016.
Read more about the recall and find out if your vehicle is affected on the NHTSA’s recalls spotlight. Please note this list does not yet include the expanded recall, which will be posted when available. The NHTSA suggests you check for recalls at least twice a year.
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