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Honda recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Honda recalls vehicles with defective air bags

May 15, 2018 Sean Reyes
Torrance, Calif. – American Honda Motor Company has recalled almost 500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bags, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects numerous models across the Honda brand, including:
  • 2003-2012 Honda Accord sedans produced between Aug. 30, 2002, and Oct. 27, 2011.
  • 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour crossovers produced between Feb. 17, 2010, and April 16, 2010.
  • 2001-2011 Honda Civic sedans produced between March 15, 2001, and March 14, 2011.
  • 2002-2011 Honda CR-V sport utility vehicles produced between April 24, 2002, and Oct. 5, 2011.
  • 2003-2004 Honda Element sport utility vehicles produced between June 27, 2003, and Aug. 25, 2004.
  • 2006-2008 Honda Element sport utility vehicles produced between Dec. 13, 2005, and Dec. 4, 2007.
  • 2011 Honda Element sport utility vehicles produced Oct. 22, 2010.
  • 2007 Honda Fit hatchbacks produced Jan. 23, 2007.
  • 2009-2013 Honda Fit hatchbacks produced between Aug. 27, 2008, and Aug. 7, 2013.
  • 2010-2012 Honda Insight hybrid hatchbacks produced between March 26, 2009, and April 18, 2012.
  • 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey minivans produced between July 26, 2002, and June 25, 2004.
  • 2003-2012 Honda Pilot sport utility vehicles produced between July 11, 2002, and May 17, 2012.
  • 2012 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks produced May 17, 2012.
Honda is unsure how many of the recalled vehicles contain the defective parts.
The Defect
Affected vehicles feature front air bag inflator assemblies that may have been installed improperly. Consequently, these components might not function as required in an accident, leaving drivers and passengers exposed should a collision occur. However, the Japanese automaker has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective air bag inflators to any accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
Personnel from an American Honda dealership on Feb. 14, 2008, notified regional Honda officials of multiple incorrectly installed and fastened air bag inflators, according to an internal chronology document given to the NHTSA. This finding prompted the automaker to launch an investigation. On March 3, 2018, another U.S. dealership reported the same issue. Honda investigators added the suspected range of affected vehicles at the second dealership to its inquiry. Less than one week later, a third U.S.-based dealership reported finding vehicles with incorrectly installed air bag inflators. Again, Honda widened its investigation.
On March 9, officials for the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation met with Honda personnel to review the developing investigation. During this time, representatives walked NHTSA investigators through the original complaint, as well as the two supplemental inquiries that dealers had submitted since. Following this meeting, the regional stakeholders involved their counterparts in the national office.
On April 11 and April 19, national and regional Honda officials met with the ODI to determine how to address the air bag issue. Eventually, the parties agreed that a voluntary safety recall was necessary. Honda confirmed the VIN numbers for the affected vehicles April 21, and initiated an official recall April 25. The automaker notified dealerships of the impending action April 27.
The Solution
Honda has directed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the defective air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The car manufacturer intends to notify owners via first-class mail June 1. Individuals in possession of vehicles involved in the action who need assistance ahead of the recall start date can contact Honda customer service personnel by calling (888) 234-2138. Callers should use the internal campaign reference codes K1P and M10. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesHonda recalls vehicles with defective air bags
Volkswagen recalls SUVs with defective suspension assemblies

Volkswagen recalls SUVs with defective suspension assemblies

May 15, 2018 Sean Reyes
Auburn Hills, Mich. – May 15, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 7,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective suspension components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan sport utility vehicles produced between Jan. 15, 2018, and March 6, 2018, at the Volkswagen Mexico Factory in Puebla, Mexico. The German automaker suspects 32 percent of the vehicles contain the defective parts.
The Defect
Affected models contain rear shock absorbers with lower loops that could separate the base suspension assembly due to defective welds. Should separation occur, the rear shock absorber may detach, causing the vehicle to suddenly lose stability. This issue drastically increases the likelihood of an accident. The defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic suspension parts to any accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
While conducting post-production test drives between Feb. 19, 2018, and March 3, 2018, Volkswagen engineers at the Mexico facility encountered multiple vehicles that lost stability while in operation. This finding prompted the local engineering department to launch an internal quality analysis campaign. On March 26, 2018, Volkswagen engineers at the plant informed the Pre-Product Safety Committee, which called for further analysis and forwarded the issue to the Product Safety Committee. Soon after, Volkswagen found that the Lake Forest, Illinois-based supplier Tenneco had welded the lower loops with a misaligned arc torch and identified this production error as the root cause.
Both regulatory bodies met April 18, 2018, and decided that a voluntary safety recall was necessary.
The Solution
Volkswagen will direct dealers to replace the rear shock absorbers in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to inform dealers June 22, 2018, and reach out to owners via first-class mail June 25, 2018. Individuals with recalled vehicles in their possession who need more immediate assistance can contact Volkswagen customer service at (800) 893-5298. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 42i7. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls SUVs with defective suspension assemblies
GM recalls vehicles with defective safety equipment

GM recalls vehicles with defective safety equipment

May 15, 2018 Sean Reyes , ,
Warren, Mich. – General Motors has recalled almost 13,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective safety equipment, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across three GM brands, including:
  • 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express passenger vans produced between Sept. 9, 2008, and March 23, 2018.
  • 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty pickup trucks produced between Oct. 13, 2008, and Nov. 6, 2013.
  • 2009 GMC 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series pickup trucks produced between Aug. 20, 2008, and July 31, 2009.
  • 2009-2018 GMC Savana passenger vans produced between Sept. 12, 2008, and March 10, 2018.
  • 2009 Isuzu F Series diesel commercial trucks produced between Aug. 20, 2008, and Dec. 19, 2008.
GM suspects all of the vehicles involved in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles come with portal fire extinguishers that clog easily may become inoperable in the event of an engine fire. Additionally, individuals who attempt to unclog them by force may sustain injury due to nozzle detachment. As a result, these components pose a serious hazard to occupants. However, GM has yet to receive field reports linking these fixtures to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Personnel from the Isuzu Technical Center of America on Nov. 4, 2017, learned that fire extinguisher supplier Kidde had recalled a large number of defective products, according to an internal chronology document given to the NHTSA. Isuzu quickly reviewed its production records and found that many vehicles, including some Chevrolet trucks, included these components. On Nov. 14, the brand issued a voluntary recall. Three days later, GM began reviewing historic production records dating back decades to see if other past models had been equipped with the defective extinguishers, some of which could have been used in vehicles assembled in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The automaker conducted this review over the course of nearly three months, evaluating production documents dating from 1992 to the present.
By January 2018, GM had identified approximately 100 different fire extinguisher models used across several brands. Engineers managed to trim this number to 13 – all of which Kidde manufactured – by March. Members of the GM Open Investigation Review assessed this data and transferred the case to the Safety and Field Action Decision Authority, which chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall April 19. GM notified dealers of the forthcoming action April 26.

The Solution

GM intends to notify owners via first-class mail when replacement parts are available, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. By this point, owners will need to contact Kidde directly to receive replacement extinguishers free of charge.
Owners in need of additional assistance prior to or after the start of the recall can contact GM customer personnel at (800) 462-8782. Callers should use the internal recall identification number 18146. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesGM recalls vehicles with defective safety equipment
Honda recalls vehicles with defective seatbacks

Honda recalls vehicles with defective seatbacks

May 14, 2018 Sean Reyes
Torrance, Calif. – Honda American Motor Company has recalled dozens of vehicles potentially equipped with defective seatback assemblies, according to documents submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Honda Civic hatchbacks produced between Aug. 2, 2016, and July 27, 2017, along with 2017 Honda Type R sport sedans manufactured April 7, 2017. The Japanese automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective features.
The Defect
Affected models are likely to feature driver and passenger seatback pads without openings for seat-mounted side-air bag assemblies. In the event of an accident, these components would interfere with air bag deployment, increasing the likelihood of occupant injury. However, Honda has yet to receive field reports connecting the defects to any injuries.
In addition to posing a safety hazard to occupants, these seatback components installed in the recalled vehicles violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 214, which states that passengers must meet side-impact door crush resistance measurements, as well as moving deformable barrier and vehicle-to-pole testing standards.
Timeline of Events
A U.S.-based Honda dealer in November 2017 alerted the automaker to a replacement seatback pad from his inventory that seemed to be missing the slit needed to install and conceal a seat-mounted side air bag, according to an internal defect information report submitted to the NHTSA. This discovery prompted Honda to launch an investigation, which revealed the original schematics for seatback service replacements were incorrect, leading to the production of numerous defective parts. Between January and April 2018, the vehicle manufacturer tested vehicles with the “nonslitted” seatback assemblies to determine the impact of the defective components. These analyses revealed that the parts interfered with normal air bag operations, posing a serious safety hazard to occupants and violating FMVSS No. 214.
Honda quality assurance and safety personnel convened April 19, and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers of the action April 27.
The Solution
Honda has directed dealers to replace the defective seatback pads installed in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company intends to notify owners via first-class mail June 1. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Honda customer service by calling (888) 234-2138. Callers should use the internal recall reference codes E1D, U1B and X1C. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesHonda recalls vehicles with defective seatbacks
Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective headlamp components

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective headlamp components

May 11, 2018 Sean Reyes
Jacksonville, Fla. – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled dozens of vehicles potentially equipped with defective headlamp assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models produced between June 1, 2017, and June 20, 2017, including:
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG sedans.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 and E300 4Matic sedans.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 wagons.
The British automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.
The Defect
The models involved in this action could feature horizontal headlamp adjustment mechanisms that are outwardly accessible and therefore movable. In the event that owners purposely or inadvertently manipulate these fixtures, vehicle headlamps could become misaligned, reducing visibility and increasing the likelihood of an accident. However, Mercedes-Benz has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.
In addition to posing a serious safety hazard to occupants, the defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, Section 10, which states that “a optically aimable headlamp that has a lower beam must not have a horizontal adjustment mechanism.”
Timeline of Events
Mercedes-Benz on June 1, 2017, reorganized a number of production lines at one of its primary assembly facilities after quality assurance personnel discovered multiple vehicles with adjustable headlamps. During this time, the automaker also reworked all of the vehicles with defective headlamps. Engineers conducting regular quality control evaluations in March 2018 discovered that some of these models had not been addressed during the June 2017 corrective action. This revelation prompted Daimler AG, the automotive conglomerate that oversees the Mercedes-Benz brand, to launch a voluntary safety recall April 27, 2018.
The Solution
Mercedes-Benz will direct dealers to install sealing caps on the headlamps of affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The automaker plans to notify dealers in May 2018. Mercedes-Benz has yet to release an owner notification timetable. That said, the company does expect the recall to begin June 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at (800) 367-6372. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesMercedes recalls vehicles with defective headlamp components
FCA recalls vehicles with defective lower control arms

FCA recalls vehicles with defective lower control arms

May 11, 2018 Sean Reyes
Auburn Hills, Mich. – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled almost 240,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective lower control arms, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2007 Jeep Liberty sport utility vehicles produced between Aug. 29, 2003, and June 29, 2007, at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio. FCA suspects all of the models referenced in the action contain the defective parts.
The Defect
Affected vehicles feature lower control arms that are prone to corrosion damage and could therefore fracture. Such an event would drastically degrade vehicle driveability and increase the likelihood of an accident. FCA has discovered at least one collision linked to the defect, according to an internal chronology document given to the NHTSA. That said, the automaker has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic part to any injuries.
Timeline of Events
FCA on March 12, 2012, recalled numerous 2004-2005 Jeep Liberty SUVs with corrosion-prone lower control arms. Most of these vehicles were sold in so-called “salt-belt states,” or states that experience significant winter precipitation and therefore consistently deploy corrosive road salt. The car manufacturer expanded this recall June 5, 2012, this time including 2006-2007 Jeep Liberty models. On Aug. 16, 2016, the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization launched an investigation following the receipt of customer complaints involving 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty SUVs that were not included in the two earlier safety campaigns. These reports outlined instances of lower control arm corrosion and fracturing. Ultimately, the VSRC decided to initiate field monitoring, which began in September 2016 and came to a close in January 2017.
The FCA VSRC initiated yet another field survey immediately following the initial analysis to determine whether the defect existed outside of the salt-belt states. In March, the survey team returned with results: 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty SUVs in other states were indeed equipped with lower control arms that showed signs of internal and external corrosion. Despite these findings, the VSRC decided to close its investigation April 6, 2017, and switch back to field monitoring, which continued for more than a year. On April 23, 2018, the group took stock of the field monitoring data. More than 157 reports had been filed pertaining to 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty SUVs not included in the original recalls. This finding prompted the VSRC to launch a third voluntary safety campaign April 25, 2018.
The Solution
FCA will direct dealers to replace the rear lower control arms in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The automaker intends to notify dealers and owners on or around June 20, 2018. Individuals in possession of recalled 2007 Jeep Liberty SUVs who need more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service personnel by calling (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall reference code U38. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesFCA recalls vehicles with defective lower control arms
Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective clutch components

Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective clutch components

May 10, 2018 Sean Reyes
Fountain Valley, Calif. – May 10, 2018 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than 10,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective hydraulic clutch actuator assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid sport utility vehicles produced between Nov. 16, 2016, and Sept. 20, 2017. The South Korean automaker suspects 1 percent of the models involved in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles have hydraulic clutch actuator housings with abnormally rough edges. These defective features can damage the nearby oil seals, causing oil to leak and pool around the phase cap. This issue can cause electrical shorting and, in instances in which major thermal damage occurs, engine fire. As a result, the defect poses a serious risk to occupants. That said, Hyundai has yet to receive field reports linking the problematic hydraulic clutch actuator assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

A Hyundai parts provider LuK reached out to the car manufacturer in March 2017 to report that it had received hydraulic clutch actuator assemblies involved in warranty claims that seemed to exhibit signs of thermal damage near their phase caps, according to an internal chronology report given to the NHTSA.
Hyundai reviewed warranty claims filed in the Korean market in response and found no reports of engine fire or thermal events of any kind. The automaker then began shipping parts from applicable warranty claims to LuK for further analysis. Within three months, the parts vendor had collected a large number of hydraulic clutch actuator assemblies whose housings featured jagged metal edges. LuK determined that these features could damage adjacent oil seals and cause leakage. Consequently, the firm implemented new production processes to eliminate the creation of jagged housing edges and installed reinforced oil seals to prevent leakage.
A Hyundai affiliate submitted a quality information report associated with the defect in December 2017. This action prompted the automaker to accelerate and expand its analysis efforts. Between January 2018 and April 2018, Hyundai combed through a significant number of hydraulic clutch actuator assemblies to gain more information on the variables contributing to failure. The car manufacturer was able to replicate an electrochemical reaction caused by oil pooling around the phase cap. It was also able to create a galvanic event that produced sparks and could cause an engine fire.
On April 16, 2018, Hyundai shared its findings with all vendors and affiliates in all markets. Then, on April 20, 2018, the automaker convened its Technical Committee, which called for a voluntary safety recall. Dealers received notification of the campaign May 4, 2018.

The Solution

Hyundai has directed dealers to inspect hydraulic clutch actuators installed in affected vehicles and, if necessary, replace these parts free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The car manufacturer intends to reach out to owners through first-class mail June 20, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the beginning of the campaign can contact Hyundai customer service personnel at (855) 371-9460. Callers should use the internal recall reference number 176. Owners can, of course, connect with the NHTSA directly via its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesHyundai recalls vehicles with defective clutch components
Kia recalls vehicles with defective clutch components

Kia recalls vehicles with defective clutch components

May 10, 2018 Sean Reyes
Irvine, Calif. – May 10, 2018 – Kia Motors America has recalled more than 27,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective clutch components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Kia Niro hybrid sport utility vehicles produced between Nov. 1, 2016, and Sept. 11, 2017. The South Korean automaker suspects just 1 percent of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain defective hydraulic clutch actuator assemblies with rough edges that may damage to the adjacent oil seal and cause oil to leak or accumulate near the phase cap. Should either of these events occur, the likelihood of electrical shorting and engine fire increases. Consequently, this defect poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Kia has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

KMA on Dec. 7, 2017, notified its parent company via a quality information report that some 2018 Kia Niro hybrid SUVs were generating hydraulic clutch actuator trouble codes, according to an internal chronology report submitted to the NHTSA. Almost three weeks later, the Kia Motor Corporation initiated an investigation in response to the QIR. Throughout January and February 2018, KMC worked with suppliers to evaluate hydraulic clutch actuator assemblies installed in 2018 Kia Nitro hybrid SUVs. This collaborative inquiry revealed that oil was leaking within the actuator housing, causing the vehicle to generate an error code. Investigators were able to duplicate electrical shorting associated with the leakage but could not recreate thermal decay or engine fire.
Over the course of February and March 2018, KMC conducted more tests to confirm the root cause of the error codes mentioned in the original QIR. On April 16, 2018, the car manufacturer reviewed all available data related to the defective hydraulic clutch actuator assemblies and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Kia will direct dealers to inspect the hydraulic clutch actuator assemblies installed in affected vehicles and install additional sealant or replace them free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to notify dealers June 8, 2018, and reach out to owners via first-class mail June 15, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can contact Kia customer service personnel at (800) 333-4542. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SC163. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesKia recalls vehicles with defective clutch components
Lamborghini recalls vehicles with defective weight limit labels

Lamborghini recalls vehicles with defective weight limit labels

May 10, 2018 Sean Reyes
Bologna, Italy – May 10, 2018 – Automobile Lamborghini has recalled almost a dozen vehicles potentially equipped with defective weight limit labels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Lamborghini Centenario coupes and roadsters produced between March 13, 2017, and Oct. 27, 2017. The Italian automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective labels.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain manufacturer certification labels that list incorrect weight limits. This defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 49, Part 567, which states that all models must come with labeling that displays accurate readings for gross vehicle weight rating and gross axle weight rating, according to the Government Publishing Office. In addition to violating FMVSS 49, Part 567, the defect poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the incorrect readings could lead owners to overload their vehicles and reduce maneuverability, increasing the likelihood of an an accident. However, Lamborghini has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any collisions or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Lamborghini in April 2018 received a customer complaint referencing a 2017 Lamborghini Centenario that appeared to feature incorrect weight limit labels. While the report originated from outside of the U.S. market, the car maker determined that models with potentially incorrect manufacturer certification labels were sold in American dealerships. The Lamborghini Product Safety Committee reviewed the issue April 11, 2018, and determined that labels violated FMVSS 49, Part 567, necessitating a voluntary safety recall. Lamborghini notified dealers of the forthcoming action April 27, 2018.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealerships in the U.S. to install corrected manufacturer certification labels in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Lamborghini began sending out owner notifications via registered mail May 4, 2018, and will continue to reach out through June 4, 2018. Owners in need of further assistance can contact Lamborghini customer service personnel at (866) 681-6276. Callers should use the internal recall reference code L73XR0118. Of course, owners can connect directly with the NHTSA using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesLamborghini recalls vehicles with defective weight limit labels
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

May 10, 2018 Sean Reyes ,
Auburn Hills, Mich. – May 10, 2018 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 293,503 vehicles potentially equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall campaign affects the following models:
  • 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedans
  • 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat wagons
The German automaker suspects all of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective components.
The parts involved in this action are at the center of a multi year recall campaign encompassing 42 million vehicles across more than one dozen brands, Car and Driver reported. Approximately 15 owners have perished in accidents involving these components, while more than 100 have sustained serious injuries, according to Consumer Reports.

Recall summary

Affected vehicles contain Takata air bag assemblies with inflator modules whose propellant wafers are prone to degradation over time. These defective wafers could lead to particularly violent combustion upon air bag deployment. This issue, in turn, may cause the steel air bag inflator housing to explode, spraying metal fragments throughout the vehicle cabin at high speeds. Consequently, the defect poses a mortal threat to occupants. As stated above, Takata air bag assemblies are responsible for multiple driver deaths and injuries.
In March 2016, Volkswagen recalled more than 150,000 vehicles, including those involved in this action, in response to a Takata component recall filling, according to documentation from the NHTSA. The automaker oversaw permanent replacement of the air bag assemblies installed in these models, trading the defective inflators for replacements containing desiccated ammonium nitrate propellant. Recently, Volkswagen decided to adopt guanidine nitrate-based inflators. GuNi propellant is more durable and less caustic than ammonium nitrate propellant, The New York Times reported. This switch forced the car manufacturer to launch another recall, which it did April 18, 2018. Volkswagen also informed dealers of the impending action on this date.

The repair

The automaker will replace the ammonium nitrate-based air bag inflators with GuNi alternatives free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Volkswagen contacted owners via first-class mail April 30, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 293,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 148,278 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags
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