NHTSA Reopens Investigation on Massive Airbag Recall
NHTSA has officially reopened an investigation into airbag defects that could lead to even more recalls.
In 2013, a massive airbag recall affecting numerous automakers resulted in millions of vehicles being recalled. That number could grow as NHTSA is now taking a closer look at airbag complaints related to 2002 through 2006 model year vehicles manufactured by Chrysler, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota. Yesterday, Toyota recalled 766,000 vehicles over an airbag issue and that recall is linked to NHTSA’s investigation.
SEE ALSO: Toyota Recalls 766K Vehicles Over Airbag Issues…Again
The agency’s investigation suggests that problems with supplier Takata’s airbag inflators may be more widespread than initially thought and could increase the risk of inflator explosion, fire and occupant injuries due to improper propellant.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects has discovered at least six incidents of bag inflator rupture, all of which occurred in high-humidity climates. One of those incidents involved a 2005 Honda Civic where the driver-side airbag inflator is said to have exploded, sending a one-inch piece of shrapnel into the driver’s eye. The incident, which occurred in August 2013, reportedly led to a loss of sight and several lacerations to the nose. The 2005 Honda Civic was not included in the previous recall campaigns.
The other incident involved a 2003 Toyota Corolla, which reportedly also sent shrapnel to the driver’s head. The car also allegedly caught on fire and the front windshield was shattered.
Discuss this story at our Honda forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation