U.S. regulators move toward massive recall of 51 mn airbag inflators amid safety concerns

In a significant escalation of an ongoing safety issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is taking steps to initiate a recall of up to 51 million airbag inflators. These inflators, identified as potentially explosive in the event of a crash, have raised alarms in the automotive industry for several years.

Regulatory Action and Industry Pushback

The NHTSA issued a "supplemental initial decision" on Wednesday, stating its position that these airbag inflators are defective. This decision comes after an extended period of public comments and resistance from the industry. Knoxville, Tennessee-based ARC Automotive Inc. and the former Delphi Automotive Systems LLC have been identified as the manufacturers of the problematic airbags.

Despite the regulatory pressure, ARC Automotive has not agreed to a comprehensive recall, even after NHTSA's recommendation in May 2023. As of now, ARC Automotive representatives have not provided a comment on the situation.

Opportunity for Further Comment

The NHTSA is allowing an additional 30 days for interested parties to comment on its recent decision. This timeframe provides stakeholders another opportunity to express concerns or support for the recall. The implicated airbags have been installed in vehicles from at least a dozen manufacturers, including industry giants like General Motors Co., Stellantis NV, Volkswagen AG, and Hyundai Motor Co.

In May, GM proactively recalled nearly 1 million vehicles manufactured between 2014 and 2017 that were equipped with ARC inflators. This action underscores the potential widespread impact of the defective inflators on the automotive sector.

Incident Reports and Safety Concerns

The NHTSA has documented at least nine incidents involving ruptured airbag inflators that resulted in injuries. These cases include two fatalities, with incidents reported as far back as 2009 and as recently as March of last year. These statistics highlight the urgency of addressing the potential risks associated with these inflators.

Delphi Automotive, once a prominent player in the airbag manufacturing sector, sold its airbag division to a subsidiary of Sweden's Autoliv Inc. in 2009. This transaction complicates the current situation, as the NHTSA has not yet verified the legal entity responsible for the Delphi inflators.

A Parallel to the Takata Recall

The current issue with ARC inflators brings to mind the massive recall involving over 100 million defective airbag inflators produced by the now-defunct Takata Corp. This recall marked the largest in U.S. automotive history. Although the ARC inflator problem is unrelated to the Takata crisis, the potential recall of tens of millions of vehicles presents a daunting challenge for both the industry and vehicle owners.

Implications for the Automotive Industry

The possibility of recalling 51 million airbag inflators signifies a significant burden on manufacturers and consumers alike. Automakers will face logistical and financial challenges in managing such a large-scale recall, while vehicle owners may experience inconvenience and potential safety concerns.

The NHTSA's move reflects its commitment to ensuring vehicle safety and protecting consumers. As the situation develops, stakeholders will closely monitor the agency's actions and the responses from manufacturers.

The potential recall of 51 million airbag inflators represents a critical juncture for the automotive industry, highlighting the importance of stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight. As the NHTSA continues to evaluate the situation and gather input from stakeholders, the industry must prepare for the possible repercussions of such a widespread recall. The final decision will have far-reaching implications for manufacturers, regulators, and consumers, shaping the future landscape of automotive safety standards.