The US government is mandating a vital recall of 52 million ARC Automotive Inc. airbag inflators to prioritize public safety.
These inflators have been identified as potentially deadly, posing a grave threat to motorists and passengers across the country.
Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently declared that these inflators, produced by ARC Automotive Inc. and under license by another company, are indeed defective.
The NHTSA’s decision follows a series of events dating back to May when the agency initially requested ARC to recall these hazardous inflators, which have been linked to at least seven injuries and two tragic deaths in the U.S. and Canada since 2009.
However, ARC has stubbornly resisted issuing a comprehensive recall, setting the stage for a potential legal battle. The heart of the issue lies in the potential for these airbag inflators to rupture during deployment, propelling dangerous metal debris into the vehicle’s passenger compartment. This poses an alarming and unreasonable risk of severe injury or even death to vehicle occupants.
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Multiple Automakers Affected
Furthermore, the recall is not limited to a single automaker; it spans a dozen well-known brands, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Hyundai, and Kia. Owners of vehicles from these manufacturers are left in uncertainty, not knowing whether their vehicles contain these defective airbag inflators.
Initially, the NHTSA estimated that 67 million inflators required recall, but this number was revised to 52 million due to manufacturer responses in the investigation. The agency asserts that byproducts from welding during manufacturing could obstruct a critical vent inside the inflator canister, leading to a dangerous buildup of pressure and potential rupture.
It is important to note that the inflators in question were manufactured before 2018 when ARC began incorporating scopes to monitor welding byproducts and vents. No explosions have been reported involving inflators manufactured after these improvements were implemented.
The tragic case of Marlene Beaudoin, a mother of 10 from Michigan who lost her life due to an ARC inflator explosion, underscores the urgency of this recall. Her family, represented by attorney Steve Polich, supports NHTSA’s findings as they seek justice.
The upcoming public hearing on October 5th is a critical step towards securing the safety of millions of drivers and passengers on U.S. roads.
The government’s dedication to addressing this issue serves as a reminder that safety should always be paramount, and no company should place profits above the well-being of the public.
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