Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety
The justification behind limiting the Takata airbag recall only to certain high humidity areas in the US always seemed somewhat dubious. The US Department of Transportation apparently agrees because in a detailed statement posted on the website for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the feds are requesting nationwide action. At the same time, the government's investigation into Takata and the affected automakers is deepening.
Based on a recent failure outside of the regional recall area, NHTSA and the DOT now believe a national recall of Takata's driver's side frontal airbags is necessary. The regulators are already in contact with the supplier and automakers to push for those expanded campaigns. "Unless Takata and the manufacturers quickly agree to this recall, NHTSA will use the full extent of its statutory powers to ensure vehicles that use the same or similar air bag inflator are recalled," it says in the statement.
Furthermore, NHTSA is expanding its analysis into what causes these inflators to explode. All 10 affected automakers (BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota) must file detailed reports under oath to the agency about "completed, ongoing or planned testing" of the parts. The regulator is also requesting even more information from Takata about changes to the chemical makeup of its inflators. Responses to all of these inquiries are due December 5.
"By demanding this national recall, NHTSA has demonstrated once again that it will follow data and evidence to protect the lives of Americans on the road and to hold manufacturers accountable," said Secretary Anthony Foxx in the statement.
This new request is just the latest step in an ongoing process. Takata must submit other documents to NHTSA by December 1 as part of an earlier investigation, and the company faces a Senate hearing on November 20 into the problem. The supplier and Honda are also named in a lawsuit in Florida from the family of a woman who allegedly died due to the faulty part.
By NHTSA's estimation about 7.8 million vehicles are potentially in need of repair under the recall. So far, five deaths worldwide have possible links to the rupturing inflators with four of those in the US. However, just one of these reportedly occurred inside of the regional recall zone. At least 139 injuries have been allegedly related to the problem. Scroll down to read NHTSA's full statement.
Continue reading NHTSA demands national recall of Takata airbags
NHTSA demands national recall of Takata airbags originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2014 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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