Exploding Airbag Investigation Goes Beyond Takata
Recently, two new reports of injuries caused by exploding airbags have emerged, prompting federal safety regulators to increase investigations. The most disturbing fact of these two new reports—they involve airbags that were not manufactured by Takata, which has already recalled over 34 million cars in the United States due to the potential for airbags to explode and send dangerous shrapnel into drivers and passengers in the front seat. The recent probe reveals that there could be other defective airbags on the roadways in addition to the millions of Takata airbags that have already been recalled. Regulators are aggressively attempting to address these new concerns.
Both recent reports involved airbag inflators made by the same supplier, ARC Automotive. One of the inflators was installed inside an airbag manufactured by auto part maker Dephi and then put into a 2004 Kia Optima. The inflator exploded in an accident last year, according to CNN. The other report involved an airbag manufactured by Key Safety Systems that was installed in a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country and exploded back in 2009. Investigators are taking the reports seriously and attempting to ascertain whether additional recalls will be necessary based on these newly filed reports.
Check Your Vehicle's Recall Status
This recent expansion of the exploding airbag investigation should prompt all car owners to check whether their vehicle has been involved in any recalls. The website www.SaferCar.gov/RecallsSpotlight provides up to date information concerning Takata and other recalls. You can also go to your car manufacturer's website and input your vehicle identification number to uncover your full recall status. Many car owners are surprised to find that their vehicle has been involved in a recall.
Car recalls occur far more often than many vehicle owners realize. Recalls can involve relatively minor parts, but can also include critical components of the vehicle, such as engine parts, tires, brakes and much more. Your safety could depend upon checking your inclusion in any recall. While automobile manufacturers should send you notification of any recalls impacting your car, this notice will go to the address they have on file. For many vehicle owners, this may have changed over the years. Further, anyone who has purchased a used car from a private individual will not receive notifications unless they have taken steps to register themselves with the car manufacturer. Take some time and check your vehicle's status online. If your vehicle has been involved in a recall, act quickly and make an appointment at your local dealership.
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Source:
http://money.cnn.com/2015/07/15/autos/exploding-airbag-probe/index.html?iid=Lead