Following an 8-Year inquiry, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wants Knoxville,Tennessee based ARC Automotive Inc., to Recall 67 million Airbag Inflators. , According to NHTSA, In the case of a collision, the Inflators might possibly shoot shrapnel into the cabin interior inflicting harm or even death. ARC Automotive, though, is fighting back.
The ARC Mechanics of AIRBAG
The hybrid, non-toroidal Inflators from ARC work by energising stored gas. This gas then fills the Airbag through a single opening. Following its study, NHTSA came to the aforesaid conclusion. It said that, welding debris might clog the aperture, which would lead to an excessive buildup of pressure inside the Inflator.
The Hazard Claim On ARC AIRBAG
Reporting it’s findings to ARC, NHTSA said, “Over pressurization of the Inflator has the potential to cause it to rupture. This in turn results in metal fragments being forcefully propelled into the passenger compartment,”.
The ARC Speak On Air About Their Bag -AIRBAG
According to Steve Gold of ARC Automotive, it is challenging to demonstrate systemic flaws because the 67 million Inflators produced over an 18-year period were constructed on numerous manufacturing lines in various locations.
Furthermore, according to Steve Gold, the Safety Act, which gives the NHTSA authority to issue recalls, “expressly provides that vehicle manufacturers, not original equipment manufacturers, shall have recall responsibility for any defects found in original equipment installed in their vehicles.”
Total Recall – GM BMW Volkswagen
Following a crash in March 2023, General Motors has recalled nearly a million vehicles due to defective airbags. From 2014 to 2017, every model of the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave was recalled. Most of the cars—if not all of them—were made at the Lansing Delta Township assembly facility.
The front driver-side Airbags on certain vehicles may rupture while in use due to a manufacturing flaw from a supplier.
According to a GM official, this problem is still being looked into. Additionally, they state that client safety is their top priority and that they are collaborating with a different engineering firm to conduct additional research on the issue.
Ford, BMW, and Volkswagen are among automakers that have recalled vehicles due to ARC Inflator issues. While opposing the recall request, ARC insists that it is dedicated to collaborating with NHTSA to identify the cause of these ruptures and committed to passenger safety.
