NHTSA Consumer Alert
The CarPro Show joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in urging ALL vehicle owners to check to see if their vehicle has an open TAKATA air bag recall. This week, the NHTSA confirmed a fifth Takata air bag related death this year, the third of which occurred in an older-model year Fiat Chrysler vehicle. This brings the total number of U.S. deaths attributed to the defective airbags to 24.
In its Consumer Alert, NHTSA reports that one person died in a recent crash in a 2010 Chrysler 300 where the Takata driver’s side air bag inflator ruptured. Earlier this year two other deaths were reported in 2010 Dodge Charger crashes when their air bags exploded. Those deaths prompted FCA to issues a “Do Not Drive” warning for roughly 276,000 model year 2005-2010 Dodge Magnums, Chargers and Challengers, as well as Model Year 2005-2010 Chrysler 300s.
FCA also issued a new statement as well this week regarding the latest death, citing an Urgent Need of Service, saying in part:
We strongly reiterate our previous warning, having confirmed a third Takata-related fatality involving this population of vehicles. They are equipped with Takata air-bag inflators whose chemical properties may deteriorate over time, particularly if exposed to hot, humid climates.
Such conditions may cause the inflators to rupture on deployment, scattering razor-sharp debris capable of causing serious injury or death.“Time is a critical element here because the risk increases with each day these air-bag inflators go unreplaced,” said Tom McCarthy, global head of Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance at Stellantis. “We have the parts, and the service is free. We will provide alternative transportation, also free, to help people get to and from our dealerships, as needed.”
- Stellantis/ FCA US, LLC
Latest Confirmed Fatality
FCA US says on December 16th, it formally advised NHTSA of the additional fatality in the stop-drive population, which comprises approximately 274,000 vehicles. In the most recent case, FCA say the vehicle’s owner asked about the Takata recall in 2018, but then declined to schedule the free repair. FCA US says it continued to send urgent notifications to this owner through 2022, contributing to a total of 114 outreach attempts over a seven-year period. Then in July of 2022, the owner loaned the vehicle out to a family member who was subsequently killed in a crash when the driver-side air bag ruptured on deployment.
FCA US says it extends its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those affected by the three confirmed Takata-related fatalities. The automaker says it made a total of 269 outreach attempts were made to owners of these vehicles.
“We understand the holiday season is a busy time,” McCarthy added. “But nothing is more precious than family and friends who may also be exposed to danger by further delaying service which, again, is free.”
NHTSA Urges Action
In wake of the latest Takata air bag deaths, NHTSA is urging ALL vehicle owners to immediately check to see if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall. If so, owners need to contact their dealership to schedule a FREE repair as soon as possible and follow any warnings from the vehicle manufacturer.
“This holiday season, don’t let yourself or someone you love be at risk of dying or being seriously injured because of a defective, recalled Takata air bag. These repairs are absolutely free and could save your life,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson. “Air bag ruptures have also cost people their eyesight and left them with disfiguring facial injuries. The older a defective air bag inflator gets, the more dangerous it becomes. So please, get your air bag replaced now for your sake, and for the sake of those who love you.”
The agency says even minor crashes can result in exploding Takata air bags that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries. Air bag age is a factor so older model year vehicles put their occupants at greater risk.
What To Do
Vehicle owners who prefer talking to the manufacturer directly can call the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Takata Call Center at 833-585-0144 or go to their website.
Read about Takata information for specific vehicle manufacturers. Access more information from NHTSA on the Takata air bag safety recall..
Weekly Recalls
Chevrolet **Fire Risk**
General Motors is issuing another recall for the Chevrolet Bolt EV due to fire risk. The issue has to do with the seat belt pretensioner deployment. If pretensioner exhaust gases come in contact with floor carpeting fibers, after a vehicle crash, it could cause a fire. The recall impacts various 2017 through 2023 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs.
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V930000
- Manufacturer General Motors, LLC
- Components STRUCTURE, SEAT BELTS
- Potential Number of Units Affected 111,242
Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. After a crash with seat belt pretensioner deployment, the pretensioner exhaust may ignite carpet fibers near the B-pillar, causing a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust, and install a pretensioner cover as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 30, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222383790.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Defect Notice 573 Report RCLRPT-22V930-3401.PDF
Kia
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V906000
- Manufacturer Kia America, Inc.
- Components STEERING
- Potential Number of Units Affected 939
Summary
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC259.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Defect Notice 573 Report RCLRPT-22V906-5892.PDF
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