NHTSA Sets Hearing on Proposed Airbag Recall
Federal agency aims to take 52 million of the devices out of commission over explosion risk.
Regulator says the airbag inflators are defective and have led to the death of at least two people and the injury of seven others in the U.S. and Canada since 2009.
IMAGE: Pexels/Dietmar Janssen
U.S. auto safety regulators are pursuing a recall of 52 million airbag inflators used by a dozen or more brands.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration scheduled an Oct. 5 public hearing on the recommended recall, which affects front driver and passenger airbags made by ARC Automotive and under license to Delphi Automotive Systems.
The federal regulatory agency has decided that the airbag inflators are defective and says they've led to the death of at least two people and the injury of seven others in the U.S. and Canada since 2009. It asked ARC to recall them in May, but ARC has refused, saying it believes there’s no defect in the inflators.
The NHTSA says the airbags’ inflators can explode in a crash, sending shrapnel flying inside the vehicle. They’re used by the likes of General Motors, Stellantis and others.
“Additional inflator ruptures are expected to occur in the future, risking more serious injuries and deaths, if they are not recalled and replaced,” it said in its initial decision on the matter.
DIG DEEPER: Auto Recalls Fall lin Q2
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry
Badger State Dealership Gets New Owner
The longtime southern Wisconsin store moved from one area auto group to another, keeping the business in Dairyland.
Read More →
The Cycle of Negative Equity
Third-quarter data shows consumers still rolling over debt and stretching loan terms, raising their risk of remaining underwater.
Read More →
Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →