Takata air bag scandal spreads to newer vehicles
Print Edition
The deadly problem with exploding Takata air bag inflators continues to spread to newer vehicles, this time hitting a small number of 2015 General Motors cars and SUVs.
GM is recalling more than 400 vehicles because the side air bag inflators could rupture and send shrapnel into drivers and passengers, according to the company and documents posted on Saturday by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The GM recall is the latest in a problem that continues to widen with no end in sight. US regulators have warned that more manufacturers and newer models will be recalled. Eight people have been killed worldwide because of the faulty inflators and over 100 have been hurt.
So far, about 23.4 million Takata driver and passenger air bag inflators have been recalled on 19.2 million US vehicles sold by 11 different companies, including Honda and Fiat Chrysler. Last month, the NHTSA sent letters to seven more companies seeking information on models with Takata inflators and warning that the recalls could grow.
Takata’s inflators use ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion that inflates the air bags in a crash. But Takata has said the chemical can degrade inside inflators that are exposed to high temperatures and airborne humidity for prolonged periods. That can cause the chemical to burn too fast, blowing apart a metal canister designed to contain the explosion.
“All Takata-made ammonium nitrate inflators are within the scope of our investigation,” NHTSA spokesman Gordon Trowbridge said on Saturday. “If NHTSA determines that additional recalls are necessary to protect public safety, we will take action.”
The latest recall covers certain 2015 Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu and Camaro vehicles as well as the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS and GMC Terrain.
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