Tag Archives: air bag safety problem

Airbag Issue Affects Certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Models

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A recent discovery by FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) has led to a voluntary safety recall of certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The issue affects a small number of vehicles that may be missing an important part in the front bumper. This missing piece could compromise the proper deployment of the front airbags.

The affected vehicles fail to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for Occupant Crash Protection. FMVSS No. 208 specifies vehicle crash worthiness requirements and equipment requirements for active and passive restraint systems. In the event of a frontal collision, the missing energy absorbing foam could lead to a non-deployment or improper deployment of the front airbags, potentially increasing the risk of injury or harm to occupants.

According to FCA US, an analysis of vehicle production history revealed that some Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may have been built without a front fascia energy absorbing foam. This condition can lead to a non-compliance with FMVSS No. 208, as it compromises the intended load distribution or energy management, potentially jeopardizing proper crash sensing and airbag deployment.

The suspect period for affected vehicles began on December 6, 2023, and ended on December 9, 2023, when vehicle production processes were corrected. During this time, some Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may have been manufactured without the crucial foam, which is designed to absorb energy and help protect occupants in the event of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and install the missing foam as necessary to ensure compliance with safety standards. This recall is intended to minimize any potential risks associated with this airbag issue and maintain the high standards of quality and safety that customers expect from Jeep vehicles.

Owners with affected vehicles will receive owner notification letters providing them with details on the recall and next steps to take. It is essential that vehicle owners take immediate action to address this issue and have their vehicles inspected and repaired as necessary to ensure their safety on the road.

2024 Cadillac XT5 Air Bag Could Tear

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General Motors (GM) has announced a safety recall affecting a small number of its 2024 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. This recall addresses a potential defect with the driver front airbag. This defect may pose a risk to vehicle safety.

The issue was identified when GM’s airbag module supplier observed a tear in the airbag cushion during a routine lot-acceptance test. This incident, which occurred in February 2024, prompted a thorough investigation by GM. The supplier was able to isolate the affected batch and performed additional tests on these airbags across various temperature settings to assess their reliability and safety.

The tests revealed that the airbag cushions could tear during deployment due to a recent design change in the airbag modules. Following these findings, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) made the decision to issue a recall for all vehicles equipped with airbag modules from the affected production lot, manufactured the day before the problematic batch.

It is important for consumers to understand that a tear in the airbag cushion during deployment can significantly impair the airbag’s performance in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.

To address this safety concern, GM is taking proactive steps. The company will replace the driver’s front airbag module at no cost to vehicle owners. GM plans to begin notifying affected Cadillac XT5 owners through formal letters, which are scheduled to be sent out on June 17, 2024. The recall has been officially recorded under GM’s number N232439241 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 24V-311. GM has confirmed that there have been no field incidents or injuries reported in relation to this defect.

Airbag May Not Deploy In Subaru Outback And Legacy Vehicles

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This matter came to light in February 2024 when Subaru initiated an investigation after receiving returned parts from reports indicating airbags failing to deploy as intended. Subaru collaborated with the supplier and submitted an equipment recall (24E-016) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), signalling the commencement of evaluations regarding the safety implications for Subaru vehicles and the potentially impacted population. Subaru made the decision in March to launch a comprehensive safety recall campaign.

Digging into the technicalities of the issue, the defect report highlights a convergence of factors contributing to the capacitor cracking. It suggests that the utilization of alternate component sub-suppliers during short-term natural disaster recovery, combined with certain supplier processing methods, may have led to this vulnerability. Specifically, it’s noted that during a specific production period at a particular supplier, the ODS Sensor Printed Circuit Board (PCB) might have undergone deformation, thereby initiating cracks in the capacitor. Over time, these cracks could permit moisture ingress into the capacitor, ultimately resulting in a short circuit.

The ramifications of this malfunction are significant. When a short circuit occurs, indicators such as the SRS airbag system warning lamp and the front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator illuminate. This signifies a potential failure of the front passenger airbag to deploy in specific crash scenarios, thus elevating the risk of injury to the occupant in the respective seat.

In response to this concern, Subaru has outlined a comprehensive course of action. Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted and requested to visit authorized dealerships for the replacement of ODS sensors on the front passenger seat. Initial communication regarding the safety risk is anticipated to be dispatched by May 21, 2024, in the form of interim letters. A subsequent letter will follow once the remedy procedure is finalized. To facilitate communication and tracking, Subaru has assigned the recall number WRA-24, with the NHTSA campaign number denoted as 24V-227.

Driver Air Bag Could Deactivate In Ford Trucks

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Ford Motor Company is reaching out to owners of certain 2023 F-150 and Ford Super Duty vehicles, including the F250, F350, F450, F550, and F600 models. There is a concern with the driver’s frontal air bag not deploying during a crash.

The issue came to light in November 2023, when Ford’s main supplier, BCS Automotive Interface Solutions, alerted them about a potential problem. This was linked to airbag clock springs provided by American Furukawa, a sub-supplier to BCS. BCS discovered that some clock spring assemblies in the Steering Column Control Modules (SCCM) they supplied to Ford might have been tainted during production.

The problem lies in the SCCM of the affected vehicles, where the clock spring assembly might have a weak weld between the bus bar and the ribbon cable. This issue traces back to the manufacturing stage, where clock spring bus bars were washed in isopropyl alcohol mixed with glycerin. This mix could weaken the weld between the bus bar and ribbon cable in the clock spring assembly.

This ribbon cable is crucial as it connects to the driver’s airbag. A weak weld can cause the ribbon cable circuits to disconnect, leading to a loss of electrical connection to the driver’s front airbag. This malfunction would trigger the airbag warning light and prevent the airbag from deploying as needed. Ford, alongside BCS, has been investigating this issue. They’re reviewing production and shipping records to identify which Ford vehicles might be equipped with the affected clock springs.

As of December 6, 2023, Ford received 19 warranty reports dating from May 1 to November 10, 2023, which could be linked to this clock spring issue.

Drivers might notice problems like non-functional steering wheel switches (like radio controls), a silent horn, and an illuminated airbag warning lamp.

Affected owners will be contacted to bring their vehicles to Ford dealers for an inspection and, if necessary, a replacement of the air bag clock spring. Initial notifications to owners explaining the safety risk are planned for January 8, 2024. A follow-up notice will be sent once the replacement parts are ready, expected in the second quarter of 2024. This recall is officially listed under the NHTSA campaign number 23V-847.

OCS Sensors May Short Circuit In Lexus And Toyota Vehicles

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Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) has announced a significant recall affecting a range of Lexus and Toyota vehicles from the 2020 to 2022 model years. This recall, necessitated by a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, underscores a critical safety issue that could potentially prevent the deployment of the front passenger airbag.

The recall spans a variety of models, including:

  • Lexus ES (2020-2021)
  • Lexus ES Hybrid (2020-2022)
  • Lexus RX and RX Hybrid (2020-2021)
  • Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid (2020-2021)
  • Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid (2020-2022)
  • Toyota Corolla, Highlander, and their Hybrid variants (2020-2021)
  • Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid (2020-2021)
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid (2021)

The issue originates from the Occupant Classification System sensors located in the front passenger seat. These sensors play a pivotal role in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), determining the deployment of the front passenger airbag based on the occupant load. A defect has been identified wherein, during production, the sensor’s Printed Circuit Board (PCB) became deformed. This deformation can cause a crack in a capacitor, leading to moisture intrusion over time and resulting in a short circuit.

The malfunctioning of these sensors poses a significant risk. In the event of a short circuit, the SRS warning lamp and the “Passenger Airbag OFF” lamp will illuminate, accompanied by a message on the Multi-Information Display (MID). The most concerning consequence is that the front passenger airbag may not deploy in certain crashes, markedly increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

To address this issue, Toyota dealers will conduct inspections and replace the sensor where necessary. The recall is comprehensive in its scope, and owner notification letters are expected to be dispatched starting February 4, 2024.

Toyota has assigned the numbers 23TB15/23TA15 for Toyota and 23LB03/23LA03 for Lexus vehicles to this recall. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has registered this recall under campaign number 23V-865.

This recall by Toyota highlights the intricate nature of modern automotive safety systems and the critical importance of their proper functioning. Owners of the affected vehicles are urged to heed the recall notice and have their vehicles inspected and repaired as necessary to ensure their safety and that of their passengers.

Airbag Issue in Tesla Model S and Model X

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Tesla has identified a significant safety issue affecting certain 2021-2023 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles. The problem lies in the installation of incorrect steering wheel airbags during vehicle servicing. This issue predominantly arose during the retrofitting of vehicles with alternate steering wheels based on customer requests.

Discovery of the Issue

The problem came to Tesla’s attention in October 2023, when Tesla Service in Europe encountered 12 instances where vehicles with round steering wheels were retrofitted with yoke steering wheels. However, there was no confirmation of the appropriate driver airbag variant installation for the yoke steering wheels. This prompted Tesla to initiate an engineering study in the U.S., encompassing 10 vehicles. Of the three vehicles inspected, one was found to have the wrong driver airbag variant, meant for the round steering wheel.

The Nature of the Problem

At the core of this issue is the mismatch between the steering wheel design and the driver airbag variant. The round steering wheel and the yoke steering wheel each require a distinct driver airbag design. During servicing, some vehicles were erroneously equipped with a driver airbag variant mismatched to the steering wheel type. This discrepancy can potentially compromise airbag performance during deployment, elevating the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Recall and Safety Concerns

As a result of these findings, Tesla decided to recall all vehicles that underwent a steering wheel retrofit – either from a round to a yoke steering wheel or vice versa. This decision underscores the potential safety risks associated with the airbag performance in these retrofitted vehicles.

Official Recall Information

Tesla has issued a recall with the number SB-23-20-005. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the campaign number 23V-743 to this recall. This recall highlights the critical importance of matching the correct airbag variant to the specific design of a vehicle’s steering wheel.

2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Airbag May Deploy Improperly

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Vehicle safety is paramount, and when vehicle manufacturers fall short in ensuring your protection, it’s essential to understand your rights as a consumer. In a recent development, General Motors (GM) has issued a recall affecting certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs due to potential issues with the passenger side instrument panel airbag. If you’re a Chevrolet Bolt EV owner facing this concerning situation, a Lemon Law lawyer can be your ally in navigating this complex scenario. Read on to discover more about this recall, its implications, and how legal expertise can safeguard your rights.

The recall revolves around a crucial safety component – the passenger side instrument panel airbag. Certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs may have been manufactured with an alarming problem that could lead to improper airbag deployment. The concern arises when the airbag perforation is missing or compromised. In such cases, the passenger side airbag may not deploy as intended during a crash, significantly increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

GM was made aware of this potential safety issue in June 2023 when a supplier quality engineer received notification from a supplier about the possibility of some 2022 and 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs lacking the necessary passenger side airbag perforation. Following this notification, an investigation was launched, and a specific group of vehicles, totaling 403, was identified as suspects in the potential defect.

Owners of the affected Chevrolet Bolt EVs will be contacted by GM with specific instructions. It is essential to heed this call to action. Returning to your dealership for a passenger side instrument panel airbag replacement is imperative. This action will ensure your vehicle’s airbag system functions correctly, safeguarding your safety and the well-being of your passengers. To facilitate the recall process, GM has assigned a unique recall number: N232414170. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated this recall with the campaign number 23V-567.

If you find yourself entangled in this recall, you might encounter challenges in coordinating the repair process with your dealership or facing uncertainties about your legal rights. This is where a Lemon Law lawyer becomes an invaluable asset. With their expertise, they can help you navigate the legal intricacies, ensuring that your rights are upheld and that the manufacturer takes the necessary steps to address the defect promptly. Your Lemon Law lawyer will guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation and resolution you deserve.

2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Airbag Safety

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airbagCertain 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles could experience a compromised side curtain air bag (SABIC) deployment due to an improperly seated upper B-pillar. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirement of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for ejection mitigation.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) became aware of the problem in June 2022 when the FCA technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization was informed of a potential issue related to the upper B-pillar trim that could result in a compromised SABIC deployment in some 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer vehicles. FCA analyzed warranty claims, customer records and vehicle history to identify reports of improperly seated upper B-pillar trim. They held meetings with FCA Interior Engineering and Manufacturing to review the issue and understand the part design failure mode.

According to the defect report, when the ejection propulsion mechanism propels the ejection impactor into the impact target locations of each side daylight opening of a vehicle according to the test procedures specified in S5 of this standard, the most outboard surface of the ejection head form must not displace more than 100 millimeters beyond the zero displacement plane. Vehicles with the upper B-pillar trim not fully seated may have a compromised side airbag inflatable curtain deployment that may not meet this requirement. A compromised deployment of the SABIC can reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash, resulting in an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants. If a vehicle has this problem, the driver may notice a loose fit and/or rattle in the B-pillar.

This recall is not related to a part defect but rather an assembly issue where the vehicle may have been built with an improperly seated upper B-pillar trim. The remedy will be to inspect and, if necessary, reseat or replace all loose or broken upper B-pillar interior trim pieces. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 76A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-545.