Defective control units join airbag recall
Continental Automotive Systems identifies potentially defective airbag control in up to five million vehiclesThe widely publicised Takata airbag recall is set to widen with Continental Automotive Systems (CAS) today revealing that one of its airbag control units may be defective.
The unit, which was fitted to over five million vehicles over a five-year period (2006-10), is used by Fiat-Chrysler, Honda and Mercedes-Benz, among others. Automotive News is reporting that CAS told the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there is the potential for the electronic module to fail meaning airbags may not deploy in the event of an accident, or may inadvertently deploy.
Up to two million vehicles in the US could be affected, with models sold in Australia also likely to face a recall notice. At this stage the list of vehicles is unknown, but it's believed the Honda Accord, Dodge Journey and some Mercedes-Benz C-Class models could be affected. CAS changed the design of the control module in late 2010.
As is the case with any supplier-defected part, it is the responsibility of the vehicle manufacturer to conduct the recall.
"We are working closely with all potentially impacted vehicle manufacturers on this issue," said Continental spokesperson, Mary Arraf.
"As a supplier, we have provided all the pertinent information to all potentially impacted vehicle manufacturers. Each manufacturer determines whether a safety related defect exists in their vehicles."
After speaking with the manufacturers listed above today, motoring.com.au understands that local manufacturers are working to understand which models are affected before advising details publicly, as Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins explains.
"Honda takes any matter of safety extremely seriously and will advise customers if notified of new recalls," said Collins.
"Honda Australia is awaiting further information from Honda Motor in Japan regarding this matter. Customers are encouraged to contact Customer Service if they are concerned."
Under Australian law, the government must be notified of any potential recall before the manufacturer may issue a statement. We will update this story as soon as we know more.
To date, 14 vehicle manufacturers have recalled more than 25 million vehicles globally as a result of the Takata airbag inflator recall. It has been found that affected vehicle's airbag inflators may rupture, resulting in metal shrapnel being expelled throughout the passenger cabin.
More information on vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recall and associated recall notices can be found here:
>> Toyota on trail of fake airbags
>> Nissan recalls more cars for Takata airbags
>> Nearly 93,000 more Hondas recalled for airbags
>> Toyota, Lexus extend airbag recall
>> Micra hits airbag trouble too
>> Nissan expands global airbag recall
>> Honda airbag recall expanded
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
