A US regulator is still concerned about the safety risks posed by air bag inflators in 49 million vehicles assembled by 13 carmakers, potentially leading to the second-largest recall in US history. The inflators, manufactured by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive, have been linked to one fatality and seven injuries after an eight-year investigation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering issuing a recall after arguing at a hearing in October that the inflators may rupture and send metal fragments flying. Despite objections from carmakers, the agency is reiterating its determination and giving them 30 days to respond before demanding recalls.
Major carmakers, including General Motors and Toyota, have opposed NHTSA’s bid for recalls, arguing that the risks are minimal. However, the agency insists that the safety of consumers is paramount and that the risks are too great to ignore.
The inflators were used in vehicles from 2000 through early 2018 by various carmakers, raising concerns about the safety of millions of vehicles on the road. The issue remains contentious as carmakers push back against potential recalls.