Tag Archives: improper airbag deployment

Fiat Spider Airbag Could Deploy With Excessive Force

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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has identified a software error in the airbag control module of certain 2017-2020 Fiat/Abarth 124 Spider vehicles. This issue can cause the airbags to deploy with excessive force during a crash, which poses a safety risk. As a result, these vehicles do not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for occupant crash protection, specifically FMVSS No. 208, which governs crash protection and performance requirements for automotive airbags.

The problem came to light in July 2024, when Mazda Motor Corporation, a partner in the development of these vehicles, notified Stellantis Europe S.p.A. about a potential issue with the airbag control module. Mazda discovered this error during the development of new airbag sensors for upcoming vehicle models. As part of the research and testing process for these sensors, engineers identified a misconfiguration in the calibration tool used to program airbag control modules.

This discovery prompted Mazda to take a closer look at the settings of airbag control modules in previous models, including the 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata. During extensive simulation tests, Mazda engineers uncovered a potential flaw in the collision detection sensitivity of the airbag system. This flaw could cause airbags in these models to deploy improperly, failing to meet the safety standards designed to protect passengers from serious injury. The main concern is that the system might trigger the deployment of the dual-stage front airbag rather than the single-stage deployment that is appropriate for certain types of collisions. This misconfiguration increases the risk of neck injuries during a frontal crash.

FMVSS No. 208 requires that vehicles meet specific performance standards related to neck injury prevention during a 26 km/h frontal impact. The dual-stage airbag deployment in the affected Fiat/Abarth 124 Spider vehicles increases the force of the airbag during deployment, potentially leading to a higher risk of neck injuries, which would prevent the vehicles from meeting these safety requirements.

The issue is not related to a defective part, but rather a design oversight in the programming of the airbag control module. The voltage specifications for the accelerometer, a key component of the system that detects a crash and triggers the airbags, were incorrectly set. This misconfiguration leads to improper airbag deployment, which could result in the failure to meet safety regulations.

To remedy this issue, Chrysler will reprogram the airbag control module in all affected vehicles with the correct specifications. This software update will ensure that the airbags deploy at the appropriate force in the event of a crash, reducing the risk of injury and bringing the vehicles into compliance with federal safety standards.

Chrysler plans to begin notifying vehicle owners about the recall on November 7, 2024. Once notified, owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles to authorized dealerships for the airbag control module to be reprogrammed at no cost. In the meantime, Chrysler has assigned the recall number A3B to this issue, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned it the campaign number 24V-694.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Air Bag Control Module Safety Concern

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Mazda will soon be reaching out to the owners of specific 2016-2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata vehicles due to a software issue affecting the airbag control module. This problem, first identified in April 2023, stems from a calibration error that may result in the front airbags deploying with excessive force during a crash. As a consequence, these vehicles fail to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for Occupant Crash Protection, potentially endangering the safety of both drivers and passengers.

Mazda became aware of the issue during the development of new airbag sensors for future models. During this process, engineers uncovered a misconfiguration in the calibration tool used to set up the airbag control modules. This discovery prompted Mazda to reevaluate and reassess the settings in control modules from earlier vehicle models. Through a series of rigorous simulation tests, Mazda found that the collision detection sensitivity in the 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata models could lead to improper airbag deployments that do not comply with safety standards.

The problem particularly arises during minor collisions, where the airbags may deploy with a force higher than intended. This excessive force poses an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants, especially in situations where airbag deployment should be less aggressive. Although the issue seems isolated to the MX-5 Miata, Mazda has taken steps to conduct similar tests across other vehicle models to ensure that the problem does not affect a broader range of vehicles.

To resolve this issue, Mazda dealers will perform a software update on the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module of the affected vehicles. This update is designed to re-calibrate the airbag deployment system to meet FMVSS 208 standards, ensuring that airbags deploy at appropriate force levels in the event of a collision. Mazda has scheduled owner notification letters to be mailed starting November 17, 2024, alerting owners to the recall and the necessary repairs.

Mazda’s recall number for this issue is 6924I, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned campaign number 24V-695 to this recall. It is crucial for MX-5 Miata owners to have their vehicles inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Doing so will not only bring the vehicles back into compliance with federal safety regulations but also ensure the continued safety of all passengers in the event of an accident.

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.

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.

2020 Mercedes Benz GLE Problems

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The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE is a luxury automobile known for its innovative features and high-performance engine. However, the SUV has also been the subject of a number of customer complaints and recalls due to various problems and defects.

Some of the most common problems reported by customers include passenger air bag not deploying properly, water leaks due to improper welding, active brake assist not engaging, fuel tank leaks, missing information in owner’s manual, detached rear door window trim, and third-row headrests not functioning properly. Other issues include interior switches not illuminating, rear cross member detachment, premature wear of shock absorbers, and failure of driver’s seat fastener bolt.

To address these issues, the manufacturer has issued several recalls, including:

  • Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy Properly
  • Improper Weld May Allow Water To Leak In
  • Active Brake Assist May Not Engage
  • Weld Between Fuel Tank and Filler Pipe May Leak
  • Incorrectly Installed Air Conditioner Drain Hoses
  • Owner’s Manual Missing Information
  • Rear Door Window Trim May Detach
  • Third Row Headrests May Not Function Properly
  • Engine Stall from Water Intrusion into Vehicle

If you own a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE and have experienced any of these problems or other defects, you may be entitled to a remedy under California Lemon Law. This law provides protection to consumers who have purchased a vehicle that has a significant defect that affects its use, value, or safety, and that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle, it is important to consult with an experienced Lemon Law attorney who can help you understand your rights and take action to get the compensation you deserve.

In conclusion, the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE is a high-performance luxury vehicle that has received numerous customer complaints and has been the subject of several recalls due to various problems and defects. If you are experiencing issues with your vehicle, it is important to know your rights under the California Lemon Law and to seek the help of a knowledgeable attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Chevy Traverse And Buick Enclave Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode

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A manufacturing defect affecting airbags will have a small number of 2008-2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse owners returning to their dealerships for repairs.

In July 2015 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE15-027) into ARC Automotive Inc. (ARC) air bag inflators after receiving reports about two injury incidents involving a driver air bag inflator rupture. One incident involved a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country that had a dual-stage air bag inflator and the other involved a 2004 Kia Optima with a single-stage inflator. Both air bag inflators were manufactured by ARC.

During the evaluation the ODI gathered information from ARC about which air bag module manufacturers used the subject ARC inflators and requested information from the identified air bag module manufacturers about which vehicle manufacturers used modules with the subject ARC inflators. That process identified additional affected vehicle manufacturers, including General Motors.

According to the defect report, GM will be recalling certain 2008–2017 Buick Enclave and 2013-2017 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles for front driver airbag inflators which may have been installed either as original equipment or as part of a replacement driver airbag module during service. These airbags could contain a manufacturing defect that may result in an inflator rupture during deployment. If the inflator ruptures it could cause metal fragments to pass through the airbag and into the vehicle, potentially causing injury or death to vehicle occupants.

Dealers will inspect and replace the driver’s air bag module as necessary. GM’s number for this recall is N212349040 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-782.