Carmakers fight massive air bag recall that may cost $10B
bloomberg.com
bloomberg.com
And here's the initial decision in full: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2023-09/ARC-Init...
Apparently friction welds left "excess slag" on a seam in the inflator. During activation, bits can become dislodged and clog the exit orifice such that it explodes with excess pressure "shooting metal shrapnel into the occupant compartment".
Affected inflators were manufactured before ARC started using borescope inspection in early 2018, and were installed by several major auto manufacturers.
One driver was killed after a crash in a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse in which metal shards flew out. All other drivers, including one passenger, were injured primarily in the face. A second driver was killed in a 2009 Hyundai Elantra during a 2016 crash in Canada, while a passenger-side airbag inflator ruptured in Turkey a year later on a 2015 Volkswagen Golf that used an ARC inflator built in Tennessee.
Manufacturers argue these are isolated incidents but NHTSA predicts future ruptures at a rate of 1 in 370,000.
Discussion about that line is to be expected, if there is disagreement over it being crossed.
We don't because of cost.
With airbags we're just used to legislation for them but the same argument applies. It's not enough to say a recall is safer we have to measure the cost vs actual safety of the existing airbags
It's a strange thing with people and existing safety laws vs actual safety. For example I've advocated barriers with automatic doors at Subway and train stations to prevent pushers, jumpers falls etc. this would increase safety but no one wants to because of the cost
The problem is not people who die. The problem is that some people survive and then sue you.