The car-buying world is accustomed to the idea of various recalls for their cars. However, these consumer protections are usually directed at one automaker at a time. Now, US regulators are pushing for a massive airbag recall for millions of vehicles from multiple automakers, including some of the best new cars from recent years. 

What’s the cause of the airbag recall

According to Bloomberg, US regulators are taking steps toward a massive airbag recall. The potential recall could impact as many as 51 million vehicles due to faulty inflators that could explode in the event of a crash. The NHTSA has even issued what’s called a “supplemental initial decision,” which says the organization considers the inflators defective. 

So, what companies produce the products at the center of the airbag recall? There are two. One is ARC Automotive Inc., and the other is Delphi Automotive Systems LLC. It’s also interesting to note that ARC has been encouraged to issue a recall since 2023 but has refused. This is despite several notable issues with the company’s products. 

The companies have thirty days to respond to the NHTSA’s decision. As for how much ground the airbag recall covers, there are at least twelve automakers that use them. This includes cars from Stellantis, General Motors, Volkswagen, and Hyundai. It’s also notable that GM recalled about one million vehicles between 2014 and 2017 that had airbags from ARC Automotive. 

Between 2009 and 2023, at least nine ruptured airbag inflators caused injuries, including two deaths. For more reading, check out this article from Henry Cesari about the recent Tesla recall.