Volvo has issued a vehicle defect recall for about 260,000 sedans because of potential airbag defects linked to one recent death. According to Consumer Reports, the recall has been issued because a part in the driver-side airbag might rupture and send metal fragments flying toward occupants if the airbag deploys. It involves S60 sedans from the 2001 through 2009 model years and S80 sedans from the 2001 through 2006 model years.
Dangerous Defects
Documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that these faulty airbags have resulted in one fatality. The agency says humidity and elevated moisture levels can cause the propellant tablets, which inflate the airbag, to deteriorate and form dust particles.
As a result, there is more surface area to burn when ignited, increasing the force of the airbag deployment. This could cause the inflator to rupture; metal fragments could strike the driver and shoot out of it. This expands on a similar recall from November 2020. In that recall, only models in certain U.S. states and territories were affected by those areas’ hot and humid weather conditions. This new recall covers all S60 and S80 models regardless of where they were sold or registered.
The airbags under recall were made by ZF, an automotive parts supplier now known at ZF-TRW. Takata’s faulty airbags, which prompted an unprecedented global recall of tens of millions of vehicles, are unrelated to them. When the recall begins in November, Volvo will replace the faulty driver’s airbag with new ones that contain a different propellant and inflator at no cost to consumers. Volvo is expected to notify owners by mail beginning Nov. 29. Owners may contact customer service at 1-800-458-1552.
Auto Product Liability Issues
The flaws in these cars are dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Automakers have a responsibility to manufacture vehicles that are safe for consumers. When there are dangerous defects, they are required under the law to issue a timely recall and conduct repairs at no cost to consumers promptly.
If a defective airbag has injured you or a loved one, you may be able to seek compensation from the automaker and/or the manufacturer of the defective auto part. Injured victims or their families would be well advised to contact an experienced auto defect lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing their legal rights.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/volvo-recalls-s60-and-s80-sedans-for-faulty-airbags-a5229237621/
