NHTSA Investigating 12.3 Million Cars for Airbag Failure

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating airbags in six different automaker’s cars after reports of faulty electronics that may cause the airbag inflation failure.

The investigation covers 12.3 million vehicles from carmakers Fiat Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota. In short, investigators believe that electronics in the car may become damaged or over-stressed during a crash, leading to airbag failure.

In some cases, automakers have already initiated recalls—Hyundai and Kia recalled more than 1 million vehicles in 2018 after reports of airbags failing to deploy during a crash, causing fatalities and injury.  

Shipping recalled airbags? Get complete training to package, mark, label, and ship airbags safely and in full compliance with applicable regulations for ground, air, or vessel transport. 

NHTSA offers a tool for car owners. Look up your car by VIN to see if any current recalls impact your vehicle: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

Takata Airbag Recall

The ongoing NHTSA investigation is unrelated to another growing airbag recall affecting vehicles outfitted with Takata airbags. In March 2019, the Takata recall was again expanded and now covers about 65 million vehicles.

The recalled Takata airbags can rupture and spray shrapnel directly at the driver.

Recalled Airbags Exempt from RCRA

On November 30, 2018, EPA published an Interim Final Rule to create a conditional exemption from the definition of “hazardous waste” for all airbag waste (i.e., airbag modules and airbag inflators).

To qualify for exemption, dealerships, parts suppliers, and service shops that generate airbag waste must comply with accumulation time limits, container management standards, and container marking requirements.

Lion Members can log in here to watch a 20-minute recorded webinar on EPA’s new management standards for airbag waste. Just log in and click play to get up to speed. Not a Member yet? Train with Lion this year and get Membership included or purchase a one-year Membership here.

Complete Training to Safely Ship Airbags

Learn the requirements that apply to safety devices like airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, both regulated as hazardous materials when shipped by ground, air, or vessel. The Shipping Airbags and Other Automotive Safety Devices online course is available when you want, where you want.

Access training from any internet connection, stop and start as needed to fit your schedule, and receive a trusted hazmat training Certificate from Lion Technology when you complete the course.
 

Tags: airbag, hazmat shipping, RCRA, safety, shipping airbags