Tag Archives: air bag
Ford recalls 144,000 F-150 Pick-ups for Airbag Risks
Ford announced Wednesday that they are recalling 144,000 F-150 pick-ups from the 2005 – 2006 model years in the U.S. and Canada due to concerns about a possible short circuit that may cause airbags to deploy without warning.
This action was a response to the advice of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) following their investigation of 238 reports of accidental airbag deployment a few seconds after the F-150s were started. In a formal announcement made by Ford, the automaker claimed that, “the condition does not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. However, to avoid a protracted discussion with the agency and to provide repair to those vehicles most likely to exhibit the condition, Ford is recalling those vehicles produced at the Norfolk Assembly Plant from November 1, 2004 through June 30 2005. The NHTSA advised Ford of the recall after receiving 77 reported injuries, including chipped teeth, minor burns and cuts to the arms, hands and face.
Some road vibrations and even regular driving conditions cause the airbag wires to rub against the metal edge of the horn plate. This rubbing may eventually cut through the insulation on the wire, leading to circuit shortage and the airbag deployment.
For also announced that it would notify the vehicle owners in early March. The automaker added that the expected time to replace the potentially flawed wiring harness is less than half a day, and this repair would be done for free at Ford dealerships.
In total, Ford is recalling 135,000 F-150 trucks in the U.S. and 9,000 in Canada. The Ford F-150 is the top selling vehicle in the U.S.
New Side Air Bag Regulation Aims to Save Lives
As part of its mission to prevent deaths related to rollovers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently announced the approval of the regulation that aims to increase safety standards through compeling automakers to install better side airbags, particularly for vehicles 10,000 pounds or less. The first phase of implementation will begin in 2013, while all vehicles are expected to be covered by 2018.
Based on expert studies, rollovers are one of the leading causes of vehicle-related deaths. In 1999 alone, over 8,000 fatalities were caused by rollovers, and about 47% of those are killed by being ejected after the crashes.
Through this proposal, the government wants to prevent the chance of drivers and passengers being ejected during a rollover. With bigger airbags, there will be more coverage to the window opening, and since they will also have stronger quality, they will remain inflated longer and keep the passenger from being ejected through the side windows. Moreover, this regulation is one of the most inexpensive ones for automakers and buyers, as it will add only an estimated $31 per vehicle.
Automakers are currently reviewing the regulation; however, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has already expressed their support to this regulation. Representing Detroit’s Big Three, Toyota, and other top automakers, Wade Newton said “We certainly agree with NHTSA’s conclusion that head protecting/rollover airbags are the safest way keep people inside their vehicles when a rollover occurs.”
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