General Motors (GM) has recently initiated a safety recall concerning airbag inflators that could potentially explode and release dangerous shrapnel, putting drivers at risk. However, the automaker is currently facing challenges as they do not have the necessary replacement parts available to address the issue promptly. This situation has left affected vehicle owners, such as Jillian Grimes from Peterborough, Ontario, feeling concerned and uncertain about their safety.
Recall Details and Customer Frustrations
In June, Grimes received a letter notifying her that her 2017 Chevrolet Traverse was among the 42,000 vehicles in Canada and nearly one million vehicles in the United States affected by the GM recall. This recall was prompted by airbag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive Inc., a Tennessee-based company. These inflators have been linked to seven injuries and two deaths, including a fatality that occurred in Canada in 2016.
Despite reaching out to local dealerships and GM directly, Grimes and other affected customers have been left without answers regarding when replacement parts will become available. GM’s suggestion of renting a car until the parts arrive places the financial burden on the vehicle owners themselves, further exacerbating their frustrations and concerns.
Extent of the Issue and Manufacturer Response
Approximately 3.5 million vehicles in Canada are estimated to be equipped with ARC Automotive airbag inflators, accounting for over 10% of all vehicles on the road. An extensive list compiled by Transport Canada reveals that various major brands, including BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, Ford, and Hyundai, among others, have vehicles affected by this recall.
The first recorded fatality occurred in July 2016, involving a 2009 Hyundai Elantra in Newfoundland. Subsequent incidents involved different models, such as the 2002 Chrysler Town and Country, 2004 Kia Optima, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, 2015 Chevrolet Traverse, 2015 Volkswagen Golf, and 2016 Audi A3. In March, another incident took place in Michigan when an airbag inflator ruptured, causing facial injuries to the driver.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted an eight-year investigation and demanded that ARC Automotive recall approximately 67 million airbag inflators. However, the company has refused to comply, potentially leading to a legal battle.
GM’s Current Recall and Lack of Solution
Previous recalls in both Canada and the U.S. have targeted only about 10,000 vehicles with ARC airbag inflators from the same production lots as known incidents. The most recent recall, announced on June 1, involves 236 Hyundai Elantra models from 2011. However, the larger recall by GM on May 13 affects 2014 to 2017 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse SUV models.
Grimes expressed her shock and dismay upon receiving the safety recall notice, which stated that the issue could cause serious injury or death. However, the letter also indicated that GM did not have a solution at the time and would inform vehicle owners when one becomes available. This left Grimes speechless and uncertain about the future safety of her vehicle.
GM’s Response and Future Resolution
In response to inquiries, GM provided a brief statement emphasizing their commitment to customer safety and their intention to develop and validate a remedy in collaboration with their suppliers. However, the company did not disclose specific details regarding the timeline for replacement parts or the number of completed repairs.
According to Transport Canada, automakers are not legally bound by specific time limits for conducting recall-related repairs. They are required to inform vehicle owners about the expected availability of replacement parts and provide subsequent notices once the corrective measures are finalized.