NHTSA Announces 2.12 Million Vehicles Recalled For Airbag Malfunction

Just a number of weeks after reports of mass airbag recalls dominated international news headlines, it’s happening again. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a statement regarding the recall of 2.12 million vehicles, which are also equipped with a potentially hazardous or even deadly airbag system.

This time auto parts manufacturer TRW makes the component. However, some of the vehicles being recalled are also part of another Takata airbag recall. That means the NHTSA saw it fit to do a double coverage recall effort of some of these vehicles manufactured in the early 2000s. According to the NHTSA, those vehicles which are part of the recall include the, “Acura MDX, Dodge Viper, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty, Honda Odyssey, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix and the Toyota Avalon.”

The NHTSA will reportedly seek more information about the defect from both TRW and automakers. National Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said this effort is all about the safety of the consumer. In a statement, Foxx said, “Keeping the traveling public safe is our number one priority, and we expect the manufacturers to get this remedy right to prevent injury to drivers and their families.”

Mark Rosekind, an administrator for the NHTSA, said this recall may require consumers to visit dealerships a second time for recall assistance. In an official NHTSA press release, Rosekind said, “This is unfortunately a complicated issue for consumers, who may have to return to their dealer more than once. But this is an urgent safety issue, and all consumers with vehicles covered by the previous recalls should have that remedy installed.”

What does this mean for dealers? We reported previously consumers could potentially cause a backup for dealers if the Takata airbag recall went national. However, this apparent “follow-up” recall means that the Takata recall could cascade out into recalls of other vehicle parts. What does that mean for your store? How would you handle double the recall traffic at your dealership? Will there be more recalls in 2015 than 2014?