Volvo Recalls Almost 200,000 Wagons for Faulty Airbag Inflators
This action adds models to existing recalls for the same problematic part from supplier ZF
Volvo is recalling 194,546 V70 and XC70 wagons from the 2001 through 2007 model years because a part in the driver’s-side airbag might rupture and launch metal fragments toward occupants if the airbag deploys. One person has been killed as a result of these faulty airbags, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
NHTSA says that humidity and elevated moisture levels can cause the propellant tablets, which are used to inflate the airbag, to decay and form dust particles. The result of this is that there is more surface area to burn when ignited, increasing the force of the airbag deployment. This increased force could cause the inflator to rupture, and the driver could be struck by fragments of metal from the inflator.
This is a widening of two other recalls, one from November 2020 and another from early October 2021. In the 2020 recall, only models in certain states and U.S. territories were affected because of the hot and humid weather conditions in those specific areas. The subsequent recall covered all S60 and S80 models without regard to where they were sold or registered.
These airbag inflators were made by ZF. They are not related to faulty airbags made by Takata.
Photo: Volvo Photo: Volvo
The Details
Vehicles recalled: A total of 194,546 Volvo V70 and XC70 wagons from the 2001 to 2007 model years.
The problem: The propellant used to inflate the driver’s airbag could degrade over time if exposed to high temperatures and humidity. If this happens, the airbag’s inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys, spraying metal pieces of the inflator at the vehicle’s occupants with such force that they can cause injury or death.
The fix: Volvo will replace the faulty driver’s airbag with a new one that contains a different propellant and inflator, free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Volvo is expected to notify owners by mail beginning Dec. 14, 2021. Owners may contact customer service at 800-458-1552.
NHTSA campaign number: 21V800. Volvo’s internal number is R10136.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
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