Stellantis’s Never-Ending Airbag Nightmare
Stellantis, the automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, finds itself embroiled in a decade-old industrial nightmare involving Takata airbags. These faulty airbags – manufactured by the eponymous Japanese supplier and installed in millions of vehicles – have plagued the automotive industry since their inherent danger was discovered.
On Monday, Stellantis launched a fresh recall campaign, targeting approximately 236,000 Citroën C3 and DS 3 vehicles produced between 2008 and 2013 and operated in northern France. The affected vehicles should be immediately withdrawn from use and returned to dealerships, leaving countless drivers stranded without their primary means of transportation and deeply wary of the automaker’s communication.
A Global Problem
Stellantis is far from the only automaker facing this issue. Since the early 2000s, over 30 global brands have incorporated these defective airbags into more than 100 vehicle models, including Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Nissan.
Takata’s Fatal Flaw
The culprit behind the airbag malfunction lies in the propellant used by Takata – ammonium nitrate. Over time, this chemical compound degrades and becomes unstable. In the event of an accident, this deterioration can trigger an explosion, spewing metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin with devastating consequences.
Deadly Consequences
As of 2022, at least 28 fatalities worldwide have been attributed to Takata airbags. In the United States alone, 19 deaths have been recorded. Additionally, hundreds of injuries have resulted from the airbag explosions, leaving victims with severe facial lacerations, broken bones, and even temporary or permanent vision loss.
Stellantis’s Response
Despite the gravity of the situation, Stellantis’s response has been criticized by some as inadequate and lacking in transparency. The automaker has failed to provide a clear and detailed timeline of the recall process, leaving affected owners in limbo.
Furthermore, Stellantis has been accused of downplaying the potential risks associated with the faulty airbags. In a statement, the company claimed that the "risk of injury from these airbags is very low" – a statement that has been met with skepticism and outrage from both safety advocates and affected drivers.
Regulatory Action
The Takata airbag scandal has prompted regulatory action in several countries. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued multiple recalls, including an unprecedented nationwide recall in 2015 that affected over 67 million vehicles.
Additionally, the US Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into Takata’s conduct. In 2017, the company pleaded guilty to wire fraud and agreed to pay $1 billion in criminal fines. Several Takata executives also faced criminal charges, including the company’s former president and CEO.
Industry Impact
The Takata airbag scandal has had a profound impact on the automotive industry. It has led to increased scrutiny of airbag manufacturers and the recall process, as well as a heightened awareness of the potential safety risks associated with seemingly innocuous components.
The scandal has also damaged the reputation of affected automakers, leading to lawsuits, lost sales, and a decline in consumer confidence.
