Volvo recalls 460,769 cars with airbags after death of person in ‘rupture incident’

Volvo recently admitted that it was recalling nearly half a million cars due to possible airbag failures. Volvo said in a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it was aware of a “rupture incident” which “resulted in death.”

I must clarify that these are not Takata airbags, but airbags manufactured by the German supplier ZF. Around the world, Volvo recalls 460,769 cars, which includes 259,383 in the United States and Volvo did not give more details on the death, but here is Volvo’s description of the situation from the NHTSA document:

Volvo has identified that if the airbag inflator propellant tablets are subjected to high humidity levels and frequent inflator high temperatures, the tablets can start to decompose and form dust particles. This localization of moisture causes volumetric changes in the surface of the tablets creating dust over time. Dust increases the combustion surface and therefore the combustion rate. A higher burn rate can lead to higher pressure in the combustion chamber and the risk of the inflator rupturing. This condition could cause the driver to be struck by fragments of metal from the inflator. Total of 259,383 vehicles.

[…]

The deviation was identified through component testing at the inflator manufacturer (ZF) and field return part analysis investigated in conjunction with the inflator manufacturer (ZF) and NHTSA. Volvo Cars investigations have identified a problem with the driver’s airbag. In a crash where the driver’s airbag is activated, fragments of the inflator inside the airbag can, in some cases, fly off and in the worst case hit you, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

The affected models are the S60 2001-2009 and the S80 2001-2006. In addition, Volvo said cars frequently exposed to hot and humid temperatures are most at risk, with the cure for all cars that need it being the free installation of a new driver’s airbag. Volvo will notify affected owners in late November, according to the NHTSA document.

I’m still a little surprised at how long it takes to get a booster, although at this point I shouldn’t be. Here is the timeline of it:

6.18.2019 VCUSA legal has received a lawyer letter for alleged breach (Hudson); 8.28.2019 Joint inspection of Hudson Volvo / ZF / NHTSA vehicles;
9.10.2019 Volvo / ZF / NHTSA joint technical meeting;
9.20.2019 Volvo / ZF / NHTSA joint technical meeting;
9.26.2019 Volvo / ZF / NHTSA joint technical meeting;
25.10.2019 Volvo / ZF / NHTSA joint technical meeting;
23.01.2020 Joint Volvo / ZF / NHTSA technical meeting;
03/26/2020 Volvo / ZF / NHTSA joint technical meeting;
6.4.2020 Joint Volvo / ZF / NHTSA technical meeting;
8.27.2020 Joint Volvo / ZF / NHTSA technical meeting;
24.09.2021 Condition considered critical by critical concerns management team;
29.29.2021 Action decision on the ground confirmed by Volvo Car Corporation;
9.30.2021 Date of implementation.

Make your reminders!