Swedish automaker Volvo is recalling thousands of cars of numerous models due to possible flaws affecting the front and side airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall on its site Friday. Volvo, however, might have to answer for its delay in reporting the problem.
Airbag problems
The models being recalled were all assembled between Could 16 and October 6, 2011. If there is a crash, front and side airbags could deploy incorrectly or not deploy at all. This has brought on the business to recall 17,000 automobiles. Models integrated in the recall are the 2012 S60, XC60, S80 and XC70 models.
What is the problem?
The issue, according to Volvo, is that the wiring harness under the front seat is not securely anchored in some instances. This means that the wire harness can tear loose if the seat is adjusted at all by the driver or passenger. A warning light should come on saying "SRS service required urgent" if it does rip, but the airbags could not deploy if there is a crash before it is fixed. It could also cause difficulties with the seatbelt.
SRS, or Supplemental Restraint System, it refers to the airbags.
There have been no injuries reported yet.
First noticed in June
In June 2011, there was a complaint about the problem. This was the first one Volvo got. All impacted automobiles were anticipated not to leave factories and ports of entry until they had their wiring harnesses inspected after that. On February 6, dealerships got a technical bulletin because of those inspections.
Questioning Volvo
The problem was reported to the NHTSA last week. The New York Times "Wheels" blog questioned the timing, coming from a company that prides itself of its safety:
"Not until Feb. 22 ... did Volvo, a manufacturer that regularly emphasizes its reputation for safety, decide that the condition constituted a safety issue and that it would report the defect to the agency."
Volvo could have to pay a fine or penalty because it did not report the issue immediately. Automakers only get five days to report security concerns to the NHTSA. Volvo has not made a comment.
Airbag problems
The models being recalled were all assembled between Could 16 and October 6, 2011. If there is a crash, front and side airbags could deploy incorrectly or not deploy at all. This has brought on the business to recall 17,000 automobiles. Models integrated in the recall are the 2012 S60, XC60, S80 and XC70 models.
What is the problem?
The issue, according to Volvo, is that the wiring harness under the front seat is not securely anchored in some instances. This means that the wire harness can tear loose if the seat is adjusted at all by the driver or passenger. A warning light should come on saying "SRS service required urgent" if it does rip, but the airbags could not deploy if there is a crash before it is fixed. It could also cause difficulties with the seatbelt.
SRS, or Supplemental Restraint System, it refers to the airbags.
There have been no injuries reported yet.
First noticed in June
In June 2011, there was a complaint about the problem. This was the first one Volvo got. All impacted automobiles were anticipated not to leave factories and ports of entry until they had their wiring harnesses inspected after that. On February 6, dealerships got a technical bulletin because of those inspections.
Questioning Volvo
The problem was reported to the NHTSA last week. The New York Times "Wheels" blog questioned the timing, coming from a company that prides itself of its safety:
"Not until Feb. 22 ... did Volvo, a manufacturer that regularly emphasizes its reputation for safety, decide that the condition constituted a safety issue and that it would report the defect to the agency."
Volvo could have to pay a fine or penalty because it did not report the issue immediately. Automakers only get five days to report security concerns to the NHTSA. Volvo has not made a comment.
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