Volkswagen and Mazda have collectively recalled 613,000 vehicles in the wake of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation that opened this year concerning possible airbag and steering failures.
According to The New York Times, Volkswagen’s recall covers six different car models dating back to 2010 whose side airbags could possibly fail in the event of a crash.
The Mazda recall is limited to one model of car — CX-9 family-style SUV’s manufactured between 2007 to 2014. The van’s problems originated in the front suspension, where rust problems could lead to the loss of steering.
The Associated Press offered more insight into the two recalls. The news outlet obtained copies of federal reports released this past week.
The aforementioned models of Volkswagens are susceptible to roadway debris which “can rip a cable” that provides power to the front airbag.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday that debris can rip a cable that keeps the (Vollkswagens’) front air bag powered, which could lead to a failure to deploy.
The NHTSA was reported as saying that no injuries or car accidents resulting from the defect, and that the organization received nine complaints about the issue.
According to the AP, possible steering failure in the Mazda CX-9’s is linked to “front ball joints” that can “separate from the suspension.”
(Mazda) said in documents posted Wednesday … that front ball joints can rust from water leaks and separate from the suspension.
Ball joints “allow the wheels to pivot” when drivers turn the steering wheel.
Mazda was aware of the problem in 2012 and “fixed the problem in the factory” more than a year ago. The company was quoted as saying the possible separation of the ball joints didn’t happen suddenly and that the noise created by the failing part would alert drivers to the danger.
However, the NHTSA decided to investigate the problem when it received 16 complaints about the ball joint issue.
Volkswagen’s airbag issues are the second big airbag-related recall this year. The federal government fined airbag manufacturer Takata for not providing adequate information about their airbags’ role in death and injuries sustained during accidents.
