Takata airbags: Authorities mandate an additional 800,000 automobiles to be parked
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Holy shit, the Takata airbag fiasco ain't over yet, homie. The Ministry of Transport dropped a bombshell on June 24, ordering an additional 800,000 vehicles in France to stand down, thanks to those goddamn Takata airbags. They're the ones that have been linked to several accidents, y'all.
These vehicles are equipped with airbags at risk in Corsica and overseas territories, plus older models outside of Corsica that date back to before 2011. On top of that, the ministry wants a total recall of all vehicles with risky airbags across France, adding 600,000 more vehicles to the tally. The risky airbags are using the same technology as the ones causing accidents, using ammonium nitrate without a desiccant.
2.5 million rides in the crosshairs
These updates bring the total number of vehicles targeted in France to a whopping 2.5 million. Of those, 1.7 million are under the "stop drive" order, meaning the rides gotta stay parked. The ministry said this move is to give a hard-hitting message to manufacturers and encourage owners of affected vehicles to get their cars checked ASAP.
This action follows an incident on June 11 in Reims, where a 36-year-old woman got snapped by the airbag explosion in the backseat. The 13-year-old backseat passenger was merely grazed. This is the second fatal accident in the metropolitan area linked to these airbags, causing a total of 18 deaths and 25 injuries, including 16 deaths and 24 injuries in overseas territories, according to the ministry.
Since 2014, this industrial shitstorm of these airbags, responsible for dozens of deaths, has rocked the automobile world. Because of a gas that gets worse with age, these safety devices, meant to protect passengers in case of impact, can fuckin' explode, particularly in hot and humid climates, by blasting metal chunks into drivers' mugs.
Judicial inquiry started in April
Many manufacturers had to halt millions of vehicles worldwide to replace those defective airbags after the accident in Reims. The Transport Minister, Philippe Tabarot, had requested the immobilization of all Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles needing an airbag upgrade, accounting for 100,000 rides.
Tabarot launched an in-depth mission on the matter in February, set to render its conclusions soon. If needed, the minister won't hesitate to make more decisions. By the way, a judicial investigation was initiated on April 16.
In the meantime, the minister will issue an order in the coming days to make sure drivers affected by an immobilization measure can score a courtesy vehicle or have their rental car sorted out as vacation season approaches.
Insights:- The Takata airbag recall in France is now affecting approximately 2.5 million vehicles, with 600,000 more added recently[1].- This recall includes over 1.7 million vehicles subject to the "stop drive" immobilization order[1].- Stellantis has ordered the immediate recall and immobilization of second-generation Citroën C3 vehicles (2009-2016) and first-generation DS 3 vehicles (2009-2019), following a fatal crash in France[4][5].
Caution: The enrichment data only applies to certain brands and models, and it's essential to consult the official recall list or hotline to understand the specific impact on your ride. Drive safe, folks.
- The ongoing Takata airbag issue in the automotive industry has expanded to 2.5 million vehicles in France, prompting a call for manufacturers to address the faulty airbags more urgently.
- The French Ministry of Finance is closely monitoring the financial impact on the transportation sector, as the Takata airbag recall costs are expected to rise with the expanding recall.
- The general-news media outlets are providing constant updates on the Takata airbag recall, with special focus on the increasing number of accidents linked to these faulty airbags, raising concerns for the safety of the public.
