DETROIT — A June collision between a Volkswagen SUV and a deer in which a side air bag inflated with too much force has triggered a federal investigation and raised questions about the safety of newer air bags made by Takata Corp. of Japan.
In the June 7 crash near St. Louis, the left side air bag inflated in a 2015 VW Tiguan, blowing apart a metal canister. It’s the first incident reported in a VW, the first in a side air bag, and the first in the field involving newer versions of Takata air bags. Previously, Takata has said the problem was limited to older designs in front and passenger air bags.
Volkswagen told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the crash July 15, and the agency began investigating. Last week it sent orders to Takata and VW seeking information on the crash and air bag tests. Both have until Aug. 24 to reply.
The investigation calls into question whether all air bag systems made with ammonium nitrate, the chemical that Takata uses as a propellant to inflate its bags, should be recalled, said Karl Brauer, senior auto industry analyst for Kelley Blue Book.
Although the Tiguan problem could be an isolated manufacturing problem, Brauer said with Takata’s history, it’s possible that more recalls involving more vehicle brands are coming.
“It’s a scary thing,” Brauer said. “Are we still seeing the tip of the iceberg here?”
Takata and VW said they are cooperating in the investigation, and Takata said it doesn’t think the Tiguan case is related to any previous incidents.
In May, Takata bowed to U.S. government pressure and agreed to double the number of air bag inflators it’s recalling to 33.8 million, making it the largest automotive recall in U.S. history.
The problem, which has persisted for more than a decade, has brought congressional hearings and investigations from NHTSA and the Justice Department. Worldwide, 11 automakers have recalled about 57.5 million vehicles with Takata air bags.
At least eight deaths and more than 100 injuries have been attributed to the air bag inflator ruptures.
VW spokesman Mark Gillies said the company is working with NHTSA and Takata to better understand the situation.
“While we are still investigating the cause of this malfunction, we believe it is unrelated to the previous recalls, which the extensive data suggests were a result of aging and long-term exposure to heat and high humidity,” Takata’s statement said.
