Read this on the AP newswire and thought some folks might find it
interesting. Does anyone know of any instances of airbags inflating
during an autocross run? Do you get a re-run?
The story starts with something about Taurus/Sables windshield wipers not
working properly then it get interesting (unless you own a Taurus).
AP Wire 3/23/99 03:48 EST
The agency also is looking into motorist complaints that air bags deployed
inadvertently on some Mazda Miata cars from the 1995 model year. Mazda
executives had no comment Monday on the investigation.
One driver complained the air bags deployed after the car was left
parked, and another motorist said the air bags deployed for no apparent
reason while he was traveling 25 mph to 30 mph, the report said. Several
motorists said their Miatas struck something in the road, in one case an
empty cardboard box the size of a briefcase and in another case a curb.
The motorists said the inflating air bags caused one crash and three
injuries.
Last year, Mazda recalled the 1995 and 1996 Mazda 626 and MX6 cars after
more than 50 motorists complained the air bags opened when the cars hit a
pothole or curb, got a flat tire, the driver braked or for no apparent reason.
Also last year, General Motors recalled nearly 1 million autos to repair
sensitive air bag systems after more than 300 motorists complained of air
bags bursting open without any crash on late-model Chevrolet Cavaliers,
Pontiac Sunfires and Cadillacs.
For months, the federal highway safety agency has been investigating
nearly 1 million Chrysler vehicles and some Mitsubishi vehicles based on
complaints that air bags are inflating inadvertently.
The NHTSA opens safety investigations with a preliminary inquiry in which
the agency and manufacturer exchange paperwork, including any complaints,
as in the recent Ford and Mazda cases.
The investigation may then be upgraded to an engineering analysis, during
which engineers study components to see if they are defective. An
investigation can lead to a recall or it may be dropped.
--
In fear of the little explosive sitting in front of me,
Bret Dodson
'96 Miata R
Seattle, WA
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