Feds investigate Volkswagen air bags after inflator ruptures

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 on 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 Monday 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 believe the Tiguan case is related to any previous incidents.

Of the vehicles under recall for Takata air bag problems, the newest are from the 2011 model year.