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2.1 million vehicles recalled for faulty air bag sensors

By Amy R. Connolly
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the recall of 2.1 million vehicles for defective air bag sensors. This is a repeat of a similar recall that didn't fix the issue. File photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the recall of 2.1 million vehicles for defective air bag sensors. This is a repeat of a similar recall that didn't fix the issue. File photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced recalls Saturday for 2.12 million vehicles with defects that may cause airbags to deploy without warning.

The recalled vehicles include: Acura MDX, Dodge Viper, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty, Honda Odyssey, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix and Toyota Avalon. The vehicles involved are from model years 2002 to 2004.

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Some of the same vehicles had previously been recalled for the same issue, but the manufacturers' repairs did not correct the problem, officials said. The NHTSA said the earlier fix reduced the problem by about 85 percent but there were still enough defective vehicles to warrant a second recall. The manufacturers will now entirely replace the impact sensor, instead of simply installing a device to protect the airbag sensor module.

"Keeping the traveling public safe is our number one priority, and we expect the manufacturers to get this remedy right to prevent injury to drivers and their families," U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said.

Some Toyota and Honda vehicles covered by this recall have also been recalled for defective Takata airbags, which may deploy with potentially deadly explosive force.

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NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind urged all customers to get the defect repaired immediately.

"This is unfortunately a complicated issue for consumers, who may have to return to their dealer more than once," Rosekind said. "But this is an urgent safety issue, and all consumers with vehicles covered by the previous recalls should have that remedy installed. Even though it's a temporary solution until the new remedy is available, they and their families will be safer if they take the time to learn if their vehicle is covered and follow their manufacturers' instructions. A hassle is much better than a family tragedy."

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