NHTSA Complaint #11255072 — 2003 JEEP LIBERTY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP LIBERTY. WHEN THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIS DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG EXPLODED WITH A LOUD NOISE AND FILLED THE VEHICLE WITH SMOKE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT OCCURRING. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND SUSTAINED SOME BURNS ON HIS LEFT ARM AND LEFT HAND. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RAY BRANDT CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT (504-363-1999, LOCATED AT 1660 WESTBANK EXPY, HARVEY, LA 70058) WHERE A NHTSA INSPECTOR CAME TO THE FACILITY TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ASKED IF THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THE CONTACT REPLIED WITH 'NO'. THE CONTACT WAS NOT PROVIDED A REPORT OF THE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AFTER THE INSPECTION. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHETHER THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.