The agency has received at least nine complaints alleging apparent failure of the steering-column control module, which connects to the vehicle’s electrical system via a spiral ribbon cable.
“A failure of the SCCM results in a loss of connectivity of the steering wheel electrical devices to the rest of the vehicle, potentially affecting the performance of the driver side air bag, as well as the other steering wheel mounted components,” the agency notes. “If a vehicle with a failed SCCM were to be involved in a crash of sufficient severity to require deployment, the driver air bag may not deploy properly. “
Some owners report an audible noise from the steering column when the failure occurs, accompanied by an airbag warning light on the dash.
The agency could take many months to complete the preliminary investigation before considering an engineering analysis and potentially pushing for a formal recall.
Image by Mark Elias.
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