Consumer Response Letter

Consumer Response Project

This writing exercise required responding to a request for information and building a publication of consumer safety information concerning the subject of airbag on and off switches. 

Included is a link for a brochure made as an education tool for the subject matter.

Vanguard Automobiles of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000

August 25, 2010

 4421 Wright Street
West Lafayette, IN 47906

Dear Ms. Thompson;

Thank you for contacting our offices concerning your interest in a new Jeep Wrangler purchase.  We value repeat business and are ready to assist in this and any other question as you choose your new vehicle.  I have the following information concerning your question.

Changes in Jeep Wrangler Safety Features

In the past, two door Jeep Wranglers were equipped with air bag on/off switches as standard equipment from 2001 to 2006.  They were mandatory for all two door vehicles as of 1998.  In 2007 Jeep Wrangler models updated their air bag equipment with the advanced multistage air bag system with the occupant classification system (OCS).  These new generation air bags were created to reduce the risk of air-bag-related injury or death to children and small adults.  Sensors, located in the seat and seat belts, inform the vehicle's computer of the weight and seating position of the occupant and if he or she is wearing a seatbelt. In the event of a collision, the computer will then choose whether to deploy the air-bag at full force, reduced force or not at all.

This new technology, which complies with safety standards set forth in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 allowed GM to remove the on/off switch from its equipment list. All manufacturers were required to have advanced air-bags in all classes of vehicles by September 1, 2006.

Safety Testing Results

For the 2010 Wrangler models, the Federal Government gives two-door and Unlimited Wranglers top scores of five stars for driver and passenger protection in frontal crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2010 Wrangler a top score of "Good" in frontal offset tests. For added protection you may also add side air bags (presently offered as options in the 2010 Jeep Wrangler).  These new optional air-bags have not yet been rated. It is expected that they will improve side collision safety considerably.

Procedures for Requesting On/Off Switches

In a few circumstances the on/off switch may still be needed for people in certain risk groups.  The conditions for the installation of an on/off switch are found in The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) information brochure, Air Bags and On-Off Switches: Information for an Informed Decision, which includes the form: Request for Air Bag On-Off Switch. The brochure and request form are found at this web site: http://www.safecar.gov/airbags/Brochure/index.html

• Read the brochure carefully before filling out the form to make sure this decision is right for you and your passengers. The two risk groups are explained on page 6.
• There is a concern voiced in the brochure on page 8 that disengaging the air bag could adversely affect seatbelt performance.  As Jeep Wrangler seat belts are integrated into the air bag system, this might be an important consideration in your decision.
• Certification of need by a medical professional is required on the request form as proof that you or your passenger(s) fall into one or more of the risk groups. Examples of conditions a physician would and would not recommend an on/off switch for are included on page 7.  
• If NHTSA authorization is granted based their risk group criteria, Vanguard Service Center is at your service to install the new equipment.  There is, however, a deadline.  On/off switch requests will only be approved by NHTSA until September 1, 2012.

Thank you for the opportunity to address your question.  Vanguard is looking forward to your final purchase decision and will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.  Enclosed is the Air bag Safety and the On/Off Switch Choice. This Vanguard publication is an abstract of the NHTSA publication. It does not include the request form or replace the NHTSA publication for the purposes of filing a request for the on/off switch.  

Sincerely,

Vanguard of America, Inc.

Sherry M. Thornburg
Customer Service Representative

Your Case Number: 344394