Takata air bags recall expands to 3.3 million vehicles
DETROIT -- Japanese air bag maker Takata is recalling an additional 3.3 million faulty air bag inflators as it expands the largest automotive recall in U.S. history. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the phased recalls began in May 2016 stemming from previous Takata air bag incidents, and will continue through December 2019.
The latest recalls cover frontal air bags in certain 2009, 2010 and 2013 vehicles made Honda, Toyota, Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar-Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Tesla. Automakers will provide specific models in paperwork that will be filed later this month with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Notices of the expanded recalls were posted Saturday on the agency's website.
Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion and fill air bags quickly in a crash. But the chemical can deteriorate when exposed to high humidity and temperatures and burn too fast, blowing apart a metal canister. That can hurl hot shrapnel into unsuspecting drivers and passengers. At least 20 people have been killed worldwide and more than 180 injured.
The latest recalls are part of the largest series of automotive recalls in U.S. history, with 19 automakers having to recall up to 69 million inflators in 42 million vehicles. The problem brought a criminal conviction and fine against Takata and forced the Japanese company into bankruptcy protection.
The recalls, which are being managed by NHTSA, are being phased in over the next three years. Older models and those in states with high humidity and temperatures are getting priority.
Many automakers have been slow to replace the potentially deadly inflators. A report by an independent monitor said that as of Sept. 15, 2017, automakers have recalled 43.1 million inflators. Of those, only 18.5 million, or 43 percent, have been replaced even though Takata recalls began in 2001.
NHTSA has said the Takata recalls are unprecedented in size and complexity and have resulted in groundbreaking lessons that will help automakers reach their repair goals. The agency said it is monitoring the automakers' progress and working to expand best practices to boost completion rates. The agency also has the authority to fine automakers that don't make recall repairs in a timely manner.
Takata air bags recall list
The NHTSA maintains a list of vehicles affected and guidance on steps to take if a car is affected. To find out if a vehicle is on the recall list for defective Takata air bags, visit the NHTSA website. All defective Takata air bags are under recall and will be replaced for free.
How to check which vehicles have Takata air bags
The NHTSA has an online lookup tool where drivers can enter a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if any safety or recall issues affect your vehicle.
The full list of vehicles affected by the air bag recall, broken down by manufacturer, is also available on the NHTSA website.