Takata Adds 3.3 Million Air Bag Inflators To Massive Recall

DETROIT, MI — Takata Corp., the troubled Japanese air bag maker that was forced to file for bankruptcy after the largest series of automotive recalls in American history, is recalling another 3.3 million dangerously defective air bag inflators. The latest recall affects frontal air bags in some 2009, 2010 and 2013 vehicles made by Honda, Toyota, Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar-Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Tesla.

Auto makers will provide specific models in documents expected to be filed later this month with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Notices of the expanded recalls were posted to the agency's website on Saturday.

Takata uses ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion and quickly fill air bags in a crash. But if exposed to high humidity and temperatures, the chemical can deteriorate and burn too rapidly, blowing apart a metal canister and hurling hot shrapnel at unsuspecting drivers and passengers.

At least 20 people have been killed and more than 180 injured across the world

Nineteen automakers have recalled 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 are being managed by NHTSA and 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.

The latest recall comes weeks after Honda said a faulty Takata air bag inflator killed a Louisiana motorist in a crash in Baton Rouge on July 20. That unidentified person had been the 20th victim to be killed by the defective air bags.

Click here to see if your vehicle is on the recall list.

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