The recent recall of Takata Airbags caused a rash of safety concerns. The company said that its airbags contain a chemical compound that causes the inflators to deflate, which is especially problematic in warmer climates. The U.S. government has mandated a recall of these airbags and fined the company $70 million. The company also faces a $130 million penalty if it violates a contract with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall was expanded to cover more vehicles, affecting a total of 53 million vehicles worldwide. As a result, it has become the largest automotive recall in the U.S. The airbag is a dangerous component that can explode and eject metal fragments into a passenger compartment, seriously injuring the occupants. Takata has issued a recall for nearly 34 million vehicles. The company is also recalling airbags for Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Subaru vehicles.
The Takata airbag recall is the largest automotive recall in history. It involves 19 automakers and tens of millions of vehicles. The defective airbags can cause serious injuries and even death if they rupture due to humidity and high temperatures. Because of the risk of a Takata airbag exploding, the manufacturer is replacing over 50 million vehicles with replacements with a desiccant. The new airbags are designed to withstand the high temperatures and humidity of the hot, humid climate.
While the recall is underway, there is still no official recall date. However, the company has updated their list of affected vehicles. In the meantime, customers are still urged to check the NHTSA website and contact their car manufacturers. The NHTSA website provides information about the recall and steps to protect consumers. Takata is also recalling tens of thousands of vehicles worldwide. Takata claims that the issue is limited to hot and humid regions.
In addition to a recall, Mazda and Toyota have expanded their recall of Takata airbags in select vehicles. Neither company has announced a timeline for replacement airbags, but a spokeswoman for Toyota said that the company has replacement parts in place. Toyota, Mazda, and Honda are among the many automakers involved in the recall. Takata says it plans to maintain its lead in the airbag industry until the demand is met.
As of April 5, another death has been linked to the faulty Takata airbag. The driver of a 2005 Honda Civic died after being hit by an SUV. In addition, Reuters reported that at least 400,000 replacement airbag inflators are needed. As a result, carmakers have added vehicle identification numbers to their websites to notify owners. A recall will result in a delay of a few months. But in the meantime, consumers should check with their car manufacturer before making a decision.
The NHTSA has identified high-risk Honda and Acura vehicles because of their increased risk of rupture during airbag deployment. The crash caused the airbag to rupture, smashing the passenger-side window and sending high-temperature fragments into the dashboard. Although the driver suffered minor injuries in the accident, the fire that resulted was caused by the Takata airbag. The resulting fire started due to the defective airbags, which were discovered in Japan.