Japanese auto-parts supplier Takata has agreed to a recall of 33.8 million U.S. vehicles potentially equipped with faulty airbags, making for what is believed to be not only the biggest auto recall in U.S. history, but the single biggest consumer product recall of any kind in U.S. history. The recall concerns certain types of driver- and passenger-side air bag inflators that can potentially detonate improperly in a crash, sending shrapnel into the cabin. So far, six deaths and over 100 injuries worldwide are attributed to the defect.
The recall was prompted by growing pressure from the National Highway Safety Administration, which has urged Takata to action since the fall. So far, affected makes include BMW, Chrysler, Daimler Trucks, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota. Toyota and Honda vehicles are thought to be at the greatest risk. Each of the six deaths and 64 of the injuries are associated with Hondas.
The problem is thought to stem from incorrectly manufactured chemical propellant installed at Takata plants in Moses Lake, Washington, and Monclova, Mexico. The propellant might cause a metal canister in the airbag system to burst in a crash, firing metal fragments through the bag and towards the driver and passengers. The exact cause is currently unknown, but is believed to be moisture-related.
"Today is a major step forward for public safety," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "The Department of Transportation is taking the proactive steps necessary to ensure that defective inflators are replaced with safe ones as quickly as possible, and that the highest risks are addressed first. We will not stop our work until every air bag is replaced."
The U.S. DOT has set up a website for regular updates regarding this and other recalls. Visit it at http://ift.tt/1dib07a.
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Takata's Airbag Inflator Recall Affects About 34 Million Vehicles originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 21 May 2015 07:00 EST.
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