Takata, the Japanese air bag manufacturer, has recalled 33.8 million vehicles, affecting multiple automakers, including Toyota, GM and BMW.
The massive recall comes after multiple vehicles from multiple makers were found to contain defective airbags that could potentially deploy explosively, sending shrapnel into the vehicles. The airbags appear to deteriorate over time, mostly in humid climates, and explosive airbags have been linked to six fatalities and over 100 injuries.
“The propellant could potentially deteriorate over time due to environmental factors [due to many years in high humidity conditions], which could lead to over-aggressive combustion in the event of an airbag deployment. This could create excessive internal pressure within the inflator and could cause the inflator housing to rupture,” explained Nissan.
The Takata airbags appear to have been installed on either the passenger or drivers’ side – or both – and car manufacturers are urging owners of affected vehicles to get the airbags replaced, hence the recall. Recalls began in November of 2014, with Honda and Ford implementing model-specific recalls before Takata agreed to a national recall in May.
The recall now spans over 14 different brands, but a complete list of cars affected by the recall remains difficult to find. Consumer Reports published a list on Friday, May 22, but that list could still grow:
BMW:
2004-2006 BMW 325Ci
2004-2006 BMW 324i
2004-2005 BMW 325Xi
2004-2006 BMW 330i
2004-2005 BMW 330Xi
2004-2005 BMW M3
2000-2005 3 Series Sedan
2000-2006 3 Series Coupe
2000-2005 3 Series Sports Wagon
2000-2006 3 Series Convertible
2001-2006 M3 Coupe
2001-2006 M3 Convertible
Chrysler:
2005-2007 Chrysler 300
2007 Chrysler Aspen
2005-2007 Dodge Charger
2005-2007 Dodge Dakota
2004-2007 Dodge Durango
2005-2007 Dodge Magnum
2004-2007 Dodge Ram 1500
2005-2007 Dodge Ram 2500
2006-2007 Dodge Ram 3500
2005 Dodge Dakota
2005 Dodge Magnum
2003-2005 Ram Pickup
Ford:
2004-2005 Ranger
2005-2006 GT
2005-2008 Mustang
General Motors:
2003-2005 Pontiac Vibe
2005 Saab 9-2X
Honda:
2003-2006 Acura MDX
2002-2003 Acura TL
2003 Acura CL
2005 Acura RL
2001-2007 Honda Accord
2001-2006 Honda Civic
2002-2006 Honda CR-V
2003-2011 Honda Element
2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
2003-2008 Honda Pilot
2006 Honda Ridgeline
Mazda:
2003-2007 Mazda6
2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6
2004-2008 Mazda RX-8
2004-2005 MPV
2004 B-Series Truck
Mitsubishi:
2004-2005 Lancer
2006-2007 Raider
Nissan:
2003-2005 Infinity FX
2006 Infiniti M35/M45
2001-2004 Infiniti I30/I35
2002-2003 Infinity QX4
2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
Subaru:
2003-2005 Baja
2003-2005 Legacy
2003-2005 Outback
2004-2005 Impreza (include WRX/STi)
Toyota:
2002-2005 Lexus SC
2002-2005 Toyota Corolla
2003-2005 Toyota Matrix
2002-2005 Toyota Sequoia
2003-2005 Toyota Tundra
Car owners worried about the status of their car should use the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) VIN search.
Every brand has their own set of recall instructions, but most are focusing initial efforts on areas with humid climates. “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,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
The problem with the recall, which simply calls for replacement airbags, is that Takata is having trouble manufacturing appropriate airbags to fit each car model. Though the company has increased production, some vehicles deemed lower risk could be waiting months – or years. Other suppliers are also reportedly trying to fill in the gaps.
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