Takata Finally Admits Airbag Defects, 34 Million Cars to be Recalled
Japanese airbag manufacturer Takata has just set a new world record, and not one to brag about.
Following years of denials, Takata has admitted defects in its airbags, which in turn is resulting in a recall of approximately 34 million autos. How and when the largest consumer recall in auto history will be implemented is anyone’s guess.
Putting the number in perspective, it represents nearly one in seven of the 250 million vehicles on U.S. roads. According to recent news accounts, the airbags can explode violently when deployed, sending shrapnel flying into the car’s passenger compartment.
To date, six deaths more than 100 injuries have been linked to the faulty airbags.
“Up until now Takata has refused to acknowledge that their airbags are defective,” said Anthony Foxx, the transportation secretary. “That changes today.”
Takata has said that manufacturing problems, combined with exposure to moisture in cars in humid areas, can cause the propellant to degrade. This can make the propellant burn too intensely when the airbag is deployed, rupturing the inflater and sending metal fragments flying inside the car.
“We are committed to continuing to work closely with N.H.T.S.A. and our automaker customers to do everything we can to advance the safety of drivers,” said Shigehisa Takada, Takata’s chairman and chief executive.
The NHTSA said it would not know exactly which models of cars would be recalled until it coordinated with automakers, which could be several days
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