U.S. Moves to Force Recall of 52 Million AirBag Inflator

September 06, 2023: The U.S. government is moving to force a recall of 52 million Takata airbag inflators that can explode and hurl shrapnel into drivers and passengers. The inflators are the subject of U.S. history’s largest automotive safety recall.

On Tuesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it would issue a final rule requiring Takata to recall the inflators. The inflators are made with ammonium nitrate, which can degrade over time and explode with too much force.

The recall would affect 42 million vehicles in the United States, including 24 million passenger cars and 18 million trucks and SUVs. The recall would also affect 2 million vehicles in Canada and 410,000 in Mexico.

NHTSA said that the recall would be phased in over several years. The first phase would begin in September and would affect 12 million inflators. The second phase would start in 2023 and affect 40 million inflators.

NHTSA said that the recall would cost Takata an estimated $1.2 billion. The company has already paid billions of dollars in fines and settlements related to the recall.

The recall is a significant victory for NHTSA, which has been pressured to take action on the Takata inflators. The agency has been criticized for handling the recall, which has been slow and incomplete.

The recall is also a significant blow to Takata, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. The company has been unable to meet the demand for replacement inflators and has been forced to file for bankruptcy protection.

The Takata inflator recall is a reminder of the importance of automotive safety. Drivers and passengers should ensure that their vehicles have been recalled and the necessary repairs have been made.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Drivers should check their vehicle’s recall status by VIN on the NHTSA website.
• Drivers should have the recalled inflators replaced as soon as possible.

Practical Takeaways for Businesses:

• Businesses owning vehicles should ensure they know about the Takata inflator recall and that the necessary repairs have been made.
• Businesses should also be prepared to comply with the NHTSA’s recall order.

The Takata inflator recall is a significant safety issue that needs to be addressed. Drivers and businesses should take steps to make sure that they are safe.