World’s Largest Auto Recall Expands Again, As Takata Adds Another 3 Million Airbags

Japanese airbag maker Takata is adding another 3.3 million faulty airbag inflators to the world’s largest automotive recall in U.S. history. The newly recalled airbags correspond to vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar-Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Tesla manufactured in 2009, 2010 and 2013.

NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, notes that the phased recalls began in May 2016 based on previously reported Takata air bag incidents. The recalls are expected to continue through December 2019. At least 20 people have been killed worldwide and more than 180 injured from the defective airbags.

CBS News explains that “Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion and fill airbags quickly in a crash. But the chemical can deteriorate when exposed to high humidity and temperatures and burn too fast, blowing apart a metal canister. That can hurl hot shrapnel into unsuspecting drivers and passengers.”

This is part of Takata’s historically massive recall of airbag devices affecting vehicles dating as far back as 2001. So far, 19 automakers have recalled 43.1 million potentially deadly airbag inflators with 18.5 million actually being replaced – that is only 43% of faulty airbags being repaired. The newly-found defective airbag inflators will expand the recall up to 69 million inflators in 42 million vehicles. The recall will prioritize older models and vehicles in states with high temperatures and humidity.

Takata Airbag Recall Lawsuit & Your Legal Rights

Lieff Cabraser represents drivers across the U.S. harmed by these air bag defects in lawsuits against Takata. Nearly 34 million vehicles, most manufactured prior to 2009, have been recalled worldwide due to the problem. This is the largest automotive recall to date in U.S. history. These airbags were installed in U.S. and foreign made cars and pickup trucks including in vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and BMW, among others.

Owners and lessees of these vehicles are welcome to contact Lieff Cabraser about safety concerns and their legal rights.

Click here to review the list of recalled vehicles with Takata airbags.

Learn more about the Takata Airbag Recall Lawsuits.