Over 1.7 million vehicles have been recently added to the multi-year Takata airbag recall, according to Consumer Reports. The airbags in these vehicles are being recalled due to a risk that they will explode when deployed, shooting metal fragments toward the occupants of the vehicle.
Vehicles most recently added to the recall list include those made by Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Tesla and Volkswagen. However, within the past few months over 3.5 million vehicles built by Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram, Ford, Honda, Mazda and Toyota were also added to the recall.
What causes the defect?
The defect in some Takata airbags can cause the airbags to explode when deployed. This occurs because the ammonium nitrate, which is used to inflate the airbags in a crash, can become unstable over time, especially in hot or humid climates. At least 15 people in the U.S. have died and over 250 people were injured because of these defective airbags.
How is the recall organized?
Because so many vehicles have these potentially defective airbags, the recall has been implemented in phases with older vehicles in hot climates taking priority. The recall began in 2016, and additional vehicles will be added to the recall through 2020.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends you continue to check online twice a year to see if your vehicles have been added to the recall. You may also receive a notice in the mail if your vehicles have been added to the recall list. If your vehicle has been added to the recall list, you should schedule your free repair from a local dealer as soon as possible.
