Four Companies Still Making Cars with Flawed Takata Airbags

Four carmakers continue to sell some models in the U.S. that use a Takata Corp. airbag inflator design currently being recalled, according to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.).

The vehicles are legal to sell but must be recalled by 2018 under an agreement between Takata and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nelson contends the cars should be updated now.

Affected models include Audi’s 2016 model TT sports car and 2017 model R8 sports car, Mitsubishi’s 2016-2017 model i-MiEV electric sedan and Volkswagen’s CC sport sedan, according to Nelson’s report. Fiat Chrysler Automotive and Toyota also acknowledge that some of their new models use the recalled inflators, according to the analysis.

The devices in question are made without a drying agent that can help prevent their propellant from deteriorating. Takata began adding a desiccant in several of its inflator types eight years ago. Misfiring Takata inflators have been blamed for 13 fatalities and more than 130 injuries.

In May the company agreed to declare defective as many as 40 million of its inflators in the U.S. But supply and engineering issued have forced Takata and carmakers to stretch out the replacement campaigns. Recalls have focused on vehicles located in hot and humid climates where inflator deterioration is more likely. Reuters notes that carmakers aren’t required to disclose which vehicles they plan to recall later.