Honda to Recall Driver-Side Takata Airbags Nationwide

Honda North America Executive Vice President Rick Schostek announces nationwide Honda airbag recall

Honda Motor Co. tells a Congressional hearing it will expand its U.S. recall of suspected defective Takata airbag inflators nationwide.

The company already is complying with last month's order from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall driver-side inflators in targeted vehicles located in high-humidity regions. Honda also is recalling passenger-side Takata inflators in those regions.

Takata hasn't identified or acknowledged any defect in its driver-side inflators which could cause them to explode and spray shrapnel into the passenger compartment.

Honda predicts a shortage of replacement inflators as it widens its recall. The company tells the Congressional panel it will prioritize repairs in highly humid areas where the risk of explosion is considered greatest.

Honda says it is in "encouraging" talks with Takata and two other airbag inflator suppliers, Autoliv and Daicel, about boosting supplies of replacement devices.