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NHTSA Threatens to Force Speedier Takata Airbag Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it might invoke never-used power to accelerate efforts by 10 carmakers to replace Takata Corp. airbag inflators that could explode.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it might invoke never-used power to accelerate efforts by 10 carmakers to replace Takata Corp. airbag inflators that could explode.
NHTSA estimates at least 17 million vehicles contain the inflators, which have been blamed for six fatalities and roughly 100 injuries. Only 2 million of affected vehicles have been fixed, according to the agency.
Carmakers say their ability to replace Takata inflators has been hampered by a lack of parts from the company. NHTSA was given authority in 2000 under the amended National Traffic and Motor Safety Act to order other suppliers to step in and make replacement parts in recalls involving an especially grave threat to public safety.
But Honda Motor Co., whose cars account for the highest percentage of affected vehicles, tells Reuters it doesn't think NHTSA will need to invoke the rule. Honda expects to have ample supplies of replacement inflators within the next several weeks. The company has arranged to supplement Takata's output with inflators made by Autoliv and Daicel.
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