Seven Carmakers to Expand Takata Airbag Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says seven companies that use airbags supplied by Takata Corp. are launching or expanding earlier recalls to replace systems that could explode in a crash.

Last year five carmakers recalled about 3.6 million cars worldwide to inspect or replace Takata inflators that could spray shrapnel into the passenger compartment.

The new round of callbacks adds at least 3 million more vehicles to the list. Not all carmakers have determined which models will be included in their new recalls, according to NHTSA.

Takata believes the defect relates to a combination of manufacturing errors and high-humidity environments. It has suggested the new recalls be limited to vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• BMW says it will replace inflators in an undetermined number of 3 Series sedans and wagons (2001-2005 models) and 3 Series coupes and convertibles (2001-2006).
• Chrysler will repair an unspecified number of 2006 model Dodge Charger sedans
• Ford plans to call back 58,700 Mustang and Mustang GT sport coupes (2005-2007 models) and Ranger pickup trucks (2004).
• Honda will recall more than 1 million vehicles in 10 states or U.S. territories to replace one or more inflators in a wide range of models produced between 2001 and 2011. Nameplates include Accord, Civic, Element, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and Acura MDX and TL/CL.
• Mazda expects to repair 34,600 of its Mazda6 cars (2003-2007 models), RX-8 sports cars (2004-2008) and MPVs minivans (2004).
• Nissan intends to launch a repair campaign but hasn't determined which models will be included.
• Toyota will fix an estimated 1.5 million vehicles worldwide, including models previously inspected last year. In the U.S., the campaign will involve 2003-2005 model Corolla, Matrix, Sequoia, Tundra, Lexus LC and Pontiac Vibe vehicles.