Japan’s Takata Corporation, facing mounting pressure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has acknowledged a design defect in air bag components present in 34 million vehicles. The defective part, the “air bag inflator,” uses a chemical reaction to rapidly produce the nitrogen gas which inflates air bags during deployment. Faulty inflators rupture when activated, sending metal shrapnel tearing through the vehicle’s interior. So far, ten deaths have been linked to the Takata product.
The recall currently underway will be the largest and most complex in U.S. history. Consumers should use the SaferCar.gov VIN Lookup Tool to ascertain whether their car will be affected by the recall. Please note the warning on the website: the recall database is not yet complete, so check back often to make sure your vehicle isn’t on the list.
