Eight auto manufacturers have recalled another 12 million vehicles in the United States to replace yet more Takata airbag components.
This time around, according to the Reuters news agency, Honda, Toyota and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) are among the carmakers in question, who are recalling some vehicles for the second time to replace passenger-side airbag inflators; previous recalls had been done to fix driver's side units.
Honda's latest recall covers 4.5 million cars, while FCA's is for 4.3 million. Toyota is adding 1.65 million to its total, Mazda 730,000, Nissan and Subaru about 400,000 each and Mitsubishi is asking 38,000 of its owners to bring their cars back to the dealership for repairs. Even Ferrari is getting in on it this time around, adding 2,800 cars to the overall total.
In addition, FCA is recalling more than 900,000 vehicles sold outside North America, and various manufacturers are recalling about 7 million vehicles sold in Japan.
Recalls will be prioritized based on the vehicle's age and where it was sold: the defect is more common in areas with higher humidity (like the southeastern U.S., for example), and vehicles being operated in drier places may not get new airbags for several years due to demand and parts availability. Elevated humidity increases the risk that the airbag assembly will break apart as the airbag deploys with excessive force, propelling shrapnel into the cabin. Investigators have linked "at least" 13 deaths and more than 100 injuries worldwide to the faulty airbags.
We'll have more for you once Transport Canada releases its latest Takata-related recall notice.
