Skip to main content
Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15
Subscribe
All Sections
Search
More

Takata adds new type of inflator to huge air bag recall

This Sunday, June 25, 2017, photo, shows TK Holdings Inc. in Auburn Hills, Mich. Takata is adding 2.7 million vehicles from Ford, Nissan and Mazda to the long list of those recalled to replace potentially dangerous air bag inflators. The inflators are a new type that previously was thought to be safe. Vehicles affected are from the 2005 through 2012 model years. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
This Sunday, June 25, 2017, photo, shows TK Holdings Inc. in Auburn Hills, Mich. Takata is adding 2.7 million vehicles from Ford, Nissan and Mazda to the long list of those recalled to replace potentially dangerous air bag inflators. The inflators are a new type that previously was thought to be safe. Vehicles affected are from the 2005 through 2012 model years. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

By Associated Press 4 min read

DETROIT (AP) – Takata is adding a new type of air bag inflator to the nation’s largest automotive recall.

The company filed documents with the U.S. government adding 2.7 million vehicles to the recall from Ford, Nissan and Mazda, all with a type of inflator that previously was thought to be safe.

The affected vehicles are from the 2005 through 2012 model years.

Takata inflators can explode with too much force and spew shrapnel into drivers and passengers. At least 17 people have died and more than 180 injured due to the problem. The inflators have caused the largest automotive recall in U.S. history with 42 million vehicles and up to 69 million inflators being called back for repairs.

Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to inflate air bags. But it can deteriorate when exposed to high airborne humidity and high temperatures. Previously the company believed that a drying agent called a desiccant stopped the chemical from degrading.