Here's how things stand with the Takata airbag recall - the largest automotive recall in U.S. history. It involves millions of defective air bags manufactured by Takata. The air bag have chemical components that can degrade and explode when deployed in a crash. The older the air bags are, the higher the risk.
As of July 2023, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that 86% of impacted air bags have been recalled. Info is displayed two ways and includes Priority Groups 1-12.
In July, NHTSA confirmed the first passenger-side Takata air bag inflator death. The car involved was a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, prompting a Do Not Drive warning and urgent calls by both the NHTSA and FCA US LLC for drivers to get their vehicles checked
NHTSA warns consumers to be aware of two critically important details about the original Takata recall:
1. The Danger of "Alpha" Air Bags: Certain 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles, 2006 Ford Ranger, and Mazda B-Series trucks are at a far higher risk for an air bag explosion that could injure or kill vehicle occupants. These are referred to as "Alpha" air bags. These vehicles can and should be repaired immediately. Do not drive these vehicles with Takata air bags unless you are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately.
2. Additional Vehicles Will Be Recalled: Additional air bags were scheduled to be recalled by December 2019, bringing the total number of affected air bags to around 65-70 million. These vehicles may not currently appear affected by this recall using a VIN search. Sign up for Recall Alerts and make sure the address on your registration is current to be sure you're notified of this or any other future recall.
July 11, 2023 Consumer Alert: FCA Issues Do Not Drive for Recalled 2003 Dodge Ram 1500s
February 3, 2023 Consumer Alert: Honda Upgrades Takata Alpha Recall to “Do Not Drive” Warning, Targeting Older, Most Dangerous Air Bags
December 19, 2022 Consumer Alert: NHTSA Confirms Additional Chrysler Takata Fatality
December 9, 2022 Consumer Alert: NHTSA Announces Another Takata Fatality; This Time Honda
November 17, 2022: Consumer Alert: NHTSA Issues Urgent Warning on Takata Air Bags After Another Fatality
November 3, 2022: Consumer Alert: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Issues “Do Not Drive” Warning; Automaker Reports More Fatalities and Injuries
January 7, 2021 : State Of Takata Air Bag Recalls Fourth Report
December 4, 2019: According the Associated Press, a new deadly airbag defect has been discovered in another version of Takata airbags. It is leading to the recall of 1.4 million additional vehicles from BMW, Audi, Honda and Mitsubishi.
December 21, 2018: Takata update to update consumers.
July 18, 2018: A government audit into the NHTSA's handling of the Takata recall attributes 15 deaths and more than 220 injuries in the U.S. to the faulty airbags that can explode due to the breakdown of a chemical propellant. The report also faults the NHTSA for a lack of oversight into its recall processes.
July 13, 2018: NHTSA urged automakers to speed up their completion rates and post their repair updates on their websites.
June 7, 2018: The NHTSA urged South Florida drivers to check their vehicle VIN numbers to see if their vehicle is under recall. The region is a high-risk area due to heat and humidity. Those are two factors that can cause the airbags chemical propellant to break down and cause an explosion when the inflator is deployed.
May 7, 2018: NHTSA issued a second public plea for owners to stop driving at-risk 2006 Ford Rangers and Mazda B-Series Trucks.
NHSTA urges all drivers to stay informed and safe by taking the following five actions: