Expanded Takata recalls in the U.S. and Japan

Regulatory agencies in the U.S. and Japan are ordering an expanded recall following mounting concerns over defective Takata airbags, The New York Times recently reported.

Previously isolated to high-humidity areas like Florida and Puerto Rico, Takata is now being ordered to expand their recall to include the rest of the United States in the midst of The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing investigating the impact of the design flaw. This decision was partially influenced by reports of injuries in North Carolina and California—outside of the previously designated region. Senators in the committee concluded that “the danger presented by Takata airbags is not limited to any one part of the country.” Millions of vehicles spanning a large number of makes and models are named in the recall; an updated and detailed list has yet to be released.

Recalls of affected vehicles have also been issued in Japan, and authorities are considering whether or not to broaden the scope of this recall. Regulators there have demanded an investigation from Takata directly. This is a departure from normal protocol in which the transportation ministry generally addresses the automaker about concerns instead of the supplier. However, an official from the agency says this type of action is taken in “serious instances” when “speedy answers” are needed.