Approximately 67 million Takata airbags are under recall in what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has dubbed the “largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.” NHTSA reported that long-term exposure to high heat and humidity can cause the airbags to explode when deployed, a defect that has resulted in injuries and deaths.
Certain vehicles made by 19 auto manufacturers have been recalled to replace airbags on the driver’s side, passenger’s side, or both. Most of the airbags, which were made by the now-defunct Takata Corporation, were installed in cars from model years 2002 through 2015. Models flagged as “extreme risk” include certain 1999 BMW 323i and 328i models, 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura models, and 2006 Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series pickup trucks.
NHTSA advises that owners not drive these vehicles unless they are going directly to the dealer to have them repaired. Owners can check to see if their vehicle has been recalled by submitting their vehicle identification number (VIN) to the NHTSA Safety Issues & Recalls website.
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