Airbag Debacle Largest Recall in Automotive History

In what is expected to be the largest recall in U.S. automotive history, air bag manufacturer Takata Corp. has agreed to declare 33.8 million of its inflator mechanisms defective – doubling the number of cars and trucks that have been recalled in the U.S. to date

Taka $338 Million Air Bag Defective Recall

The Takata bags can malfunction and explode, sending shrapnel hurling through a vehicle into front passenger’s front chests and faces – a serious problem which has been linked to at least six deaths and over 100 injuries. What you need to know.

Cars impacted include BMW, Chrysler, Daimler Trucks, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota, Safecar.gov and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently compiling a complete list of which vehicles fall under the new recall. Confusion reigns in airbag recall.

Unfortunately, it will take as many as five years to replace all the defective airbags in the record number of cars being recalled. Takata Airbag Recall

If your vehicle’s air bag is being recalled, you should receive a recall notice from the automaker. Additionally, interested consumers can visit Safecar.gov, and enter in their vehicle identification number. Dealers will replace the air bags for free as parts are available.

In the meantime, here are the top seven things that consumers need to know about the recall – from the real risks of the faulty airbags to automakers impacted – courtesy of USA Today. Top Seven Things You Need to Know