Air bag crisis continues: Japanese automakers recall 6.5M vehicles worldwide

Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, announced a recall of 5 million vehicles, affecting 35 models produced globally between March 2003 and November 2007, to replace potentially faulty air bag inflators. Meanwhile, rival Nissan said it was recalling 1.56 million vehicles worldwide and across a range of models produced between 2004 and 2008. At least six deaths have been attributed to the faulty air bags. Both companies blame embattled auto parts supplier Takata for the air bags that have erupted with too much force, spraying shrapnel inside the car.

Certain types of airbag inflators were found to have a potential for moisture intrusion over time. As a result, they could be susceptible to abnormal deployment in a crash.

Statement from Toyota

More recalls are expected, as Honda Motor Co. said on Wednesday it was preparing to file additional recalls related to Takata air bags, though the company did not give further details. Takata faces multiple class action lawsuits in the United States and Canada as well as a U.S. criminal investigation and a regulatory probe.

Without a doubt, North America has been a bright spot.

Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn, describing last year’s sales

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