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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

The size of the Takata airbag recall will more than double in size [bloomberg.com]... again. An additional 40 million vehicles may be affected, bringing the total to approximately 69 million. Takata airbag inflators that don't include a desiccant can take on moisture, potentially causing a deadly shrapnel misfire problem.

Here is the release [nhtsa.gov] at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind is calling this [usatoday.com] "the largest recall in American history".

NHTSA and its independent expert reviewed the findings of three independent investigations into the Takata air bag ruptures and confirmed the findings on the root cause of inflator ruptures. A combination of time, environmental moisture and fluctuating high temperatures contribute to the degradation of the ammonium nitrate propellant in the inflators. Such degradation can cause the propellant to burn too quickly, rupturing the inflator module and sending shrapnel through the air bag and into the vehicle occupants.

"The science clearly shows that these inflators become unsafe over time, faster when exposed to humidity and variations of temperature," Rosekind added. "This recall schedule ensures the inflators will be recalled and replaced before they become dangerous, giving vehicle owners sufficient time to have them replaced before they pose a danger to vehicle occupants. NHTSA will continue to evaluate all available research and will act quickly to protect safety."

Look up your car here [safercar.gov].

Previously: Takata Airbag Defect Leads to Largest Automotive Recall in U.S. History [soylentnews.org]
Takata Denies Reported $24 Billion Cost of Airbag Recall [soylentnews.org]

Original Submission