The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has directed Japanese airbag supplier Takata Corp and five car manufacturers to expand a regional recall of airbags. The agency has also said that the company needs to be more open with the public about the airbag problems.<\/p>\n
At least five fatalities have been linked to the airbags, which can rupture during deployment, causing metal shrapnel to strike passengers. The defect is most prevalent in humid areas; the airbags’ propellant is affected by moisture. The regional recall has involved 4.1 million cars in hot and humid areas of the country.<\/p>\n
Takata resisted the demand for a nationwide recall, saying that it could divert replacement airbags from where they are most needed. Meanwhile, auto safety advocates said that even the NHTSA’s demand for a nationwide recall is not enough, because it covers only driver-side airbags, and passenger airbags may also be defective.<\/p>\n
Bob Briskman is a car accident <\/a>(more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has directed Japanese airbag supplier Takata Corp and five car manufacturers to expand a regional recall of airbags. The agency has also said that the company needs to be more open with the…<\/span><\/p>\n