U.S. reports fifth Takata airbag inflator death in ’22; owners pressed to complete repairs


WASHINGTON — U.S. motor vehicle safety regulators have confirmed the death of a fifth Takata airbag inflator in 2022 and reiterated urgent calls for owners to get it fixed.

Stellantis and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have confirmed the death of a third Takata airbag inflator.

Over the past decade, more than 67 million Takata airbag inflators have been recalled in the U.S. and over 100 million worldwide, making it the largest automotive safety callback in history.

In November, Stellantis urged owners of 276,000 older U.S. cars to immediately stop driving following reports of fatal crashes, but only 2,000 have since been repaired. .

Since 2009, more than 30 fatalities (including 24 U.S. fatalities) and hundreds of injuries in vehicles from various automakers have been linked to Takata airbag inflators. It can explode and scatter metal shards inside your car or truck.

The most recent fatality was a 2010 Chrysler 300, one of three Stellantis accidents in seven months. In July, the owner loaned the car to a family member who died in a crash after the driver’s side airbag burst during deployment, according to the company.

The “Do Not Drive” warning applies to 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, Challenger, and Charger models that have not been serviced.

NHTSA confirmed earlier this month a 17th Honda death due to a failed airbag inflator. Honda Accord in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Also in November, NHTSA confirmed another death due to a defective Takata airbag inflator in a 2006 Ford Ranger pickup.

Takata’s recall was spurred by propellants that can decompose after prolonged exposure to high temperature fluctuations and humidity.

Stellantis conducted a total of 114 outreach attempts over seven years in the latest fatal incident, replaced 6.1 million defective inflators, and used mail, courier, email, text messages and phone calls to He said he had reached out to him nearly 210 million times. and home visits.


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