Recall regarding air bags confuses vehicle owners

Associated Press

DETROIT

U.S. investigators, automakers and a parts-supply company are trying to figure out why some automobile air bags inflate with too much force, blowing apart metal canisters and sending shards flying at drivers and passengers.

So far, more than 12 million vehicles worldwide with air bags made by Japanese parts supplier Takata Corp. have been recalled for the problem. But safety advocates say as many as 25 million vehicles may be equipped with the faulty air bags in the U.S. alone. There have been recalls in Japan, Europe, China and other areas.

Many of the U.S. recalls have been limited to high-humidity areas in the South, but the boundaries of recall zones vary by manufacturer. All of this has confused car owners and even government safety regulators who published incorrect and incomplete lists of recalled models.

Here are some questions and answers about the recalls:

Q. What is the problem here?

A. Chemicals that quickly inflate air bags during a crash are exploding with too much force in Takata air bags made from 2001 to 2011. This blows apart metal canisters around the air bags and sends fragments into passenger compartments.

Q. Has anyone been injured or killed?

A. Safety advocates say there have been four deaths and multiple injuries. The government has reports of three injuries and is investigating.

Q. How can I find out if my car is included?

A. Dozens of models made by BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota dating to the 2001 model year are covered. You should have received a recall notice from your automaker. Also, you can go to www.safercar.gov and key in your vehicle identification number, which normally is printed on your registration and stamped on the dashboard. That will tell you if your car is being recalled. You also can call your dealer. Honda is a big Takata customer and has recalled more than 5 million vehicles in the U.S. alone.

Q. Why are so many cars involved?

A. Takata makes 22 percent of the world’s air bags, according to Valient Automotive Market Research.

Q. Why doesn’t the government just order a national recall?

A. Some lawmakers want one. But NHTSA says so far the problem has been found only in high-humidity areas. Plus, a national recall would divert a limited number of replacement parts from states where regulators say the need is most urgent.