New York – Beleaguered airbag maker Takata is preparing to recall a further 35 million inflators in the U.S., a news report said, amid talks with U.S. regulators on Wednesday.
It said that a formal announcement could come as early as this week from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“The airbags made by the Japanese supplier can rupture explosively when deployed, spraying metal fragments at drivers and passengers.
“The defect has been linked to 11 deaths and a dozen injuries worldwide,’’ the report stressed.
It noted that carmakers have recalled over 50 million vehicles with Takata airbags globally since 2008, while the recalls have hit profits at firms including Honda and Mazda.
Japanese media reported in late April that a major further recall by the U.S. was thought to be imminent.
Report says there is already a recall in place for around 24 million vehicles in the country, equipped with a total of 28.8 million Takata inflators.
However, U.S. regulators had previously warned that the number could rise.
The report said that it was not clear exactly how many vehicles would be affected by the anticipated recall of 35 million inflators. (dpa/NAN)
