Auto recall caused by Takata affects over 19m units

January 20, 2018

Tokyo- The total number of vehicles for which automakers filed recall in Japan due to defective Takata Corp. air bags has exceeded 19 million units, Jiji Press learned Thursday.

The sum reached 19.07 million units after Honda Motor Co. notified the transport ministry on Thursday that it will call back an additional 113,362 vehicles mounted with Takata air bags.

As of the end of November last year, 84 pct of the vehicles recalled by Honda and other automakers had received parts replacement or other necessary treatment.

The ministry is asking owners who have not responded to the recall to start the procedures early. It is also asking for stronger cooperation from automakers.

Subject to Honda's latest recall are 11 models made between January and December 2013, including the Freed, Fit, Insight, Accord, Fit EV and FCX Clarity.

Air bags mounted on these vehicles could rupture when deployed, possibly spraying metal fragments onto occupants, because of potential propellant degradation in inflator devices, according to Honda.

The defect also affects a total of 1.69 million vehicles sold overseas, ministry officials said, adding that Honda will take steps legally required in the countries where the vehicles were sold. Jiji Press