With the addition, the number of Takata air bags affected by recalls in the United States will increase to up to 71.7 million. Takata, mired in global air bag recalls due to defects, filed for bankruptcy protection under Japan's civil rehabilitation law last month.

The latest recall covers driver's air bag inflators that use calcium sulfate as a drying agent for gas-generating equipment.

Nissan Motor Co. , Mazda Motor Corp.  and Ford Motor Co. have sold vehicles equipped with air bags using the inflators.

The quality of the air bag inflators will deteriorate and the risk of rupture will increase if they are exposed for a long period of time to an environment where temperatures and humidity tend to change frequently, according to NHTSA. There has been no report of rupture.

In the United States, at least 12 people died and more than 180 others suffered injuries in connection with Takata air bag ruptures.

Takata has supplied its air bags to 16 companies, including Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp.

One of the largest recalls in the United States is under way over Takata air bags. But only 40 percent of the affected air bags had been recovered as of the end of last month. (Jiji Press)