Airbag recall widens to include BMW, Chrysler, Ford and Toyota

Mon, 23 Jun 2014

The recall of faulty airbag inflators supplied by Takata has exploded today to grow to seven automakers. In most cases, only models in certain high-humidity regions were affected because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found in its investigation that moisture played a roll in determining whether there would be a problem. However, some companies opted for national campaigns. The exact number of affected models for these campaigns isn't yet known at this time.

BMW is recalling an undisclosed number of 325i, 325Xi, 330i and 330Xi models from the 2001 through 2005 model years and the 2001-2006 model year versions of the 325Ci and 330Ci for the driver side and passenger side inflators. Only vehicles currently registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands are covered under this recall.

Neither Chrysler's filing with NHTSA nor its press release list the specific models affected, but a company spokesperson told Autoblog that at this time it only covers the driver and passenger side inflators for the 2006 Dodge Charger in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands

In most cases, only models in certain high-humidity regions were affected because the NHTSA found that moisture played a roll in determining if there would be a problem.

Ford is recalling an estimated 58,669 cars that include the 2005-2006 model years of the Ford GT for the driver and passenger inflators, the 2007-2007 model years of the Mustang for the driver side and 2004 Ranger for the passenger side. It covers vehicles originally sold or currently registered in, wait for it... Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands.

Honda is issuing three separate recalls regarding the problem. First, the company is recalling the 2002-2003 model years Civic, CR-V and Odyssey and the 2003 model year of the Accord, Element, Pilot and Acura MDX to replace the passenger's side inflator. This covers all models nationwide.

Second, Honda is repairing the passenger's side airbag inflator in the 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Element, Pilot, the 2003-2004 model year versions of the Odyssey, the 2003-2005 model year Acura MDX and 2005 Acura RL. However, only for vehicles located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Owners will be notified in July.

Finally, Honda is separately replacing some models' driver's side inflators. They include the: 2001-2007 Accord with four-cylinder engines, the 2001-2002 Accord with a V6 engine, 2001-2005 Civic,
2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2007 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2002-2003 Acura TL and 2002-2003 Acura CL. Again, this recall only covers vehicles registered in the states mentioned above.

"Honda has chosen to expand the affected area for these market actions because of similar environmental conditions."

According to its statement to Autoblog, "Honda has chosen to expand the affected area for these market actions because of similar environmental conditions in those areas." Balmy, in other words.

Mazda is recalling roughly 34,600 vehicles for their driver and passenger side inflators. The models include the: 2003-2007 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6, 2004 MPV and 2004-2008 RX-8. Vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii are covered under the recall.

At this time, Nissan's recall plans are not yet clear. In the statement from the company to Autoblog, it said that some 2001-2003 model year Nissan and Infiniti vehicles would be added to the recall. There is a separate field action for Puerto Rico, Florida, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands for models made between January 1 and July 31,2004. A company spokesperson told Autoblog to expect more exact data later in the week.

Finally, Toyota is issuing an additional recall to replace the passenger side inflator on several models located in or originally purchased in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands. It covers the 2003-2005 model year versions of the Lexus SC430, Pontiac Vibe, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia and Tundra. This comes in addition to the recall from a few weeks ago where the company announced repairs for about 844,277 cars from the 2002-2004 model years for the same problem with the passenger side inflator.

Scroll down to read each company's NHTSA filing, and it's official statement, if it has one. And congratulations if you live in the US Virgin Islands, this is the most non-Tim Duncan related news you've seen in quite some time.

BMW
RECALL Subject : Frontal Air Bag Inflators may Rupture
Report Receipt Date: JUN 20, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V348000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 0
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
BMW 325CI 2001-2006
BMW325I 2001-2005
BMW325XI 2001-2005
BMW330CI 2001-2006
BMW330I 2001-2005
BMW330XI 2001-2005

Details
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2001-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi, and 2001-2006 325Ci and 330Ci vehicles currently registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the driver side and/or passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of either of the frontal air bags, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.

REMEDY:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the frontal air bag(s) free of charge. This recall is expected to begin during August 2014. Owners may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Chrylser
RECALL Subject : Frontal Air Bag Inflators may Rupture
Report Receipt Date: JUN 20, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V354000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 0
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
CHRYSLER MODELS W/TAKATA INFLATORS 9999
Details
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC

SUMMARY:
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is conducting a limited regional recall for vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the driver side and/or passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

CONSEQUENCE
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one of the affected frontal air bags, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.

REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers replace the air bag inflator(s), free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Statement: Regional Field Action

June 23, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group has agreed, in principle, to honor a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) request to replace airbag inflators in certain vehicles registered in four U.S. regions.

This is not a safety recall. Chrysler Group has not identified a defect. This is a field action conducted out of an abundance of caution.

The action, expected to receive final approval this week in accordance with Chrysler Group protocol, follows consultation with NHTSA and other automobile manufacturers that use the same airbag inflator.

The Company is aware of a single related injury involving one of its vehicles. The vehicle was equipped with the component, currently under investigation by NHTSA.

The regions affected by Chrysler Group's field action are Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Customers will be advised when they may schedule service. Those with questions or concerns may call Chrysler Group's Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.

Ford
RECALL Subject : Frontal Air Bag Inflators may Rupture
Report Receipt Date: JUN 19, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V343000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 58,669
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
FORDGT 2005-2006
FORD MUSTANG 2005-2007
FORD RANGER 2004
Details
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

SUMMARY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2005-2007 Mustang, 2005-2006 GT and 2004 Ranger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the driver side and/or passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture. Specifically, in the following vehicles, the driver's air bag inflators are affected: 2005-2007 Mustang. In the following vehicles, the passenger's air bag inflators are affected: 2004 Ranger. In the following vehicles, both the driver's and passenger's air bag inflators are affected: 2005-2006 GT.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one of the affected frontal air bags, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.

REMEDY:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any defective air bag inflators, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14B04.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Honda
Report Receipt Date: JUN 20, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V353000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 0
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
ACURA MDX 2003-2005
ACURA RL 2005
HONDA ACCORD 2003-2005
HONDA CIVIC 2003-2005
HONDA CR-V 2003-2005
HONDA ELEMENT 2003-2005
HONDA ODYSSEY 2003-2005
HONDA PILOT 2003-2005
Details
Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

SUMMARY:
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.'s (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Accord, Civic, CR-V, Element, Pilot and Acura MDX, model year 2003-2004 Odyssey and model year 2005 Acura RL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.

REMEDY:
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Honda (2)
RECALL Subject : Driver Side Air Bag Inflator may Rupture
Report Receipt Date: JUN 20, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V351000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 0
All Products Associated with this Recall

Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
ACURA CL 2002-2003
ACURA MDX 2003-2006
ACURA TL 2002-2003
HONDA ACCORD 2001-2007
HONDA CIVIC 2001-2005
HONDA CR-V 2002-2006
HONDA ELEMENT 2003-2011
HONDA ODYSSEY 2002-2004
HONDA PILOT 2003-2007
HONDA RIDGELINE 2006
Details
Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

SUMMARY:
American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2001-2007 Accord (4-cylinder), 2001-2002 Accord (V6), 2001-2005 Civic, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2007 Pilot, 2006 Ridgeline, 2003-2006 Acura MDX, and 2002-2003 TL/CL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver side frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.

REMEDY:
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflators in all affected vehicles, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Statement by American Honda Regarding Front Airbag Inflator Market Actions
06/23/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.
Honda will voluntarily recall certain vehicles in the United States in three separate market actions to replace one or both front driver's and passenger's airbag inflators, free of charge. Two of the market actions are specific to states and U.S. territories with high absolute humidity. It is possible that front airbag inflators in affected vehicles may deploy with too much pressure, which may cause the inflator casing to rupture and could result in injury. Honda is aware of one claimed injury involving a driver's front airbag. Honda is not aware of any other injuries or fatalities related to these market actions. While the specific number of affected vehicles has not yet been determined, Honda estimates that the three actions will include a total of more than two million vehicles in the United States.

In two of the market actions, Honda is working in cooperation with the manufacturer of the airbag inflators and NHTSA to recall certain vehicles in 10 U.S. states and territories (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) based on the high absolute humidity levels common to those areas. While the states and territories in which Honda is conducting these actions are broader than those suggested by the manufacturer of the airbag inflators (Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands), Honda has chosen to expand the affected area for these market actions because of similar environmental conditions in those areas.
Summary of actions announced today:

1) Recalling certain 2002-2003 Honda Civic, CR-V and Odyssey; 2003 Honda Accord, Element, Pilot and Acura MDX models to replace the passenger's front airbag inflator, free of charge.
2) Recalling certain models ever registered in, or first sold in, geographic regions known for high absolute humidity (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) to replace the passenger's front airbag inflator, free of charge. Affected models are certain 2003-2005 Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Element, and Pilot; 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey; 2003-2005 Acura MDX and 2005 Acura RL models
3) Recalling certain models ever registered in, or first sold in, geographic regions known for high absolute humidity (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) to replace the driver's front airbag inflator, free of charge. Affected models are:
2001-2007 Honda Accord with 4-cylinder engines
2001-2002 Honda Accord with V6 engines
2001-2005 Honda Civic
2002-2006 Honda CR-V
2003-2011 Honda Element
2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
2003-2007 Honda Pilot
2006 Honda Ridgeline
2003-2006 Acura MDX
2002-2003 Acura TL and CL
Honda is announcing these market actions to encourage owners to take their vehicles to an authorized Honda or Acura dealer as soon as they receive notification from Honda or Acura. Mailed notification to customers will begin in late-July, 2014. After that time, the most-updated available consumer information about these market actions will be obtainable atwww.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 999-1009 for Honda owners or (800) 382-2238 for Acura owners, and selecting option 4.

Mazda
RECALL Subject : Frontal Air Bag Inflators may Rupture
Report Receipt Date: JUN 19, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V344000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 34,600
All Products Associated with this Recall close
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
MAZDA MAZDA6 2003-2007
MAZDA MAZDASPEED6 2006-2007
MAZDA MPV2004
MAZDARX-8 2004-2008
Details
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations

SUMMARY:
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2007 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6, 2004 MPV, and 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the driver side and/or passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of either of the frontal air bags, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.

REMEDY:
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any defective air bag inflators, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is SSP96.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

MAZDA STATEMENT ON SPECIAL SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN MAZDA6, RX-8, MAZDASPEED6, AND MPV VEHICLES WITH AIR BAG INFLATORS SUPPLIED BY TAKATA CORPORATION AND TK HOLDINGS, INC.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 23, 2014) – Mazda North American Operations has notified NHTSA that it plans to voluntarily implement a Special Service Program in limited regions of the United States as a result of several field reports regarding airbag deployments for a variety of vehicle brands equipped with air bag inflators supplied by Takata Corporation and TK Holdings, Inc. On certain vehicles, the air bag may not deploy properly in the event of an accident.

Approximately 34,600 vehicles that were originally sold or are currently registered in Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico are affected.

There is insufficient information at this time to determine the cause of these incidents or if they are related to a safety defect, but Mazda is working with the supplier and NHTSA to investigate these incidents as quickly as possible.

Mazda has determined that the subject vehicles of the SSP are certain model years of the Mazda6, Mazdaspeed6, RX-8, and MPV, which are equipped with similar types of airbag inflators.

Specifically the vehicles are identified as:

2003-2007 MY Mazda6 built from October 4, 2002, through July 31, 2007
2004-2008 MY RX-8 built from April 23, 2003, through July 26, 2007
2006-2007 MY Mazdaspeed6 built from August 25, 2005, through June 28, 2007
2004 MY MPV built from August 21, 2003, through July 28, 2004

Mazda has received one report of a driver injury during airbag deployment.

Owners of record will be notified of this issue and instructed to take their vehicles to a Mazda dealer to replace the air bag inflator with a new one. The work will be performed by Mazda authorized dealers, free of charge to the vehicle owners.

The expected dates for mailing owner notification letters and providing notification to dealers are currently undecided. It will depend on the availability of replacement parts from the supplier.

Nissan
RECALL Subject : Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator may Rupture
Report Receipt Date: JUN 19, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V340000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 0
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
NISSAN MODELS W/TAKATA INFLATORS 9999
Details
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and equipped with Takata-brand air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.

REMEDY:
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any defective air bag inflators, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2014. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Nissan Statement

"Nissan is announcing the following field actions concerning Takata front passenger air bags on certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. These actions supplement the 2013 recall to replace Takata front passenger air bag inflators in certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.

1. Based on new information received from Takata in June 2014, Nissan is adding vehicles that were not included in the 2013 global recall campaign. Certain MY2001 to MY2003 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles are affected by this recall campaign.
2. Nissan will initiate a regional field action in Puerto Rico, Florida, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands following new information received from Takata and recent consultations with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), based on the high levels of absolute humidity in those areas to replace front passenger air bag inflators manufactured between January 1, 2003 and July 31, 2004. The air bags in this date range were not subject to the Takata Front Passenger Air Bag Global Recall Campaign. Nissan is confirming the potentially affected vehicles based on new information received from Takata. Nissan expects to begin notifying potentially affected customers for inspection (the root of cause investigation) purposes in Puerto Rico, Florida, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands soon.

Nissan is committed to a high level of customer safety, service and satisfaction and is working with its dealers to promptly address this issue."

Toyota
RECALL Subject : Passenger Side Air Bag Inflator may Rupture
Report Receipt Date: JUN 20, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V350000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 0
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
LEXUS SC430 2003-2005
PONTIAC VIBE 2003-2005
TOYOTA COROLLA 2003-2005
TOYOTA COROLLA MATRIX2003-2005
TOYOTA SEQUOIA 2003-2005
TOYOTA TUNDRA 2003-2005
Details
Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
SUMMARY:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is conducting a limited regional recall for certain model year 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla, Matrix, Sequoia, Tundra, Lexus SC430, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles currently registered in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and equipped with Takata-brand passenger side air bag inflators. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants.

REMEDY:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace any defective passenger side air bag inflators, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Chris Bruce