cars news 10: Another 1.3 Million Vehicles Recalled in Japan for Faulty Takata Airbags

A number of Japanese automakers announced that they’re recalling up to 1.3 million vehicles in their home country due to faulty Takata airbag inflators, according to a report from Automotive News. In addition, some of the automakers that announced a recall also indicate it may add more than 1 million more vehicles sold outside of Japan for the same issue. This new set of recalls is the latest in the Takata airbag inflator scandal that has been linked to over 150 injuries and 14 deaths, most of which occurred in the U.S.

Mazda said it plans to recall 1.57 cars globally including the 490,000 units in Japan. Vehicles affected include the RX-8, the Bongo van, and the Demio, also known as the Mazda2 in markets outside of Japan. The automaker says its recall is for the replacement of the passenger-side airbags for the RX-8 and Demio/Mazda2, and the driver-side airbag for the Bongo van. Demio/Mazda2 recalls will extend overseas to markets such as the U.S. and China but Mazda didn’t give more details, according to AN.

On the other hand, Mitsubishi will recall 520,000 vehicles in Japan, including the Delica MPV and the Pajero SUV to replace the Takata-supplied driver-side airbags. Other vehicles include the eK Wagon, eK Sport, Pajero Mini, and the Toppo, which will have their passenger’s side airbags replaced. 92,000 Delicas and Pajeros sold overseas will also be recalled. Nissan’s Dayz mini car lineup, which is built by Mitsubishi, will also be recalled with the rest of Mitsubishi’s vehicles.

Subaru will recall 290,000 vehicles in its home market, including the Legacy sedan to replace passenger-side airbags. Mercedes-Benz is also recalling 93,000 vehicles in Japan including the C- and E-Class. Another 47,000 trucks will also be recalled by UD Trucks, a subsidiary of Volvo AB.

Takata has been in search of an investor to help it pay for the growing costs of its airbag inflator scandal and overhaul the company. In total, over 100 million airbag inflators made by the Japanese supplier have been declared defective worldwide after a recall expansion was initiated in the U.S. by NHTSA.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)