By Angelo Young - Investigations by the U.S. traffic safety watchdog are ongoing, but so far vehicles from all major Japanese and U.S. automakers and BMW have been found to contain airbags produced by one Japanese supplier that could explode in collisions, spraying shrapnel into the faces of drivers and front-seat passengers.
In recent weeks, Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Co (NYSE:F) and Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (TOKYO:7270) have joined a growing list of manufacturers that in recent years to recall millions of cars containing the bags manufactured by Tokyo-based car-safety part manufacturer Takata Corp.
Last month Toyota Motor Corp (TOKYO:7203) announced last month a recall covering 3.6 million vehicles worldwide for the dangerous safety component, which led the U.S. National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation into the extent of the problem considering that Takata is a major supplier for so many manufacturers. NHTSA took an unusual step of requesting the recall notices before the investigation was complete.
So far, here are the affected manufacturers, cars and model years.
Toyota: 2003-2005 Corolla, Matrix, Sequoia and Tundra.
Lexus: SC430.
Honda: 2002-2006 CR-V, 2001-2007 Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2002-2007 Pilot, 2003-2011 Element and 2006 Ridgeline.
Acura: 2002-2003 CL and TL, 2005 RL, 2003-2006 MDX.
Mazda: 2003-2007 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6, 2004-2008 RX-8 and 2004 MPV.
Subaru: 2003-2004 Baja, Legacy and Outback, 2004 Impreza.
Nissan: 2001-2003 vehicles, possibly including Infiniti. Complete list is unknown.
General Motors: 2013-2014 Chevy Cruze and 2003-2005 Pontiac Vibe.
Ford: 2004 Ranger, 2005–2006 GT, 2005-2007 Mustang.
Chrysler: 2006 Dodge Charger.
BMW: 2001–2005 3-Series (sedan and wagon) and 2001-2006 3-Series (coupe and convertible).
Takata has been enmeshed in a separate controversy surrounding a years-long investigation by the U.S. Justice Department over auto-parts price fixing by Japanese parts suppliers. In November three high-level company executives pleaded guilty to conspiring to fix prices on seat belts in cars manufactured in the United States.