The largest automotive recall in United States history is being expanded once again by Takata, the Detroit Free Press announced. Takata is adding 3.3 million airbag inflators due to a faulty explosive chemical used in the ignition of the airbag.
According to the recall, the explosive chemical ammonium nitrate is to blame. Takata’s mixture can deteriorate in high humidity causing it to explode improperly. This explosion can send metal shrapnel. 20 people have already died due to the faulty airbags and 180 have been injured worldwide.
The recall covers Honda, Toyota, Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar-Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Tesla models made in 2009, 2010 or 2013.
This is part of Takata’s historically massive recall of airbag devices that have been going on since 2001. According to the Detroit Free Press, 19 automakers have recalled 43.1 million inflators and 18.5 million have actually been replaced.
Papers detailing the specific models will be released later this month by automakers after paperwork has been filed with the NHTSA.
NHTSA information about the recalls can be found here.