Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

More Deadlines Set to Accelerate Takata Recalls

There are currently 46 million recalled Takata air bag inflators in 29 million vehicles in the U.S.

by Staff
December 12, 2016
More Deadlines Set to Accelerate Takata Recalls

Photo courtesy of NHTSA.

2 min to read


Photo courtesy of NHTSA.

In an effort to speed progress of the Takata air bag recalls, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued an order that updates requirements for when automakers must have replacement parts available and sets new deadlines.

NHTSA, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, issued the order to Takata and the 19 affected automakers. The directive sets new requirements for automakers to certify when they’ve acquired enough replacement parts for dealers to begin repairs. Additionally, automakers must submit plans to improve customer notification using established guidelines.

Ad Loading...

Defective Takata air bag inflators have been responsible for 11 deaths and approximately 180 injuries in the U.S., according to NHTSA. A combination of time, environmental moisture, and cycling high temperatures contribute to the degradation of the ammonium nitrate propellant in the recalled inflators. Such degradation can cause the propellant to burn too quickly, rupturing the inflator module and sending shrapnel through the air bag and into the vehicle’s cabin.

“The Department of Transportation is maintaining its aggressive oversight of the efforts to recall Takata air bags as quickly as possible,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “The amended order will speed up the availability of replacement air bags, and continues to prioritize the highest risk vehicles to protect the traveling public.”

There are currently 46 million recalled Takata air bag inflators in 29 million vehicles in the U.S. Under an order issued to Takata in May, automakers must recall additional inflators over the next three years. The recalls will eventually affect up to 69 million inflators in 42 million total recalled vehicles.

NHTSA reaffirmed it’s committed to seeking a 100% recall completion rate from the vehicle manufacturers. As of Dec. 2, automakers reported they have so far repaired approximately 12.5 million inflators.

The Takata recalls currently cover frontal inflators that lack a chemical desiccant that absorbs moisture. Ultimately, all frontal Takata inflators using non-desiccated phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) will be recalled. The full list of vehicles that are currently affected or will be affected by future Takata recalls is available here.

Ad Loading...

There have been no reported ruptures of desiccated inflators due to propellant degradation, according to NHTSA. But the agency is requiring Takata and automakers that use desiccated PSAN inflators to research their safety. Without proof that the desiccated PSAN inflators are safe, they will also be subject to recall in the future. Takata is required to prove the safety of these inflators by the end of 2019.

More Safety

A shot of a Volvo electric vehicle with a man charging it in front of a residence.
SponsoredAugust 1, 2026

Top 50 Executive Fleets

It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!

Read More →
Promotional graphic for a Utilimarc guide titled How Better Visibility Cut Speeding Violations by 48% featuring a call-to-action to download the guide.
SponsoredJuly 17, 2026

How Better Visibility Cut Speeding Violations by 48%

Fleet leaders don't need more data, they need clearer visibility into what the data is saying. This case study explores how one utility replaced speeding-event counts with a single metric — miles driven in violation — to strengthen safety and significantly reduce speeding violations.

Read More →
Smiling commercial truck driver gives a thumbs-up from inside a tractor cab during Operation Safe Driver Week 2026, highlighting fleet safety, responsible driving and enforcement awareness.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyJuly 16, 2026

Operation Safe Driver Week: Why the Industry's Oldest Safety Campaign Still Matters to Fleets

A look at how a 2007 enforcement initiative became one of the most consequential weeks on the fleet safety calendar, and what it means for your drivers in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Nexar and nauto logos
Safetyby StaffJuly 13, 2026

Nexar-Nauto Merger Aims to Give Fleets Better Safety Intelligence Through Larger Driving Dataset

Stefan Heck tells Automotive Fleet that combining more than 10 billion miles of driving history with Nexar's AI models will give fleets deeper insights into driver risk and roadway conditions than either company could provide independently.

Read More →
A black square with white color font text
SponsoredJuly 2, 2026

From Silos to Solutions: Relationship Management for Safer Fleets

From telematics adoption and driver accountability to policy consistency and risk mitigation, this episode breaks down what it really takes to build a safer fleet culture without slowing business down.

Read More →
IIHS HLDI text overlaid on the trunks of pick up trucks.
Safetyby Chris BrownJuly 2, 2026

IIHS Launches First Commercial Vehicle Safety Evaluations

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has begun evaluating heavy-duty pickups and cargo vans for driver protection. Which models earned top marks?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white Automotive Fleet podcast logo
SafetyJuly 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Hosted with the cofounder of Lifesaver Mobile, this episode addresses phone use behind the wheel and how to design a driving environment that actually helps prevents accidents.

Read More →
Two people sit across from each other at a desk during a business meeting. One person, wearing a white shirt, has their hands folded while the other gestures with a pen toward documents clipped to a clipboard. Additional paperwork and a calculator are visible on the table, suggesting a discussion involving contracts, finances, or administrative paperwork. Sunlight filters through window blinds in the background, creating a professional office setting.
TelematicsJuly 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-Time Prevention (Part 2 of 2)

Part Two: Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Continue learning more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab

Read More →
An Automotive Fleet podcast thumbnail
SafetyJune 26, 2026

How 5-Second Telematics Data Is Changing Fleet Safety

This episode connects with Steve Santostasi of Ford Pro and covers how a few seconds of data can make a difference in fleet safety.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technician inspecting a vehicle engine during maintenance as fleets prepare for summer heat, focusing on battery health, cooling systems, and preventing downtime.
Maintenanceby Faith HowellJune 18, 2026

The Two Biggest Summer Downtime Threats for Fleets

A conversation with a maintenance expert reveals the two most common summer maintenance pains and how to prevent them.

Read More →