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.

Photo courtesy of NHTSA.

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.
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.
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

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 →
Don't Wait for a Crisis: 5 Ways to Build Mental Health Into Your Fleet Safety Program
For Suicide Prevention Month, fleet and safety leaders have an opportunity to put mental health where it belongs: at the center of workplace safety.
Read More →
How Camera Data Can Strengthen a Fleet’s Insurance Renewal
Insights from a commercial insurance carrier and a broker show how fleets can turn video telematic data, driver coaching, and improved claims results into a stronger case at insurance renewal.
Read More →
The Safest Fleets Aren’t the Ones with the Most Technology
You’ve made the telematics investment. Here’s how to capture the other half of its value and build the safest fleet on the road.
Read More →
Hidden in Plain Sight: Fleet Compliance Risks
Fleet compliance isn't just about having policies — it's about consistently enforcing them. This practical guide reveals six hidden compliance risks common in public sector and shared fleet operations and outlines proven strategies to improve visibility, accountability, and audit readiness
Read More →
NETS Sets 2026 Fleet Safety Benchmark Conference for Indianapolis
The Sept. 15–17 program will feature fleet benchmarking data, case studies, emerging technologies, and implementation strategies while running alongside the NSC Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
Off-the-Job Crashes Account for 43% of Employers’ $61.7 Billion Crash Burden
NETS quantifies costs dispersed across fleet, risk, HR, and other departments while providing new per-crash benchmarks for employers.
Read More →
Ram Recalls More Than 1.27 Million 1500 Pickups for Seat Belt Anchor Issue
The recall affects certain 2019-2026 Ram 1500 pickups that may have improperly attached second-row seat belt buckle anchors.
Read More →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 →
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 →