Takata Recalls 2.7M More Air Bag Inflators
The latest recall expansion affects driver frontal air bag inflators that use calcium sulfate as a drying agent.

Photo courtesy of NHTSA.

Photo courtesy of NHTSA.
Because of new safety test results, automotive supplier Takata Corp. is recalling an additional 2.7 million driver-side frontal air bag inflators that are at risk for rupturing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.
The PSDI-5 air bag inflators at issue use calcium sulfate as a drying agent, NHTSA said. But the inflator’s propellant might still degrade after long-term exposure to high humidity and temperatures. Such degradation can lead the propellant to burn too quickly and create excessive pressure that the inflator can’t withstand. If the inflator ruptures as a result, shrapnel can strike and injure vehicle occupants.
These air bag inflators were assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules used as original or replacement equipment in Ford, Nissan and Mazda vehicles, according to a Reuters report.
This latest recall expansion covers only inflators containing calcium sulfate as a drying agent. Takata, which filed for bankruptcy protection last month, is now working with the affected automakers to determine which vehicles will be subject to recall as a result of the new safety test conclusions. NHTSA will announce those recalls at a later date, with Ford vehicles representing the lion’s share.
On Monday, July 10, a 12th death in the U.S. was tied to an exploding Takata air bag inflator, according to a report from USA Today. The victim was performing repairs inside a 2001 Honda Accord on June 18, 2016, in Hialeah, Fla., when the inflator ruptured. He died the following day.
A total of 17 deaths globally have been linked to the air bag inflators. Eventually, Takata’s recalled air bag inflators are expected to reach the 100 million mark worldwide. Because of the scarcity of replacement inflators, the recalls are being conducted in phases in the U.S. Vehicles at a higher risk, based on age and location climate, have higher priority.
More Safety

Managing Road Risk at Scale: Why Fleet Safety Needs a Data-Driven Framework
Insights from the FIA Road and Driver Safety Indexes reveal how to manage road risk on a larger scale.
Read More →
Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk
Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.
Read More →
Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It
AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.
Read More →
How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety
During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.
Read More →
Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award
Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention
Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.
Read More →
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
