1.4 Million Cars — Including Toyotas, BMWs — Recalled Over Exploding Airbags Shooting Shrapnel

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About 1.4 million vehicles have been recalled after defects were found in airbags installed in various auto brands, including Toyota, Honda and BMW.

Theagencysaid one death and multiple injuries have been reported as a result of the faulty airbags.

Defective Takata airbags have previously prompted other recalls. The NHTSA estimates that as many as 41.6 million vehicles in total have been recalled in the United States with faulty Takata airbags.

However, unlike previous recalls, Wednesday’s recall only affects vehicles that contain Non-Azide Driver Inflators. The defect in these inflators can result in the airbag either exploding or underinflating when it’s deployed, risking serious injury or death, the NHTSA said.

“In extreme cases the inflator explodes, shooting shrapnel toward vehicle occupants,” according to the agency.

“Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate,”documentsfrom the NHTSA reported. “In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant.”

source: people.com