Massive Takata Recall Puts Millions of Drivers on Alert Over Air Bag Safety
Article excerpt
Double check your vehicle specs; the NHTSA just announced a Takata air bag recall affecting tens of millions of cars. The post Massive Takata Recall Puts Millions of Drivers on Alert Over Air Bag Safety appeared first on Family Handyman.
If you haven’t yet, it might be time to start familiarizing yourself with the parts of your vehicle, as well as the brands that make them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just announced another air bag recall. This time, tens of millions of vehicles are under a Do Not Drive warning because the bags are not operating as designed. If your vehicle is included in this Takata air bag recall, you’ll need to get it repaired immediately; if you don’t you’re at serious risk of injury or even death.
Why Is There a Takata Air Bag Recall?
Per the NHTSA announcement, the issue is somewhat weather related.”Long-term exposure to high heat and humidity can cause these air bags to explode when deployed,” the brief warns. “Such explosions have caused injuries and deaths.”
This isn’t the first time Takata air bags have faced scrutiny. There was also a large recall of Takata air bags back in 2019. To avoid any confusion about who is and isn’t in danger, the NHTSA clarifies that “unlike the air bag inflators in the larger Takata recalls, this recall involves non-azide driver inflators.” So even if you already dealt with a similar issue, you’re not necessarily out of the water. Play it safe until you know for sure.
Who’s Affected?
The Do Not Drive warning affects tens of millions of vehicles including:
2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL
2003 Acura 3.2CL
2000-2006 BMW 3 Series (E46) including M3
2000-2003 BMW 5 Series (E39) including M5
2000-2004 BMW X5s (E53)
2007, 2009 Chrysler Aspen
2005-2015 Chrysler 300
2005, 2011 Dodge Dakota
2005-2010 Dodge Magnum
2005-2015 Dodge Charger
2005-2014 Dodge Challenger
2004, 2009 Dodge Durango
2003, 2010 Dodge Ram
2003 Dodge Ram 1500
2004-2011 Ford Rangers
2005-2006 GT
2005-2014 Mustang
2006-2012 Fusion
2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr
2006-2012 Mercury Milan
2007-2010 Edge
2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
2001-2002 Honda Accord
2001-2002 Honda Civic
2002 Honda CR-V
2002 Honda Odyssey
2003 Honda Pilot
2002-2003 Infiniti QX4s
2007, 2016 Jeep Wrangler
2004-2009 Mazda B-Series
2003-2013 Mazda6
2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6
2004-2011 RX-8
2004-2006 MPV
2007-2012 CX-7
2007-2015 CX-9
2006, 2009 Mitsubishi Raider
2002-2006 Nissan Sentras
2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinders
2003-2004 Pontiac Vibes
2004-2005 Toyota RAV4s
2003-2004 Corollas, including Matrix
Is There a Fix?
The NHTSA says that if you own one of the vehicles on the list, you can confirm that yours needs repair through their Recalls Lookup page. Search with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and you should be able to see immediately if there’s a Do Not Drive warning or an outstanding recall. If so, the organization urges you to “immediately call your dealer to schedule a free repair. Replacement parts for these vehicles are available.”
Sources
Takata Recall Spotlight, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2026.
Critical Do Not Drive Warning for Certain Vehicles with Takata Air Bags, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2026.
The post Massive Takata Recall Puts Millions of Drivers on Alert Over Air Bag Safety appeared first on Family Handyman.