Takata air bag recall now largest in US history

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Federal authorities announced they're more than doubling the size of the Takata airbag recall, which has now made it the largest recall in U.S. history.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Federal authorities announced they're more than doubling the size of the Takata airbag recall, which has now made it the largest recall in U.S. history.

This means millions more of us will be notified that we are driving cars with potentially dangerous Takata airbags.

PHOTOS: Texas officials talk teen's airbag death

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Images from a press conference with the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office about the death of a 17-year-old who died as a result of an exploding airbag.

KTRK

Officials said there won't be enough replacement parts for everyone until the end of 2019.

A defect in the airbags can cause them to explode in a crash, sending shrapnel flying through the car.

Explosions are blamed in 11 deaths and at least 100 injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had already recalled nearly 29 million airbags and added 35 to 40 million more on Wednesday. "Vehicle owners who receive notice that there are parts available for their repair should take action immediately," NHTSA spokesperson Mark Rosekind said.

Takata is speeding up the manufacture of new airbags.

Older cars will get priority for repairs since they are most vulnerable.

All affected cars should be repaired by December 2019.