Airbag maker Takata refusing to expand recall

WASHINGTON -- Lawmakers are telling the airbag maker Takata Corp. that the limited recall of defective driver's side airbags is confusing to consumers outside of the current recall zones. Takata says its own data and testing of the problem support limiting the recall to high-humidity areas. But at a hearing on Capitol Hill today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois said she's received letters from constituents "who are literally afraid to drive their cars."

Airbag maker Takata insists it's not necessary, but under pressure from federal regulators, Honda is expanding a recall of driver's side air bags to all 50 states.Honda is expanding its recall of driver's side airbags to all 50 states.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is demanding that the recalls be expanded nationwide and not just in high-humidity states. The airbags can explode with too much force, sending metal shrapnel into the passenger compartment. Takata insists that current recalls covering 8 million U.S. cars in high-humidity areas are sufficient.

Rick Schosteck, Honda's executive vice president for North America, told House lawmakers Wednesday that Honda will expand the regional recall it began in June, but will continue to prioritize high-humidity areas. He also said Honda is working with other air bag manufacturers to make sure it has enough parts.

Meanwhile, in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Takata is challenging the agency's authority to order an expanded recall. NHTSA calls Takata's response "disappointing" and says it's assessing its next steps. A week ago, the agency threatened civil fines and legal action if Takata didn't declare the driver's airbag inflators defective and agree to the recall. It can impose fines of up to $35 million.