Takata air bag inflators can explode when the air bag deploys, after years of heat and humidity, sending metal fragments into the car. NHTSA calls it the largest and most complex safety recall in US history. Here is how to check your car and what to do.
What goes wrong
According to NHTSA, long-term exposure to high heat and humidity can make the propellant in Takata inflators break down and burn too quickly; in extreme cases the inflator explodes and sends shrapnel toward the people in the car. NHTSA has confirmed 28 people killed in the US by exploding Takata inflators, and at least 400 people have allegedly been injured.
How many cars
NHTSA puts it at approximately 67 million air bags under recall, in tens of millions of vehicles, and says all scheduled recalls have now been filed. Many recalled cars have still not been repaired.
The do-not-drive warnings
For some older vehicles the risk is so high that the makers say not to drive them at all until they are fixed. NHTSA names, among others, some 2006 Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series trucks (Ford and Mazda provide towing and a loan vehicle) and some 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura models, whose owners should drive only to the dealer for the repair. Some makers also advise that nobody sit in the front passenger seat until the repair is done. All current do-not-drive recalls are listed in do-not-drive recalls by brand.
What to do
- Check your VIN at NHTSA or in our VIN check. NHTSA suggests checking at least twice a year.
- If a Takata recall is open, call a dealer of the make. The repair is free.
- Do not ask the dealer to disable the air bag: a disabled air bag will not protect you in a crash.
- If the dealer refuses a repair described in the recall letter, tell the maker and file a complaint with NHTSA (how to report).
- Keep your registration address current so the letters reach you.
Dealers do not have to give you a loan car, but you can ask. The full steps are in what to do about a recall.
Bought the car used?
Recall letters go to the registered owner, so a used car can carry an open Takata recall nobody told you about. NHTSA suggests signing up for its recall alerts as a backup, especially for a car bought used. Our used car recall checklist walks through the check.
Air bag recalls on this site
Every air bag recall we hold, from all registers, is in what failed: air bags.
Quick answers
How do I know if my car has a Takata airbag recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall look-up or a VIN check. If a Takata recall is open on your car, a dealer of the make will replace the inflator free of charge.
Is it safe to drive a car with a Takata airbag recall?
For some older vehicles the maker says not to drive at all until repaired, including some 2006 Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series trucks and some 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura models. For others, get the repair as soon as possible, and do not have the air bag disabled.
How many people have Takata airbags killed in the US?
NHTSA has confirmed 28 people killed in the US by exploding Takata inflators, and at least 400 people have allegedly been injured.
Related
Sources
This page explains US federal rules in plain words. It is not legal advice; for a dispute, the statute and NHTSA are the authority, and a lawyer can advise on your case.
Published 7 November 2026 by A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus. CarsMultiverse is an independent site, not an authority.