Takata air bag recall probe could expand: U.S. regulator

production plant in Mexico showed failures of side air bags. The Takata tests were performed on Oct. 5, and it notified GM the following day.

The GM recall affects six models produced earlier this year, mainly in February and March, including the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Malibu. No injuries or deaths have been reported in this specific recall, a GM spokesman said.

Experts say the ammonium nitrate used as a chemical accelerator in the inflators could become unstable after being exposed to high humidity over a period of time. Some have suggested that auto design, including how well sealed passenger compartments are against humidity, could also be a factor.

“Think about age, high humidity, all the different factors. Now you add design of the vehicle,” Rosekind said.

Newer Takata inflators have not been shown to be a problem, he added.

“So far the testing is showing that the newer ones seem to be solid,” Rosekind said.

Takata said in a news release on Monday that it has increased production of air bag replacement kits to 1 million per month.

Source: Reuters