NHTSA demands Takata issue nationwide airbag recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) formally has demanded that Takata, the Japanese automotive component manufacturer behind the massive airbag recall that’s currently plaguing most of the automakers in the United states, declare that millions of vehicles old with driver-side air bags nationwide are defective, according to Automotive News.

“NHTSA is issuing this recall request letter to notify you that the agency has tentatively concluded that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists on a national basis in the subject driver’s side air bag inflators, and to demand that Takata recall the inflators,” wrote Frank S. Borris, head of the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, as quoted by The Detroit News.

Ford Motors, Honda Motors, Chrysler Group, Mazda Motors, and BMW AG would all be affected by a nationwide recall of Takata airbags. The NHTSA gave Takata until next Tuesday to issue the recall. Failing to do so may cause the NHTSA to “begin proceedings” leading to fines for the Japanese air bag supplier of up to $7,000 per vehicle that the safety regulator says should have been recalled, according to Reuters.