28th Takata Airbag Death Confirmed in U.S.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed the 28th death in the United States since 2009 due to defective Takata airbag inflators, involving a Honda vehicle in Alabama in 2018. This issue has triggered the largest recall in U.S. history, affecting over 67 million vehicles in the country and 100 million worldwide. Takata's airbag inflators, which use ammonium nitrate, can deteriorate over time from heat and humidity, causing them to explode and release metal shrapnel. Honda has replaced or accounted for 95% of the recalled inflators but continues to urge vehicle owners to get repairs. Despite extensive recalls, many vehicles remain unfixed, prompting warnings from automakers like Ford and Mazda to not drive affected vehicles. The ongoing danger has resulted in at least 36 deaths globally, including in Malaysia, Australia, and the U.S.