TOKYO: Honda Motor will recall an additional 20 million Takata-made airbags globally, a newspaper said Sunday, in a widening scandal that has led to the biggest auto recall in US history.
Tokyo-based auto parts giant Takata is struggling to deal with a defect that can send metal and plastic shrapnel from the inflator canister hurtling toward drivers and passengers when an airbag is deployed.
The defect has been blamed for grisly injuries that have in some cases proved fatal. Honda, along with other automakers, has already been ordered by US authorities to recall all units that do not contain a desiccant that keeps explosives in airbags from deteriorating.
The Japanese automaker now plans to widen areas for the recall to Asia, Oceania, Latin America and Europe, which will force the firm to recall another 20 million airbags or more globally, bringing the total number to more than 50 million, the Nikkei daily said.
The additional cost is estimated at 200 billion yen ($1.87 billion), the business newspaper said, adding that the latest move by the biggest buyer of Takata air bags may prompt other automakers to follow suit.
