Your Guide to the Takata Recalls

Up to 70 million cars in the United States will need to be recalled because they contain dangerous and defective airbag inflators from Takata. Takata is a parts supplier that as one 2014 made 20% of the airbag market. Outside of then US, another 7 million+ cars have been recalled.

Takata’s Airbags Are Dangerous and Deadly

Every airbag needs an inflator. Otherwise you’d just get hit with a flying sac of fabric in an accident. Inflators are typically metal cartridges with propellant wafers inside.

Takata used ammonium nitrate as their propellent and it quickly became clear that their inflators were deploying with too much force during an accident.

In fact, some inflators were exploding and sending metal shards flying throughout the cabin. Those shards have killed 9 people and injured 140 more.


What Makes the Inflators Explode

An Independent Testing Coalition found that:

  1. The ammonium nitrate doesn’t include a substance to absorb moisture. In areas of high humidity the chemical can become highly unstable and dangerous.
  2. The metal inflators aren’t designed to protect the ammonium nitrate from excess moisture.

Because of their vulnerability to moisture, the recalls have focused first on customers in the following locations:

  • Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam and American Samoa.

It’s important to note that not all of the recalled inflators contain ammonium nitrate.

PSDI-5 Inflators

In February 2016, Honda expanded their Takata recall list to include vehicles with PSDI-5 inflators. None of those particular inflators have exploded.


High Risk Vehicles

Certain 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles have been labeled as having a “high risk” of airbag inflator ruptures. In late June, 2016, NHTSA urged owners of these cars to stop driving immediately.

Vehicles that have spent a significant amount of time in areas of high-humidity — Florida, Texas, Gulf Coast, Southern CA, etc — have been found to rupture 50% of the time in laboratory settings.

“With as high as a 50 percent chance of a dangerous air bag inflator rupture in a crash, these vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Folks should not drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately, free of charge.”

The “High Risk” List

  • 2001-2002 Honda Civic
  • 2001-2002 Honda Accord
  • 2002-2003 Acura TL
  • 2002 Honda CR-V
  • 2002 Honda Odyssey
  • 2003 Acura CL
  • 2003 Honda Pilot

The vehicles in question were recalled between 2008 and 2011 and according to NHTSA 70% have been repaired. But that leaves approximately 313,000 vehicles that are ticking time-bombs. It is critical that they get fixed and replacement parts will be available immediately.

Own one these cars?

  1. Visit SaferCar.gov to check whether their vehicle has any outstanding safety recalls.
  2. Call your nearest dealer and schedule a no-cost, immediate repair

Which Vehicles Are Recalled?

Keeping track of which vehicles have been recalled is difficult — the recalls have been spread out over years, and sometimes expanded.

Luckily, you don’t have to keep track. Here’s the latest information:

Make Model Years Limited To
Acura CL 2003  
  ILX 2013-2016  
  MDX 2003-2006 Zone A, B
    2003-2004 Zone C
  RDX 2007-2016  
  RL 2005-2011 Zone A
    2005-2008 Zone B
    2012  
  TL 2002-2003  
    2009-2014  
  TSX 2009-2011 Zone A
  TSX Wagon 2011 Zone A
  ZDX 2010-2011 Zone A
    2010-2013  
Audi A3 2006-2013  
  A4 2004-2008 Zone A, B
  A4 Cabriolet 2006-2009  
  A5 Cabriolet 2010-2011  
  A6 2005-2011 Zone A
  A6 2005-2008 Zone B
  Q5 2009-2012  
    2015  
BMW 1-series 2008-2013 Coupe and Convertible
  3-series 2000-2011 Sedan
    2002-2013 Wagon
    2001-2013 Coupe and Convertible
  5-series 2003-2004  
    2007-2013  
  M3 2002-2003 Coupe and Convertible
    2008-2011 Sedan
  M5 2003-2004  
    2007-2013  
  X1 2013-2015  
  X3 2007-2010  
  X5 2003-2004  
    2007-2013  
  X5 xDrive30i 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
  X5 xDrive35i 2007-2011 Zone A
  X5 xDrive48i 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
  X5 xDrive50i 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
  X5 M 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
  X5 xDrive35d 2009-2011 Zone A
  X5 xDrive35i 2008-2011 Zone A
  X5 xDrive50i 2008-2011 Zone A
  X6 2008-2014  
  X6 XDrive35i 2008 Zone B
  X6 XDrive50i 2008 Zone B
  X6 ActiveHybrid 2010-2011 Zone A
  X6 M 2008-2011 Zone A
    2008 Zone B
Buick LaCrosse 2015  
Cadillac Escalade 2007-2011 Preliminary
  Escalade ESV 2007-2011 Preliminary
  Escalade EXT 2007-2011 Preliminary
  XTS 2015  
Chevrolet Avalanche 2007-2011 Preliminary
  Camaro 2015  
  Equinox 2015  
  Malibu 2015  
  Tahoe 2007-2011 Preliminary
  Silverado 1500 2007-2011 Preliminary
  Silverado 2500 2007-2008  
    2009-2011 Preliminary
  Silverado 3500 2007-2008  
    2009-2011 Preliminary
  Suburban 2007-2011 Preliminary
Chrysler 300 2005-2012 Zone A
    2005-2009 Zone B
    2005-2008 Zone C
  300C 2005-2010  
  Aspen 2007-2009 Zone A, B
    2007-2008 Zone C
  Crossfire 2006-2007  
Dodge Challenger 2008-2012 Zone A
    2008-2009 Zone B
    2008 Zone C
  Charger 2005-2010  
    2006-2012 Zone A
    2006-2009 Zone B
    2006-2008 Zone C
  Dakota 2005-2011 Zone A
    2005-2009 Zone B
    2005-2008 Zone C
  Durango 2004-2009 Zone A, B
    2004-2008 Zone C
  Magnum 2005-2008 Zone A, B, C
    2005-2010  
  Ram 1500 2003-2008  
  Ram 2500 2003-2009  
  Ram 3500 2003-2009  
  Ram 4500 2008-2010  
  Ram 5500 2008-2010  
  Sprinter 2500 2007-2008  
  Sprinter 3500 2007-2008  
Ferrari 458 Italia 2010-2011  
  California 2009-2011  
Ford Edge 2007-2010  
  Fusion 2006-2011  
  GT 2005-2006  
  Mustang 2005-2014  
  Ranger 2004-2011  
GMC Sierra 1500 2007-2011 Preliminary
  Sierra 2500HD 2007-2008  
    2009-2011 Preliminary
  Sierra 3500HD 2007-2008  
    2009-2011 Preliminary
  Terrain 2015  
  Yukon 2007-2011 Preliminary
  Yukon XL 2007-2011 Preliminary
Honda Accord 2001-2002 V6
    2001-2007 4-cylinder
    2008-2011 Zone A
    2008 Zone B
  Accord Crosstour 2008-2011 Zone A
  Civic 2001-2005  
    2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
  Civic GX 2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
  Civic Hybrid 2003-2005  
    2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
  CR-V 2005-2011 Zone A
    2005-2008 Zone B
    2002-2004  
    2016  
  CR-Z 2011-2015  
  Element 2003-2011 Zone A
    2003-2008 Zone B
    2003-2004 Zone C
  FCX Clarity 2010-2011 Zone A
    2012-2014  
  Fit 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
    2012-2014  
  Insight 2010-2011 Zone A
    2012-2014  
  Odyssey 2002-2004 Zone A, B, C
  Pilot 2003-2008 Zone A, B
    2003-2004 Zone C
  Ridgeline 2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
    2012-2014  
Infiniti FX35 2003-2005  
    2005-2008 Zone A, B
  FX45 2003-2005  
    2005-2008 Zone A, B
  I30 2001-2004  
    2003-2004 Zone A, B, C
  I35 2001-2004  
    2003-2004 Zone A, B, C
  M35 2006  
    2006-2010 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
  M45 2006  
    2006-2010 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
  QX4 2002-2003  
Jaguar Range Rover 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
  XF 2009-2011 Zone A
Jeep Wrangler 2007-2012 Zone A, B
    2007-2008 Zone C
Lexus ES 350 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
  GX 460 2010-2011 Zone A
  IS 250 2006-2008 Zone B
  IS 250C 2010-2011 Zone A
  IS 350 2006-2008 Zone B
  IS 350C 2010-2011 Zone A
  IS F 2008-2011 Zone A
    2008 Zone B
  SC 430 2002-2010  
Lincoln MKX 2007-2010  
  MKZ 2006-2011  
  Zephyr 2006-2011  
Mazda B-Series 2004-2006  
  CX-7 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
  CX-9 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
  Mazda6 2003-2008 Zone A, B
    2003-2004 Zone C
    2009-2011 Zone A
  Mazdaspeed 6 2006-2007 Zone A
  MPV 2004-2006 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
    2004 Zone C
  RX-8 2004-2011 Zone A
    2004-2008 Zone B
    2004 Zone C
Mercedes-Benz C63 2008 Zone B
  C63 AMG 2008-2011 Zone A
  C230 2005-2007  
  C320 2005  
  C300 2008-2011 Zone A
    2008 Zone B
  C300 4Matic 2008-2011 Zone A
    2008 Zone B
  C350 2006-2011 Zone A
    2008 Zone B
  E63 AMG 2010-2011  
  E350 2010-2011 Zone A
  E550 2010  
    2011 Zone A
  GL320 Diesel 2009-2010  
  GL350 Diesel 2011-2012  
  GL450 2009-2012  
  GL550 2009-2012  
  GLK350 2010-2011 Zone A
    2012  
  GLK350 4Matic 2010-2011 Zone A
  ML63 AMG 2009-2011  
  ML320 2009-2010  
  ML350 2009-2011  
  ML450 Hybrid 2010-2011  
  ML550 2009-2011  
  R320 Diesel 2009-2010  
  R350 2009-2012  
  SLK55 AMG 2007-2008  
  SLK280 2007-2008  
  SLK350 2007-2008  
  SLS 2011-2014  
  Sprinter 2500 2010-2014  
  Sprinter 3500 2010-2014  
Mercury Milan 2006-2011  
Mitsubishi Lancer 2004-2006  
  Lancer EVO 2004-2006  
  Raider 2006-2009 Zone A, B
  Raider 2006-2008 Zone C
Nissan Maxima 2001-2003  
  Pathfinder 2002-2004  
  Sentra 2002-2006  
  Versa 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
Pontiac Vibe 2003-2007  
    2009-2010 Zone A
Ram 1500 2004-2008 Zone A, B
  2500 2005-2009 Zone A, B, C
  3500 2006-2009 Zone A, B
    2006-2008 Zone C
  3500 Cab Chassis 2007-2010 Zone A
    2007-2009 Zone B
    2007-2008 Zone C
  4500 Cab Chassis 2008-2010 Zone A
    2008-2009 Zone B
    2008 Zone C
  5500 Cab Chassis 2008-2009 Zone A
    2008-2009 Zone B
    2008 Zone C
Saab 9-2X 2005-2006  
    2006 Zone A, B
  9-3 2003-2011  
  9-5 2010-2011  
Saturn Astra 2008-2009  
Scion xB 2008-2011 Zone A
  xB 2008 Zone B
Subaru Baja 2003-2006 Zone A, B
    2003-2004 Zone C
  Forester 2009-2011 Zone A
  Impreza 2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
  Impreza WRX 2004-2005  
  Impreza WRX STi 2004-2005  
  Legacy 2003-2004 Zone A, B, C
    2009-2011 Zone A
  Outback 2003-2004 Zone A, B, C
    2009-2011 Zone A
  Tribeca 2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
  Sprinter 2007-2014  
Toyota 4Runner 2010-2011 Zone A
  Corolla 2003-2011  
    2009-2011 Zone A
  Matrix 2003-2011  
    2009-2011 Zone A
  RAV4 2004-2005  
  Sequoia 2002-2007  
  Sienna 2011 Zone A
  Tundra 2003-2006  
  Yaris 2006-2011 Zone A
    2007-2008 Zone B
Volkswagen CC 2009-2014  
  Eos 2012-2014  
  Golf 2010-2014  
  Jetta SportWagen 2010-2014  
  Passat 2006-2010  
    2012-2014 Sedan
  Tiguan 2015  

What are Zones?

Takata recalls are increasingly being broken down into what NHTSA calls zones. A zone is a group of states and territories where a vehicle was originally sold or registered at some point in time. A few notes about zones:

  1. A vehicle can be recalled in more than one zone.
  2. When no zone is defined, the recall was more widespread. Possibly internationally.
  3. If you find this all very confusing, you’re not alone my friend.

So, here we go:

  • Zone A: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Zone B: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
  • Zone C: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

* Excludes C55 AMG, but includes the 2009-2011 C63 AMG. I know, right?

Last updated on