Canada’s Recall Of Takata Airbags Touches 1.5 Million
In line with the ongoing recall of Takata airbag fitted cars in the U.S. and other countries, the Canadian government agency has acted and issued a recall of defective airbags manufactured by the embattled Japanese auto parts firm. In Canada, the recall will be enforced for 1.5 million vehicles. The government notice mentions that the recall involves several models built by auto makers Honda, Mazda, Toyota, BMW, GM, Nissan, Chrysler and Ford.
According to Transport Canada's database, 704,770 Honda vehicles built between 2001 and 2010, plus 812,821 cars from other manufacturers are reportedly affected by this recall. Takata and many auto manufacturers are facing class action lawsuits in Canada on the issue of faulty airbags. The airbag defect has been linked to a chemical propellant that helps in inflating the airbags.
The fatal problem that mandated the recalls is that while deploying the airbag it opens with an explosive force and will start hurtling metal shrapnel toward drivers and passengers. This was reported in the U.S. and six people have already lost life. However, Canada has not reported any "abnormal deployments" of the airbags, according to Transport Canada. Early in May, Takata acknowledged the deadly defect and agreed to double the recall in the U.S. and it has touched a record of 34 million vehicles.
Canada’s Legal Limitations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S. had slapped a fine on Takata at $14,000 a day from February for its initial refusal to co-operate with the investigation. The recall scenario in Canada is a bit different. Unlike U.S. regulators, who have the powers to mandate recalls, Transport Canada has to rely on voluntary actions from automakers.
“In Canada, vehicle manufacturers are responsible for carrying out notice of defect recall campaigns and notify Transport Canada when they become aware of safety defects," said a spokesman of Transport Canada, in response to a CBC News’ query.
All the deaths in the U.S. were linked to the vehicles produced by Honda Motor Co. Ltd. But other auto makers have also joined recalls, which include Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Honda, BMW, Ford Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.
Looming Uncertainty
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that more automakers joined the recalls of cars and trucks with Takata Corp air bags. The U.S. Congress also took cognizance of the issue and ordered a hearing on the Takata issue on June 2 by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. However, automakers and regulators are still trying to pinpoint the root cause of the problem, it seems there is little guarantee that even after the replacement of parts, consumers can be sure that their vehicles are safe, reports New York Times.
(For feedback/comments, contact the writer at k.kumar@ibtimes.com.au)
