New probe into Takata airbags

Carmakers have been ordered by Japan’s transport ministry to probe the safety of their vehicles after a new problem has arisen with airbags produced by Takata Corp.

The move comes after a fatal car accident in Australia this year is believed to have been caused by the malfunction of an airbag inflator.

Toyota Motor Corp, Honda Motor Co, Mazda Motor Corp, Suzuki Motor Corp, Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp, and BMW AG’s Japan unit all received the order after using driver’s side inflators made by the now-defunct Takata.

The inflator, manufactured between 1995 and 1999, is different from the one blamed for an earlier worldwide recall, the ministry says. The seven companies have been asked to investigate whether they need to recall any vehicles.

Australian authorities were informed by BMW in November of a voluntary recall of some models after the suspected new defect was discovered.

Takata says in government documents it made about 4.5 million of the inflators worldwide but only a portion are still in use because the vehicles are so old.

Besides the fatal accident, another incident in Australia this year that resulted in a serious injury is believed to have been due to a malfunction of the inflator. Similar accidents have been reported in the United States and Cyprus.

About 150,000 cars equipped with the air bags in question, are estimated to be in use in Japan, according to the ministry.

Takata filed for bankruptcy in 2017 after its faulty airbags led to the deaths of more than 20 people and recalls worldwide.