SHARE

Blumenthal Applauds Faulty Air Bag Recall, Now Largest In Auto History

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Takata will almost double the size of its recall of faulty airbags, making this the biggest auto recall in history, Money.CNN.com reports.

Takata has increased the size of its airbag recall.

Takata has increased the size of its airbag recall.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Takata airbags used in 18 million vehicles have already been recalled, according to Money.CNN.com.

The latest recall by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will raise that number to about 34 million vehicles, or about one of every seven automobiles on the road in the U.S. today, Money.CNN.com reports.

“Since reports revealed Americans were dying as a result of exploding airbags made by Takata, we have been asking for a nationwide recall on all affected cars," said a statement from U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.).

"The largest auto recall in history demands the strongest response possible to ensure our families and friends are protected from deadly airbags. We are pleased that NHTSA is taking these long overdue steps to protect drivers and passengers and that Takata must cooperate with the ongoing investigation into this tragedy," said the joint statement from the senators, who serve on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

"NHTSA must ensure that the necessary parts are manufactured more quickly, and consumers deserve to know immediately whether or not the new parts are also defective, possibly requiring them to have their airbags fixed in another five years,” Blumenthal and Markey said.

In October 2014, Blumenthal and Markey first called on NHTSA to issues a nationwide safety recall for all cars with potentially defective Takata airbags. Later that month, they called on David Friedman, acting administrator for NHTSA, about its Early Warning Reporting system and the efficacy of regional recalls.

In November 2014, the senators called for a criminal investigation of Takata. In January, they, along with Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), asked NHTSA for an update on its oversight of recalls and voluntary service campaigns associated with the Takata airbag defect.

In March, the senators introduced the Repairing Every Car to Avoid Lost Lives (RECALL) Act to ensure safety recalls are more quickly completed.

To read the full story from Money.CNN.com, click here. For more about the recall from the National Highway Safety Administration, click here.

to follow Daily Voice New Canaan and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE