Airbag recalls explained: Takata, ARC and what to do

Some airbag inflators can rupture when the airbag deploys, sending sharp metal fragments into the cabin. The Takata airbag recall is the largest auto recall in US history, covering tens of millions of inflators across many brands. If your vehicle has an open airbag recall, get it fixed as soon as possible. The repair is free.

How an airbag inflator works

In a crash, a sensor tells the airbag control module to fire the inflator. The inflator is a small metal canister containing a chemical propellant. When ignited, the propellant burns very quickly and produces gas that fills the airbag in a fraction of a second.

If the propellant burns too fast, pressure can build up beyond what the canister can take. The canister can then burst and throw metal fragments at the driver or passenger. These ruptures have caused deaths and serious injuries.

The Takata recall

Takata inflators used ammonium nitrate as the propellant, without a drying agent in many of the affected designs. Over years of exposure to heat, humidity and daily temperature swings, the propellant can break down. Degraded propellant can burn too fast and rupture the inflator.

Key points:

• The recall covers driver and passenger front airbags in vehicles from many manufacturers, mostly from the early 2000s to the mid-2010s.
• The risk grows with age, and is highest in vehicles that have spent long periods in hot, humid climates.
• Because so many inflators were affected, the recalls were phased in over several years, with the highest-risk vehicles and regions first.
• Many recalled vehicles are now on their second, third or fourth owner, who may never have received a letter.

"Alpha" inflators: the highest risk

A small group of Takata inflators, called "alpha" inflators, has a far higher chance of rupturing than the rest. They are found mostly in certain 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura models. NHTSA has urged owners of these vehicles not to drive them at all until the inflator is replaced. If your vehicle is one of them, read our guide to do-not-drive recalls and arrange a tow or mobile repair.

Replacement parts from salvage vehicles

Recalled inflators have sometimes ended up back in vehicles through used parts from salvage yards. If your vehicle was repaired after a crash, especially with used parts, ask the dealer to check whether the airbags are recalled parts. Never buy a used airbag for your own repair.

ARC inflators

NHTSA has also investigated airbag inflators made by ARC Automotive and by another company using ARC's design. The concern is that, in rare cases, manufacturing debris could block the inflator's opening during deployment, causing pressure to build and the inflator to rupture.

Some vehicle manufacturers have recalled specific vehicles with these inflators. The situation has developed over time, so the reliable way to know whether your vehicle is affected is to check its VIN.

Other kinds of airbag recalls

Not every airbag recall involves a rupturing inflator. Others include:

• Control modules or sensors that may stop the airbags from deploying in a crash.
• Wiring and connectors, including the clock spring behind the steering wheel, that can disconnect the driver's airbag.
• Passenger detection systems that may switch off the front passenger airbag when an adult is in the seat, or leave it on for a child seat.
• Airbags that deploy unexpectedly, without a crash.

You can see airbag complaints and recalls for your vehicle on our airbag problems page.

How to check your vehicle

1. Find your VIN. It is on the lower driver's side of the windshield, on the driver's door jamb and on your registration.
2. Check it. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls or in our VIN check. Airbag recalls will show as open if the work has not been done.
3. Read the recall description. It will say which airbag is affected and whether there is a do-not-drive warning.
4. Check again later. Some airbag recalls were added in phases, so a vehicle that was clear before can have an open recall now.

What to do if your airbags are recalled

1. Call a dealer for your brand. Any franchised dealer can do the work. Ask if parts are in stock and how long it takes. Airbag replacements are often done in a few hours.
2. Ask about towing, mobile repair and a loaner if the recall says not to drive, or if parts are delayed.
3. Follow any interim advice. If the passenger airbag is recalled and the manufacturer advises against using that seat, do not let anyone sit there until it is fixed.
4. Keep the repair order showing the recall was completed, and check your VIN again a few weeks later.

Our guide on what to do if your car has a recall covers dealer delays and refusals.

Warning signs to take seriously

• The airbag or SRS warning light stays on after the car starts. The system may not work in a crash.
• The passenger airbag status light shows "off" when an adult is sitting there.
• You have had work done on the dashboard or steering wheel and the light came on afterward.

A warning light does not mean you have a recall, but it does mean the system needs checking. Do not try to remove or repair airbags yourself. They can deploy with great force.

Questions and answers