Regulators claim 19 million vehicles in need of Takata airbag replacements

The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHTSA) noted that 19.2 million vehicles in the U.S. are equipped with 23.4 million Takata inflators, out of which 4 million cars are reported to have defective air bags on both passenger’s and driver’s side, according to The Japan Times. The official said the numbers could continue to be revised.

U.S. federal regulators have significantly reduced the estimated number of vehicles affected by defective Takata airbag inflators. The lower figure was due partly to double-counting of airbags and vehicles, reported Reuters, citing an NHTSA official.

The recalls in the United States affect 11 automakers: BMW, FCA (Chrysler), Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota.

So far, only 4.4 million air bag inflators have been replaced.

Defective Takata airbag inflators may be disproportionately risky for certain models, with failure rates exceeding two percent in some cases.

Officials say at least eight people have been killed by the air bags because they can explode with too much force and spray shrapnel into the vehicle. The agency plans to hold a public event in the fall to discuss of these efforts.

NHTSA also said it has completed its own initial testing of Takata inflators, with preliminary results “broadly consistent” with Takata’s data on the risk associated with vehicles from high-humidity geographic areas.