Honda Reportedly To Recall 20 Mln Takata Air Bag Parts

(RTTNews) - Nikkei reported that Honda Motor (HMC) will recall an additional 20 million-plus Takata-made air bag parts globally, including in Europe where no accidents related to the potentially defective air bag have been reported.

The precautionary measure by the biggest buyer of Takata air bags may prompt other automakers to follow suit.

The number of parts in the latest recall brings the total number to over 50 million -- including parts the company has already requested. Most are used in passenger-seat air bags. The additional cost is estimated at 200 billion yen or $1.86 billion, the report said.

Honda, along with other manufacturers, has already been ordered by U.S. authorities to recall all units that do not contain a desiccant that keeps explosives from deteriorating. The company also plans to recall air bag parts in Asia, Oceania and Latin America.

Honda plans to have identified all vehicles equipped with the air bag by later this month, before submitting a recall plan to the U.S. authorities.

The lack of related accidents in Europe has been put down to lower exposure to high temperatures and humidity, which the U.S. authorities believe may cause the inflator to explode. The recall in Europe is being taken as a precautionary measure.