Federal regulators demand that the Takata airbag recall go nationwide

The AP reports that

The federal government is demanding that the auto industry recall millions of additional cars equipped with faulty air bags that can injure -- and even kill -- a driver. The action Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] covers driver's side air bags equipped with inflators made by Takata Corp. of Japan. The inflators can erupt and send metal fragments into the passenger compartment.

Peter Whorisky explains in this article that, if implemented, a nationwide Takata recall may be one of the "largest-ever automobile recalls, and possibly overwhelm manufacturers’ ability to replace the air bag systems." The air bags, NHTSA says, are used by at least 10 automakers — BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota.

Before yesterday, NHTSA wanted only a so-called regional recall, agreeing with Takata that the airbag defect would manifest itself only in what NHTSA considered "high humidity" states.

We have previously posted about NHTSA's regional recall policy, which auto safety advocates claims is irrational and harms the safety and economic well-being of the American public. 

For a previous post on the Takata recall, go here.