DETROIT (AP) — Takata Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection in Japan and the U. S., leaving
DETROIT (AP) — Takata Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection in Japan and the U. S., leaving consumers to wonder about the status of the recall of about 70 million defective air bag inflators in the U. S. and another 30 million worldwide.
The inflators, which fill up air bags in the event of a crash, can explode with too much force and spew metal shrapnel. At least 16 deaths worldwide and more than 180 injuries are blamed on the inflators.
The U. S. government says about 38 percent of the recalled inflators have been replaced. Takata says in Japan the figure is closer to 70 percent. Data for other countries wasn’t available.
What car owners need to know about the massive recall:
WILL THE RECALLS CONTINUE?
Yes. Automakers are ultimately responsible for the safety of their vehicles, and they have been funding the recalls.
Takata’s assets are expected to be sold for $1.6 billion to a rival company, Key Safety Systems, and part of Takata will remain under a different name to make replacement inflators for the recalls. Money from the sale will go to pay claims against Takata, including a court-ordered $850 million that will reimburse automakers for their recall expenses.
___
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF MY CAR HAS BEEN RECALLED?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a complete list of models covered by current and future Takata recalls. The full list can be found on the agency’s website. The government’s website also allows drivers to search for open recalls. Owners should input the car’s vehicle identification number, or VIN, which can be found on the title or registration card, or on the driver’s side dash or door jamb.
