Takata Modifies Airbag Compound

Airbag supplier Takata has reportedly modified the compound used in its airbags.

According to a recent report, a Takata official who spoke on behalf of the company but did not want to be named, revealed that the company has changed the composition of an airbag propellant that contains a volatile chemical that has caused millions of vehicles worldwide to be recalled. The company is not admitting to a defect with the original version and simply stated that the change is in part to improve the quality of its products. The affected vehicles that have been recalled are being outfitted with replacement bags featuring the modified mix but the company has not shared details on how that mix has changed.

SEE ALSO: Nissan, Infiniti Join Massive Airbag Recall

The company did admit that the original compound could cause the airbag inflators to explode with excessive force, spraying metal shards inside the vehicle. Most of the affected vehicles in the recall are in high humidity areas where excessive moisture is causing the issues with the airbags. The massive airbag recall has been linked to at least four deaths in the U.S.

[Source: Automotive News]