Your Guide to the Takata Recalls

Up to 70 million cars in the United States will need to be recalled because they contain dangerous and defective airbag inflators from Takata. Takata is a parts supplier that as one 2014 made 20% of the airbag market. Outside of then US, another 7 million+ cars have been recalled.

Takata Recall Guide

Takata’s Airbags Are Dangerous and Deadly

Every airbag needs an inflator. Otherwise you’d just get hit with a flying sac of fabric in an accident. Inflators are typically metal cartridges with propellant wafers inside.

Takata used ammonium nitrate as their propellent and it quickly became clear that their inflators were deploying with too much force during an accident.

In fact, some inflators were exploding and sending metal shards flying throughout the cabin. Those shards have killed 9 people and injured 140 more.


What Makes the Inflators Explode

An Independent Testing Coalition found that:

  1. The ammonium nitrate doesn’t include a substance to absorb moisture. In areas of high humidity the chemical can become highly unstable and dangerous.
  2. The metal inflators aren’t designed to protect the ammonium nitrate from excess moisture.

Because of their vulnerability to moisture, the recalls have focused first on customers in the following locations:

  • Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Saipan, Guam and American Samoa.

It’s important to note that not all of the recalled inflators contain ammonium nitrate.

PSDI-5 Inflators

In February 2016, Honda expanded their Takata recall list to include vehicles with PSDI-5 inflators. None of those particular inflators have exploded.


High Risk Vehicles

Certain 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles have been labeled as having a “high risk” of airbag inflator ruptures. In late June, 2016, NHTSA urged owners of these cars to stop driving immediately.

Vehicles that have spent a significant amount of time in areas of high-humidity — Florida, Texas, Gulf Coast, Southern CA, etc — have been found to rupture 50% of the time in laboratory settings.

“With as high as a 50 percent chance of a dangerous air bag inflator rupture in a crash, these vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Folks should not drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately, free of charge.”

The “High Risk” List

  • 2001-2002 Honda Civic
  • 2001-2002 Honda Accord
  • 2002-2003 Acura TL
  • 2002 Honda CR-V
  • 2002 Honda Odyssey
  • 2003 Acura CL
  • 2003 Honda Pilot

The vehicles in question were recalled between 2008 and 2011 and according to NHTSA 70% have been repaired. But that leaves approximately 313,000 vehicles that are ticking time-bombs. It is critical that they get fixed and replacement parts will be available immediately.

Own one these cars?

  1. Visit SaferCar.gov to check whether their vehicle has any outstanding safety recalls.
  2. Call your nearest dealer and schedule a no-cost, immediate repair

Which Vehicles Are Recalled?

Keeping track of these recalls has been difficult. They split into zones, expand, and can honestly make your eyes cross. Below is the long list that we've collected but we encourage everyone to visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN for the most up-to-date recall information.

Make Model Years Limited To
Acura CL 2003  
  ILX 2013-2016  
  ILX Hybrid 2013-2014  
  MDX 2003-2006 Zone A, B
    2003-2004 Zone C
    2005-2006  
  RDX 2007-2016  
  RL 2005-2012 Zone A
    2005-2008, 2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2005-2012  
  TL 2002-2003; 2009-2014  
  TSX 2009-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2012  
  TSX Wagon 2011-2013 Zone A
    2011-2012  
  ZDX 2010-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2010-2013  
Audi A3 2006-2013  
  A4 2004-2008 Zone A, B
  A4 Avant 2005-2008  
    2009-2011 Zone C
  A4 Cabriolet 2009 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2006-2009  
  A4 Sedan 2005-2008 Zone B
  A5 Cabriolet 2010-2011  
  A6 2005-2011 Zone A
    2005-2008 Zone B
  A6 Avant 2009-2011 Zone B
    2006-2008  
  A6 Sedan 2009-2011 Zone B
    2009-2011 Zone C
    2005-2008  
  Q5 2009-2012; 2015  
  RS4 Cabriolet 2008  
  RS4 Sedan 2007-2008  
  S4 Avant 2005-2008  
  S4 Cabriolet 2009 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2007-2008  
  S4 Sedan 2005-2008  
  S6 2007-2008  
  S6 Sedan 2009-2011 Zone B
    2009-2011 Zone C
BMW 1-series Coupes 2008-2013  
  1-series Convertibles 2008-2013  
  3-series Convertibles 2001-2013  
  3-series Coupe 2001-2013  
  3-series Sedans 2000-2011  
  3-series Wagons 2002-2013  
  5-series 2003-2004; 2007-2013  
  M3 Convertible 2002-2003  
  M3 Coupe 2002-2003  
  M3 Sedan 2008-2011  
  M5 2003-2004; 2007-2013  
  X1 2013-2015  
  X3 2007-2010  
  X5 2003-2004; 2007-2013  
  X5 xDrive30i 2007-2013 Zone A
    2007-2010 Zone B
    2007-2009 Zone C
  X5 xDrive35i 2007-2013 Zone A
    2007-2010 Zone B
    2007-2009 Zone C
  X5 xDrive35d 2009-2010 Zone A
    2007-2010 Zone B
    2007-2009 Zone C
  X5 xDrive48i 2007-2013 Zone A
    2007-2010 Zone B
    2007-2009 Zone C
  X5 xDrive50i 2007-2013 Zone A
    2007-2010 Zone B
    2007-2009 Zone C
  X5 M 2007-2013 Zone A
    2007-2010 Zone B
    2007-2009 Zone C
  X6 2008-2014  
  X6 xDrive35i 2012 Zone A
    2008-2009 Zone B
    2008  
  X6 xDrive50i 2012 Zone A
    2008-2009 Zone B
    2008  
  X6 ActiveHybrid 2010-2011 Zone A
  X6 M 2008-2013 Zone A
    2008-2010 Zone B
    2007-2009 Zone C
Buick LaCrosse 2015  
Cadillac Escalade 2007-2011 (pending)
  Escalade ESV 2007-2011 (pending)
  Escalade EXT 2007-2011 (pending)
  XTS 2015 (pending)
Chevrolet Avalanche 2007-2011 (pending)
  Camaro 2015  
  Equinox 2015  
  Malibu 2015  
  Tahoe 2007-2011 (pending)
  Silverado 1500 2007-2011 (pending)
  Silverado 2500 2007-2008  
    2009-2011 (pending)
  Silverado 3500 2007-2008  
    2009-2011 (pending)
  Suburban 2007-2011 (pending)
Chrysler 300 2005-2013 Zone A
    2005-2010 Zone B
    2005-2009 Zone C
  300C 2005-2010  
  Aspen 2007-2009 Zone A, B
    2007-2009 Zone C
  Crossfire 2006-2007  
Dodge Challenger 2008-2013 Zone A
    2008-2010 Zone B
    2008-2009 Zone C
  Charger 2006-2013 Zone A
    2006-2010 Zone B
    2006-2009 Zone C
    2005-2010  
  Dakota 2005-2011 Zone A
    2005-2010 Zone B
    2005-2009 Zone C
  Durango 2004-2009 Zone A, B
    2004-2009 Zone C
  Magnum 2005-2008 Zone A, B, C
    2005-2010  
  Ram 1500 2003-2008  
  Ram 2500 2003-2009  
    2009 Zone C
  Ram 3500 2003-2009  
    2009 Zone C
  Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 2009-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  Ram 4500 2008-2010  
  Ram 4500 Cab Chassis 2009-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  Ram 5500 2008-2010  
  Ram 5500 Cab Chassis 2009-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  Sprinter 2500 2007-2008, 2013  
  Sprinter 3500 2007-2008, 2013  
Ferrari 458 Italia 2012 Zone A
    2010-2011  
  458 Spider 2012 Zone A
  California 2012 Zone A
    2009-2011  
  FF 2012 Zone A
Fisker Fisker Karma 2012 Zone A
Ford Edge 2007-2010  
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  Fusion 2006-2012  
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  GT 2005-2006  
  Mustang 2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2005-2014  
  Ranger 2004-2012  
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
GMC Sierra 1500 2007-2011 (pending)
  Sierra 2500HD 2007-2008  
    2009-2011 (pending)
  Sierra 3500HD 2007-2008  
    2009-2011 (pending)
  Terrain 2015  
  Yukon 2007-2011 (pending)
  Yukon XL 2007-2011 (pending)
Honda Accord 2008-2013 Zone A
    2008, 2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2012  
  Accord (4-cylinder) 2001-2007  
  Accord (V6) 2001-2002  
  Accord Crosstour 2008-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
  Civic 2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2008, 2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2001-2011  
  Civic GX 2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
  Civic Hybrid 2003-2005  
    2006-2013 Zone A
    2006-2008, 2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  Crosstour 2010-2012  
  CR-V 2005-2013 Zone A
    2005-2008, 2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2002-2004  
    2016  
  CR-Z 2011-2015  
  Element 2003-2011 Zone A
    2003-2008, 2010 Zone B
    2003-2004, 2009 Zone C
  FCX Clarity 2010-2013 Zone A
    2012-2014  
  Fit 2007-2013 Zone A
    2007-2008, 2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2007-2014  
  Insight 2010-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2010-2014  
  Odyssey 2002-2004 Zone A, B, C
  Pilot 2011-2013 Zone A
    2003-2008 Zone A, B
    2010 Zone B
    2003-2004, 2009 Zone C
    2005-2012  
  Ridgeline 2006-2013 Zone A
    2006-2008, 2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2012-2014  
Infiniti FX35 2005-2008 Zone A, B
    2003-2008  
  FX45 2005-2008  
  i30 2003-2004 Zone A, B, C
    2001-2004  
  i35 2003-2004 Zone A, B, C
    2001-2004  
  M35 2006-2010 Zone A, B
  M45 2006-2010 Zone A, B
  QX4 2002-2003  
Jaguar XF 2009-2015 Zone A
    2011-2015 Zone B
    2009-2015 Zone C
Jeep Wrangler 2007-2013 Zone A
    2007-2012 Zone B
    2007-2009 Zone C
Land Rover Range Rover 2007-2012 Zone A
    2010-2012 Zone B
    2007-2012 Zone C
Lexus ES 350 2007-2011 Zone A
    2007-2009 Zone B
    2012  
  GX 460 2010-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2012  
  IS F 2012 Zone A
    2009 Zone B
    2008  
  IS 250 2010-2013 Zone A
    2006-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  IS 250C 2010-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2006-2009  
  IS 350 2013 Zone A
    2006-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  IS 350C 2010-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2006-2009  
  IS F 2008-2011, 2013 Zone A
    2008, 2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2012  
  LFA 2012 Zone A
  SC 430 2002-2010  
Lincoln MKX 2007-2010  
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  MKZ 2006-2012  
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  Zephyr 2006-2012  
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
Mazda B-Series 2009 Zone B
    2007-2009 Zone C
    2004-2006  
  CX-7 2007-2012 Zone A
    2007-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  CX-9 2007-2013 Zone A
    2007-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  Mazda6 2003-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2003-2004, 2010 Zone C
  MPV 2004-2006 Zone A
    2006-2008 Zone B
    2004 Zone C
  RX-8 2004-2011 Zone A
    2004-2008, 2010 Zone B
    2004-2009 Zone C
Mercedes-Benz C63 2008 Zone B
  C63 AMG 2008-2013 Zone A
    2009-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  C63 AMG Coupe 2012-2013 Zone A
  C230 2005-2007  
  C250 2012-2013 Zone A
  C250 Coupe 2012-2013 Zone A
  C320 2005  
  C300 2008-2011 Zone A
    2008-2010 Zone B
    2008-2009 Zone C
  C300 4Matic 2008-2013 Zone A
    2008-2010 Zone B
    2008-2009 Zone C
  C350 2006-2013 Zone A
    2008-2009 Zone B
    2008-2009 Zone C
  C350 Coupe 2012-2013 Zone A
  C350 Coupe 4Matic 2012-2013 Zone A
  E63 AMG 2010-2011  
  E350 2010-2011 Zone A
  E350 Cabriolet 2012-2013 Zone A
  E350 Coupe 2012-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
  E350 Coupe 4Matic 2012-2013 Zone A
  E550 2010  
    2011 Zone A
  E550 Cabriolet 2012-2013 Zone A
  E550 Coupe 2012-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
  GL320 Diesel 2009-2010  
  GL350 Diesel 2011-2012  
  GL450 2009-2012  
  GL550 2009-2012  
  GLK250 Bluetec 4Matic 2013 Zone A
  GLK350 2010-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2012  
  GLK350 4Matic 2010-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
  ML63 AMG 2009-2011  
  ML320 2009-2010  
  ML350 2009-2011  
  ML450 Hybrid 2010-2011  
  ML550 2009-2011  
  R320 Diesel 2009-2010  
  R350 2009-2012  
  SLK55 AMG 2007-2008  
  SLK280 2007-2008  
  SLK350 2007-2008  
  SLS 2011-2014  
  SLS AMG Cabriolet 2012 Zone A
  SLS AMG Coupe 2012-2013 Zone A
  SLS Roadster 2013 Zone A
  Sprinter 2500 2010-2014  
  Sprinter 3500 2010-2014  
Mercury Milan 2006-2011  
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
Mitsubishi iMiEV 2012; 2014  
  Lancer 2004-2006  
  Lancer EVO 2004-2006  
  Raider 2006-2009 Zone A, B
  Raider 2006-2008 Zone C
Nissan Maxima 2001-2003  
  Pathfinder 2002-2004  
  Sentra 2002-2006  
  Versa Hatchback 2007-2012 Zone A
    2007-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
  Versa Sedan 2011 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
Pontiac Vibe 2009-2010 Zone A
    2009-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2003-2007  
Ram 1500 2004-2008 Zone A, B
  2500 2005-2009 Zone A, B, C
  3500 2006-2009 Zone A, B
    2006-2008 Zone C
  3500 Cab Chassis 2007-2010 Zone A
    2007-2009 Zone B
    2007-2008 Zone C
  4500 Cab Chassis 2008-2010 Zone A
    2008-2009 Zone B
    2008 Zone C
  5500 Cab Chassis 2008-2009 Zone A
    2008-2009 Zone B
    2008 Zone C
Saab 9-2X 2006 Zone A, B, C
    2005-2006  
  9-3 2003-2011  
  9-5 2010-2011  
Saturn Astra 2008-2009  
Scion xB 2008-2013 Zone A
    2008-2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
Subaru Baja 2005-2006 Zone A, B
    2003-2006 Zone C
  Forester 2009-2012 Zone A
    2009-2010 Zone B
    2009-2013 Zone C
  Impreza 2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2010 Zone B
    2006-2011 Zone C
  Impreza WRX 2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2009 Zone B
    2006-2008 Zone C
    2004-2005  
  Impreza STi 2006-2011 Zone A
    2006-2009 Zone B
    2006-2008 Zone C
    2004-2005  
  Legacy 2003-2004 Zone A, B, C
    2009-2012 Zone A
    2009-2010 Zone B
    2009-2013 Zone C
  Outback 2003-2004 Zone A, B, C
    2009-2012 Zone A
    2009-2010 Zone B
    2009-2013 Zone C
  Tribeca 2006-2012 Zone A
    2006-2010 Zone B
    2009-2013 Zone C
    2006-2008  
  WRX 2009, 2012 Zone A
    2009-2010 Zone B
    2009-2013 Zone C
Tesla Model S 2012-2013 Zone A
Toyota 4Runner 2010-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
  Corolla 2009-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2003-2012  
  Matrix 2009-2013 Zone A
    2010 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2003-2012  
  RAV4 2004-2005  
  Sequoia 2002-2007  
  Sienna 2011-2013 Zone A
  Tundra 2003-2006  
  Yaris 2006-2012 Zone A
    2007-2012 Zone B
    2009 Zone C
    2007-2008; 2012  
Volkswagen CC 2009-2014  
  Eos 2012-2014  
  Golf 2010-2014  
  Jetta SportWagen 2010-2014  
  Passat 2006-2010  
    2012-2014 Sedan
  Tiguan 2015  

What are Zones?

Takata recalls are increasingly being broken down into what NHTSA calls zones. A zone is a group of states and territories where a vehicle was originally sold or registered at some point in time. A few notes about zones:

  1. A vehicle can be recalled in more than one zone.
  2. When no zone is defined, the recall was more widespread. Possibly internationally.
  3. If you find this all very confusing, you’re not alone my friend.

So, here we go:

  • Zone A: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Zone B: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
  • Zone C: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

* Excludes C55 AMG, but includes the 2009-2011 C63 AMG. I know, right?

Takata Timeline

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