GM to Recall 5.9 Million Vehicles With Takata Air-Bag Inflaters

General Motors Co. has agreed to recall 5.9 million SUV and pickup-truck models to replace potentially faulty Tataka air-bag inflaters, a fix that could cost the auto maker more than $1 billion.

GM had asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration not to order a recall of the vehicles because the auto maker believed they were safe. The agency denied that request Monday, saying its research shows Takata inflaters installed in GM vehicles are prone to the deadly explosions reported in other auto makers’ cars.

… This post first appeared on wsj.com

General Motors Co. will recall about 5.9 million vehicles with Takata Corp. air-bag inflaters after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rejected the company’s petition to exclude certain trucks and SUVs from the recalls.

The safety agency said Monday that the company’s inflaters have the same risk of explosion after long-term exposure to high heat and humidity as other recalled Takata inflaters.

GM has 30 days to provide the NHTSA with a plan to notify vehicle owners and start repairing its air bags, the agency said.

“Based on data generated through independent scientific evaluation conducted over several years, we disagree with NHTSA’s position,” General Motors said. “However, we will abide by NHTSA’s decision and begin taking the necessary steps.”

Takata, whose faulty air bags have been linked to deaths and injuries, filed for bankruptcy in 2017, and auto makers set aside billions of dollars to cover settlements and replacement costs.

This post first appeared on wsj.com