Takata air bag problem now widens to 2015 GM vehicles

The deadly problem with exploding Takata air bag inflators continues to spread to newer vehicles, this time hitting a small number of 2015 General Motors cars and SUVs.

GM is recalling more than 400 vehicles because the side air bag inflators could rupture and send shrapnel into drivers and passengers, according to the company and documents posted Saturday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The GM recall is the latest in a problem that continues to widen with no end in sight. U.S. regulators have warned that more manufacturers and newer models are likely to be recalled. Eight people have been killed worldwide because of the faulty inflators and more than 100 have been hurt.

So far, about 23.4 million Takata driver and passenger air bag inflators have been recalled on 19.2 million U.S. vehicles sold by 11 different companies, including Honda and Fiat Chrysler. Last month, the NHTSA sent letters to seven more companies seeking information on models with Takata inflators and warning that the recalls could grow.

Takata’s inflators use ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion that inflates the air bags in a crash. But Takata has said the chemical can degrade inside inflators that are exposed to high temperatures and airborne humidity for prolonged periods. That can cause the chemical to burn too fast, blowing apart a metal canister designed to contain the explosion.

“All Takata-made ammonium nitrate inflators are within the scope of our investigation,” agency spokesman Gordon Trowbridge said Saturday. “If NHTSA determines that additional recalls are necessary to protect public safety, we will take action.”

Messages were left Saturday seeking comment from a Takata spokesman.

The latest recall covers certain 2015 Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu and Camaro vehicles as well as the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS and GMC Terrain. GM told the NHTSA that on Oct. 5, one side air bag inflator exploded with too much force in testing at a Takata plant in Mexico. Takata notified GM on Oct. 6, and GM traced the inflators to 414 vehicles in North America. The company decided on the recall on Oct. 9, according to the documents.

Thousands of other GM cars and SUVs have the seat-mounted Takata inflators. But GM spokesman Alan Adler said other vehicles don’t have the problem.

“No other lots of air bag inflators are suspect,” he said in an e-mail.

Dealers are contacting the vehicle owners and GM already is shipping replacement inflators that weren’t part of the faulty lot. The company will make loaner cars available to owners, who should get to a dealer as soon as possible to get the cars repaired, Adler said. Dealers also will arrange to pick up the vehicles and take them in for repairs, Adler said.