Ford Backs Out from Using Takata Airbag Inflators

Takata Corp. is now hanging by a thread after recently making global headlines due to its defective airbag inflators, and it seems that it would take some time before the Japanese company reclaims its glory in the automotive world. Just recently, Ford joined the list of automakers that backed out from using certain Takata airbag inflators.

In a statement, Ford spokesman Kelli Felker said that their products currently in development would not be equipped with Takata inflators that use ammonium nitrate.

The American company is the fourth automaker joining Honda, Toyota and Nissan in moving away from the airbag components produced by the struggling parts manufacturer, which is the subject of the biggest recall in U.S. history.

So far, 12 carmakers, including Ford, have recalled vehicles equipped with Takata inflators. Approximately 19.2 million vehicles have been recalled due to the potential for exploding shrapnel from faulty parts. Reports confirm that the defect has caused at least eight deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide.

In total, Ford has recalled 1,509,535 vehicles from the 2005-14 model years due to the defect. The 2004-06 Ford Ranger pickups built in North America have been recalled due to passenger-side inflators as well as the 2005-06 GT supercars and 2005-14 Mustang sports cars have been recalled due to driver-side inflators.

According to Felker, it remains a possibility that Ford would continue purchasing other parts from Takata in the future. The company also manufactures seat belts.

Earlier this month, Takata agreed to pay $70 million fine as part of an agreement with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The company, which revealed it was fully aware of the defect but failed to issue a timely recall, will do away from using ammonium nitrate in its inflators.

In case of violation of the U.S. auto safety laws or its consent order, Takata should pay an extra $130 million. NHTSA will choose an independent safety monitor to watch over the company over the next five years.