Millions Of Cars Affected By Airbag Defect; Manufacturer Says No To Recall

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Millions of cars with a potentially deadly defect are still on the roads. Exploding airbags have been linked to at least five deaths. Now the Japanese airbag manufacturer has defied a government order to issue a nationwide recall.

Meghan McCorkell has more on what that means for drivers.

If that recall is expanded nationwide, it would double the number of US cars affected to 16 million.

Investigators say a defect in Takata Airbags can cause them to explode, sending shrapnel flying into cars. The airbags have been linked to at least five deaths and dozens of horrifying injuries.

"It was terrifying. I thought I was going to bleed out at first," said victim Stephanie Erdman.

"I cannot see anything with both my eyes. I'm totally blind," said victim Shashi Chopra.

But Wednesday on Capitol Hill, Takata officials defied a government demand to expand its recall nationwide.

"Takata continues to believe that the public safety is best served if the area of high absolute humidity remain the priority," said Hiroshi Shimizu, Takata Corp.

Takata and automakers already recalled eight million cars here in the US with defective airbags---mostly in southern states. The company believes humidity contributes to the defect but a VP admits they still haven't figured out the root cause. It's a fact that disturbs Maryland Congressman John Sarbanes, who fired questions at that executive during Wednesday's hearing.

"If you don't know the root cause they you really don't know how to fix the problem," Sarbanes said.

Ten automakers use the Takata Airbags. Wednesday, Honda voluntarily expanded its recall to include all states. Sarbanes wants the entire recall to go nationwide so it will include Maryland.

"There's no question that people are concerned. The driving public wants to know that they're safe in their car," Sarbanes said.

He says that won't happen until Takata complies with federal regulations.

Takata could face fines of up to $35 million for refusing to expand the recall.

Wednesday night, both Ford and Chrysler also expanded their recalls to include several more states.

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