Cover image via NBC
On 26 June, an airbag made by Japanese auto supplier Takata caused the death of a woman when she got into a minor collision at Kota Damansara
According to automotive news site [PaulTan](http://paultan.org/2016/06/27/another-possible-airbag-shrapnel-death-in-malaysia-all-you-need-to-know-about-takata-airbag-recalls/), a collision between a Honda City and Mercedes-Benz happened on 26 June at Kota Damansara. The 44-year-old driver of the Honda City died after a shrapnel pierced her in the chest.
Although the official cause of death has not been determined yet, Honda Malaysia has since confirmed that the Takata airbag built into the steering wheel had exploded
Image via Mofaz
The 14th death that has been tied to the ruptures of Takata-made airbag inflaters, which is currently at a mass worldwide recall. While most of the fatalities took place in the USA, four have now taken place in Malaysia.
Image via Gannett
Two crashes involving Takata airbags in April and May this year resulted in the death of two drivers. It has been reported that they died of neck injuries caused by propellants in the airbags.
Why do Takata airbags keep exploding?
Image via Atkins And Markoff
According to science company Orbital ATK, the first cause is the material used to inflate the airbag – **ammonium nitrate, which can go bad when exposed to high heat and humidity.**
The second cause relates to a lack of moisture-absorbing substance within the inflator that helps to protect the ammonium nitrate. Finally, the inflator assemblies do not sufficiently protect the contents within from humidity. **Combine those three factors, and you've got a perfect storm of worst-case scenarios.**
Well, sounds like bad news for us because it's hot and humid all year round here in Malaysia!
The Takata airbag issue is something serious and shouldn't be ignored by Malaysian drivers. Below is a list of car brands that are currently recalling vehicles affected by faulty Takata airbags:
1. Honda
Image via Zero To Hundred
For Honda car owners, you can use the [online VIN checker](http://www.honda.com.my/service_maintenance/product_update?utm_source=tr.im&utm_medium=paultan.org&utm_campaign=paultan.link%2Fhondavinchecker&utm_content=link_click) to check if your car is affected. **Your VIN number should be located in your JPJ registration or insurance cover under 'No.chasis.'** The latest recall for Honda Malaysia this time involves models manufactured from 2003 to 2011.
Last week, Honda Malaysia has recalled over 100k vehicles to replace faulty front passenger airbags. For more info, head to Honda Malaysia's official **[website](http://www.honda.com.my/)** or call **1800-88-2020.**
2. Toyota
Image via Skyscraper City
Last year, Toyota Malaysia recalled close to 30k vehicles on the road for faulty Takada airbags. **The models include the Toyota Vios, Corolla Altis, Yaris, Camry and RAV 4 manufactured in April 2007 to December 2008.**
If you own any of the models mentioned above, you should call Toyota Malaysia at **1800-8-869682** with your VIN number ready.
3. Mazda
Image via The News Wheel
Mazda Malaysia has started its recall initiative earlier this month, **calling owners of Mazda 6 (GG) manufactured between 2003 to 2007 and Mazda BT-50 (J97M) manufactured between 2006 to 2011** to have their airbags replaced.
You can key in your VIN number **[here](http://www.mazda.com.my/Community/takatarecallfaq.aspxto)** check if your car is affected. Alternatively, you could call Mazda Malaysia at **03-7627-8999** for more details.
4. Nissan
Image via MMBizToday
Nissan Malaysia recalled over 12k vehicles last year as part of its Takata recall programme. **The affected models are the T30 X-Trail CKD, J31 Teana CBU, and M12 Liberty CBU.**
If you have any questions, you can call the help centre at **1800 88 3838.** As usual, have your VIN number ready.
5. Subaru
Image via Subaru
PaulTan reported that Subaru Malaysia has confirmed that vehicles in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines and Thailand are affected by the recall. **Representatives from the company will be calling up affected drivers to have their airbags replaced.**
You can also head to Subaru Malaysia's **[official website](http://www.subaru.asia/my/en/home/)** for more information.
6. Mitsubishi
Image via Logo Design Love
Mitsubishi Malaysia has recalled two of its models thus far – **the Mitsubishi Lancer, manufactured between 2004 to 2006 and the Mitsubishi Triton, manufactured between 2006 to 2014.**
You can check if your car is affected by checking the recall status with the VIN **[here](http://mitsubishi-motors.com.my/field-fix-campaign?utm_source=paultan).** If you prefer to speak over the phone, call the hotline at **1-800-18-6611.**
