Transport Canada announces more Takata airbag recalls

More Canadian-market vehicles have been recalled to replace faulty Takata airbag inflators that could rupture during deployment, potentially causing improper deployment and/or fragments to be fired toward vehicle occupants.

The latest recalls include nearly 39,000 Dodge Ram pickups from 2002-2003; nearly 31,000 BMWs including 2002-2006 3 Series, 2003-2004 X5 and 2002-2003 5 Series models; a whopping 705,000 Honda and Acura models spanning model years 2001 through 2010; more than 29,000 Ford Ranger pickups from the mid-2000s; Ford GT and Mustang models; Subaru Impreza, WRX and STI models from 2004 and 2005 and the 2005 Saab 9-2X; 2007 and 2008 model year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups; and Mitsubishi Lancer sold in 2004 and 2006.

Transport Canada has set up a Takata recall hub page to help consumers determine whether their car is included in the recall. If the 1.2 million vehicles recalled so far in Canada is a staggering number, it’s nothing next to the 34 million cars affected in the United States, in what that country’s transportation secretary has said is the most complex consumer safety recall in the country’s history.

Here are a few other recent Transport Canada recalls of note.

Mitsubishi has recalled Eclipse coupes and convertibles for an unrelated airbag issue: in 2003, 2004 and 2005 models, a front passenger sunvisor in the down position could be struck by a deploying airbags, turning it into a shady projectile. Eclipse models from 2006 through 2009 model years are being called back as well to fix potentially faulty anti-lock brake hydraulic units.

In more than 25,000 Ford models sold as 2011, 2012 and 2013 models, an electric power steering system fault could cause a sudden power steering failure and lead to increased steering effort at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. The models affected are the Flex, Fusion and Taurus, as well as Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ models. Dealers are being instructed to make repairs as necessary and install new power steering control software.

Finally, there are 391 model-year-2015 Ford Mustangs with the 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine in which “prolonged exposure to elevated underbody temperatures” could cause premature degradation of the fuel tank, fuel vapour lines and parking brake cable seals. The concern is the potential for fires caused by leaking fuel, as well as rollaway situations due to parking brake failures. Dealers will replace the fuel tank shield and apply thermal patches to the tank, parking brake cable lines and fuel vapour lines.