Report: Takata continues to dig hole with flawed airbag

Takata still is hitting the headlines after a scandal involving defective airbags for millions of cars built over a decade and now, The New York Times reports that Takata is facing even more controversy after the supplier didn’t instigate a recall in time. More so however, The New York Times alleges that Takata knew of some of the potential dangers surrounding parts in 2004 from secret tests, but failed to report them.

According to certain sources, Takta began pulling and testing airbags from vehicles in junkyards in secrecy and there, they discovered some cracks and problems with the units, all of which forced company workers to begin developing a solution for an apparent recall. But for some reason, the research and development along with the data were ceased and destroyed.

Other investigations also found the issue could go deeper and farther than initially predicted in terms of faulty company quality control. Some instances include failing to inspect potentially damaged components during transport and or ensuring the protection of components, where one instance had employees discover a water leak on vital airbag components. More insiders blame the high demand from auto manufacturers incurring pressure to internal operations.

Either way, this isn’t the last we’ll hear about the problems with Takata airbags.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: The New York Times