Despite everything that has been revealed about the defectiveness of their airbags, Takata will continue to use the same propellant to power their airbags. According to the New York Times, the Takata executive Kevin Kennedy told lawmakers that ammonium nitrate can be used safely when it is “properly manufactured and designed.”
Since the early 2000s, Takata has been using this propellant to power the deployment of its airbags, which are now linked to at least six fatal accidents and more than 100 injuries. Though there is mounting evidence to suggest that high humidity influences the airbags’ failure, there is no consensus as to the exact cause of the defect.
During Tuesday’s congressional hearing, lawmakers expressed serious concern over the company’s plans to continue utilizing the propellant in their replacement airbags. Kennedy maintained their safety, referring to the modifications Takata engineers have made to stabilize the propellant and prevent it from becoming susceptible in the same way it had in earlier airbags.
Since some automakers are still in the process of determining whether their vehicles would be affected by what is regarded to be the single largest auto recall of all time, many consumers feel left in the dark. Mark R. Rosekind, the administrator of The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, anticipates having a more complete list of vehicles in about two weeks.