November 17, 2017

Tel.: (202) 366-9550

Public.Affairs@dot.gov

Statement Attributable to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

(NHTSA) is committed to the safety of the American public and today released a status report

prepared by the Independent Monitor detailing successes and challenges in the Takata air bag 

recalls, as well as proven tactics to increase recall completion rates. In addition, NHTSA has

refreshed its website to provide updated information regarding the Takata air bag recalls – the 

largest and most complex vehicle recalls in U.S. history.

These recalls currently involve 19 automakers and approximately 46 million Takata air bag 

inflators in an estimated 34 million vehicles. These statistics will continue to fluctuate as repairs 

are made and previously announced recall campaigns launch on a rolling basis under the 

coordinated remedy program. 

The Independent Monitor’s status report discusses progress made by the affected automakers to 

improve completion rates during these unprecedented recalls, however there is still much work to 

be done by all involved. 

Lessons learned:

 Recall repair rates vary widely by automaker. Consumer response rates can also vary, 

based on factors including the perceived urgency, understanding of the risk, and 

convenience of getting the repair. 

 Automakers that have made significant efforts are, generally, seeing better success. The 

report noted that some OEMs have doubled and tripled their recall completion rates, or 

are significantly exceeding early recall completion milestones set by NHTSA.

 Recall outreach campaigns that use multiple communication channels and tactics in 

combination, such as door-to-door canvassing, mobile repairs, traditional first-class mail, 

text messages, social media, and phone calls, have higher repair rates. 
As part of the review of each vehicle manufacturer’s completion rates and recall completion 

strategies, NHTSA is working with the Independent Monitor to develop and expand the use of 

best practices to help the manufacturers achieve their individual repair goals.

These recommendations are designed to ensure recalled air bags are replaced quickly for the 

safety of the public.

The lessons learned underscore the important role consumers have in the recall process. As part 

of the agency’s ongoing public education efforts, we continue to urge the public to take the five

following actions:

1. Visit NHTSA.gov to find out if your car or truck is under recall. Search using your 

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Your search result will tell you if your car or truck 

is included in this or any other safety recall at this time.

2. If your vehicle does have a recall, and repair parts are available, call your local dealer to 

schedule the free repair. 

3. Sign up at NHTSA.gov/Alerts to be notified by e-mail if your vehicle is affected by a 

future recall. 

4. Get answers to frequently asked questions at NHTSA.gov/recall-spotlight/takata-air-bags.

5. Help spread the word: share NHTSA’s Consumer Fact Sheet and Video with friends and 

family.