Mazda Adds Small Pickups To Massive Takata Airbag Recall

Mazda is recalling almost 4,000 older small pickup trucks mainly in southern U.S. states to replace Takata airbag inflators.

The recall covers passenger airbags in B-Series trucks made by Ford from the 2007 to 2009 model years.

The recall is part of a massive expansion of Takata recalls announced in May.

(AP Photo)

Seventeen automakers are adding 35 million-to-40 million inflators to what already was the largest auto recall in U.S. history. The number of inflators recalled could hit 69 million.

Takata uses ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to fill airbags. But the chemical can deteriorate and burn too fast, blowing apart a metal canister and hurling shrapnel. At least 11 people have died worldwide.

Dealers will replace the inflators, but no timing was announced for repairs.