Toyota, Nissan Recall Another 6 Million Vehicles For Airbag Issue

(RTTNews) - Japanese automakers Toyota Motor Corp. (TYT.L, TM) and Nissan Motor Co Ltd. (NSANF.PK, NSANY.PK) have decided to recall about 6.5 million vehicles globally, owing to issues related to their airbags manufactured by Takata Corp. (TKTDF.PK).

Toyota will recall less than 5 million Corolla, Vitz and other models, built mostly between March 2003 and November 2007. The recalls are mostly in Japan and Europe. Nissan said its recalling about 1.56 million cars, and did not give further details.

The automakers said the recalls were precautionary. No accidents or injuries have been reported yet on their cars related to this issue.

The companies have reportedly identified problems with inflators, which were not sealed adequately. They were at risk of letting in moisture during extended use.

Six deaths have so far been linked to the defective airbags, five in the U.S. and one in Malaysia, and all were on cars manufactured by Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (HMC).

The recalls linked to Takata are now on par with the recall of about 30 million vehicles that General Motors Co. (GM) made last year for various issues, including glitches with ignition switches.

Toyota closed down 1.1 percent on Wednesday in Tokyo at 8,196 yen. Nissan closed down around 1 percent at 1,246.50 yen.