DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Ford is recalling more than 953,000 vehicles worldwide to replace Takata passenger air bag inflators that could explode and hurl shrapnel.
The move includes 782,000 vehicles in the U.S., and is part of the largest series of recalls in U.S. history.
Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to create an explosion to inflate air bags. But it can deteriorate over time due to heat and humidity and explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal canister designed to contain the explosion.
Takata recalls are being phased in through 2020.
"These recalls for Takata airbags have been going on for years now," said Auto Analyst John McElroy, speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950. "Part of the problem is there's so many vehicle involved that they've gotta manufacture millions more airbags than the ever planned to, and it's taking forever to get this done."
Another problem: "There's a lot of people out there, almost one-third of them, who have just ignored this recall," McElroy said. "Automakers have resorted to having contests, to creating apps, even having people going out knocking on doors to try to get people to...bring their car back to the dealer to get it fixed. So many people could not be bothered; they just don't care."
Ford says dealers will replace the airbag inflator or module at no cost to customers.