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Takata recall of 10 million replacement airbag inflators could get even larger

Takata is recalling 10 million replacement air bag inflators in the United States, the largest ever auto safety recall in history, as U.S. regulators consider whether to expand its scope to include modules that have not yet been the subject of a recall campaign.  Nearly every OEM that sells cars in the U.S. falls under the umbrella of this replacement part recall, including the Detroit Three, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Daimler, Subaru and Volkswagen (including Audi).  The 10 million inflator recall made public in early January covers inflators that were a temporary fix. The figure includes some replacement modules that never made it into customer vehicles. Several automakers, including Subaru, have already initiated campaigns to replace the previously recalled inflators with updated parts. Separately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is assessing whether to compel the recall of tens of millions of additional Takata air bag inflators that have a drying agent. It is also reviewing petitions from General Motors Co to avoid recalling more than 6 million vehicles with Takata inflators. GM has said it could cost $1.2 billion if it had to recall the vehicles. Prior to Wednesday, 41.6 million U.S. vehicles equipped with 56 million defective Takata air bags have been recalled because the inflators can explode when deployed. At least 25 deaths worldwide and more than 290 injuries have been linked to faulty Takata inflators. The Takata recalls cover about 100 million inflators among 19 major automakers worldwide. NHTSA says the cause of the inflator explosions that can emit deadly fragments is propellant breaking down after long-term exposure to high temperature fluctuations and humidity. The vehicle inflators recalled to date do not have a drying agent. Under a 2015 consent order, Takata had to provide data to U.S. regulators by Dec. 31 about whether tens of millions of additional so-called desiccated inflators need to be recalled. Acting NHTSA Administrator James Owens told Reuters the agency was reviewing data on the desiccated inflators and talking to automakers. "We are going to lean in on safety and if we detect a safety problem we will immediately take action," Owens said, adding that the agency could make a decision early in 2020.

Subaru recalling 72k EyeSight-equipped sedans and CUVs

Despite critical acclaim, the Subaru EyeSight system is in a bit of trouble today. Some 72,000 cars and crossovers equipped with the comprehensive active safety suite are being recalled. Affected vehicles include the 2015 and 2016 model year Legacy sedans built from March 10, 2014 to April 16, 2015, Outback crossovers built between February 24, 2014 and April 16, 2015, XV Crosstrek CUVs built from October 16, 2014 to April 15, 2015. Also included are EyeSight-equipped 2016 WRX sedans built after March 23, 2015. The problem rests with the EyeSight system's pre-collision braking system, or perhaps more accurately, the switch that activates the brake lights. According to the bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, should that switch fail, not only will the brake lights not turn on, the automatic braking system won't work either. Subaru is in the process of notifying owners, who will need to report to dealers to have the system reprogrammed. Scroll down for the official notification from NHTSA. Related Video: Report Receipt Date: JUN 12, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V366000 Component(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING , FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE Potential Number of Units Affected: 72,000 Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc. SUMMARY: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function. CONSEQUENCE: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

A stylish Subaru? Viziv Adrenaline previews next-gen Crosstrek

We're big fans of the Subaru Crosstrek — the lifted version of the Impreza hatchback — especially the new plug-in hybrid variant. So much so that one of us spent our hard-earned money on one. The rugged styling and extra ground clearance give it a little more character than the average hatchback. The second-gen model made its debut two years ago at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. At this year's show, Subaru revealed the new Viziv Adrenaline concept, a good preview of what the next Crosstrek might look like. Subaru says the Viziv Adrenaline uses the company's new "BOLDER" design philosophy. It's still obviously a Subaru, but the lines are sharper than what you see on the current production model. The Viziv Adrenaline packs LED lighting both front and rear, including six-dot fog lights that are mirrored on the rear bumper. White accents on the wheels and roof give it a handsome two-tone look, something that's becoming popular on compact crossovers like the Volvo XC40 and Toyota C-HR. The idea is to make the models even more distinct than they currently are. Some have criticized the new Forester and Ascent for being a little too conservative. We don't know for sure that this is what the next-gen Crosstrek might look like, but based on the size and styling, it's hard to imagine that this is anything else. Design/Style Geneva Motor Show Subaru Crossover Hatchback Concept Cars subaru crosstrek