Which vehicles use Takata airbags?
The short answer is that Takata inflators were used in a wide range of vehicles from many brands, not a single model. To determine if a specific car is affected, check the official recall status by VIN on the NHTSA website or the automaker’s recall portal.
Takata airbag inflators were widely installed across dozens of automakers worldwide, primarily in models produced from the late 1990s through the early 2010s. The defect, caused by moisture-activated chemical propellants, could rupture the inflator and send debris into the cabin. Over the years, a global safety campaign covered many brands and models, with recalls expanding and evolving as regulators refined classifications and replacement timelines. Today, most affected vehicles have been serviced, but the safest step remains verifying status by VIN and following manufacturer guidance.
Major brands that used Takata inflators (high-level overview)
The following brands were among the most affected by Takata inflator recalls. This is not a complete catalog of every model, but it highlights the brands most commonly cited in recall notices. Because inflators were supplied to many manufacturers worldwide, there were additional models beyond those listed here.
- Honda
- Toyota
- Nissan
- Mazda
- Subaru
- Mitsubishi
- Hyundai
- Kia
- BMW
- Ford
- Chrysler (FCA)
- Audi
- Mercedes-Benz
- Porsche
Automakers outside this list also used Takata inflators in various markets and models. For any individual vehicle, confirming recall status via VIN is essential rather than relying on brand alone.
How to verify whether your vehicle is affected
Before you run through the steps below, note that the most reliable way to know is to look up your vehicle by VIN on official recall portals. This ensures you get the exact status for your car, regardless of make or model.
- Find your vehicle’s VIN. It’s usually located on the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver’s door jamb plate.
- Visit the official recall checker (for the United States, the NHTSA Recall Look-up at nhtsa.gov/recalls) and enter your VIN. This will pull up any Takata-related campaigns for your exact vehicle.
- Review the results for Takata airbag inflator recalls, including the campaign number, model year range, and replacement status.
- If your vehicle is listed as affected, contact the dealership or the automaker’s recall center to arrange a free replacement of the inflator.
- Keep an eye on mail notices or owner portals for updates, especially if your vehicle is older or in a region with ongoing recalls.
- If you’ve sold the car or no longer own it, you can still report the recall to the current owner or to the manufacturer so the replacement can be completed if possible.
In practice, most Takata-related recalls have moved to completed status in many markets, but some vehicles—particularly older ones or regional fleets—may still require attention. Always verify with VIN and follow through with the dealer to ensure replacements are done safely.
What to expect during a replacement process
Understanding the replacement process helps motorists plan safely. Below is a high-level overview of what typically happens when a Takata inflator recall is active for a vehicle.
- Notification: Vehicle owners receive recall notices with instructions and a reference campaign number.
- Scheduling: Owners book an appointment with an authorized dealer for the replacement.
- Replacement: The inflator is replaced with a non-defective unit at no cost to the owner.
- Follow-up: In some cases, multiple inflators or related components may be replaced in a single service visit.
Owners should not delay the replacement, as an inflator rupture can pose serious injury risk. Dealers prioritize recalls and will provide guidance on timing and eligibility.
Summary
Takata airbags were used across a broad spectrum of vehicles and brands, with recalls affecting numerous models from the late 1990s through the 2010s. Because inflator configurations varied by vehicle, the definitive way to know if a car is affected is to check the VIN against official recall databases such as the NHTSA lookup or the manufacturer’s portal. If a vehicle is listed, arrange a free replacement through an authorized dealer. Most campaigns have been completed across markets, but always verify status to ensure safety.
