Takata inflators can explode with too much force, spewing shrapnel into drivers and passengers. The faulty inflators have touched off the largest automotive recall in U.S. history, involving 42 million vehicles and 69 million inflators. As of 2015, Takata was the second-largest supplier of air bags in the world, accounting for 20% of the air bags sold. Unlike most other air bag makers, Takata’s inflators use explosive ammonium nitrate to fill air bags in a crash. Honda Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Fiat Chrysler are among the biggest customers for Takata inflators.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 13, 2017 17:09 UTC