Chrysler expands recall to 3.3 million vehicles

Under pressure from regulators, the company
will replace airbags in affected vehicles
worldwide.

Under pressure from federal regulators,
Chrysler will expand a recall of cars and
trucks equipped with Takata airbags.
It will now replace driver's-side airbags in 3.3
million older-model vehicles worldwide,
including 2.9 million in the U.S.

Chrysler previously limited its recall to autos in
areas with high humidity, including Florida,
Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands,
where the airbags are believed to be more
prone to rupturing.
Ten automakers, including Fiat Chrysler
Automobiles ( ), have recalled cars and
trucks with Tataka airbags because of fears the
airbags can explode and send shrapnel into
drivers and passengers.
Chrysler emphasized that it is not aware of any
problems with the driver-side airbags in the
expanded region -- even after conducting 1,000
laboratory tests. But it will nevertheless replace
the parts.

 Takata has struggled with airbag
problems since late 1990s
On Thursday, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration said it was prepared to force
Chrysler, as well as BMW and Takata, to expand
the recall in the interest of public safety.
Ford ( ), Mazda ( ), and Honda ( )
have also agreed to issue national recalls of
vehicles that could have the defective Takata
part.