Japanese car manufacturer Honda has announced that it is expanding its recall order involving cars that may have been equipped with faulty airbags from Takata. A Honda senior executive confirmed that at least 21 million more cars worldwide will be added to the current recall list.

Honda publicized the figure after United States regulators doubled the scope of the airbag recall in the county. Regulars said that an additional 35 million to 40 million more vehicles need to be fixed.

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Honda, which happens to be Takata's biggest client, will now recall at least 51 million cars in total, including the recently announced 21 million faulty vehicles.

Honda vice president Tetsuo Iwamura did not specify how many of the 21 million cars were sold in the US. He did not also provide a breakdown of all the car models that are part of the new recall list. However, market experts believe that a significant portion of the recall will come from the US since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered the new recall last week.

Regulators claim that airbag inflaters manufactured by Takata can explode with too much force when deployed during a crash. This massive explosion can cause shrapnel to be fired into the vehicles cabin, with the possibility of injuring both the driver and passengers. According to Reuters, at least 11 deaths and more than 100 injuries have been reported as a result of such explosions.

Honda has revealed that it has set aside 267 billion yen ($2.45 billion) to cover all recall-related costs. This will bring Honda's total recall expenses for the financial year that ended in March to 436 billion yen ($4.75 billion).

Car manufacturers affected by the Takata airbag recall are hoping to recoup a portion of their recall expenses from the Japanese company. However, the exact amount is still unclear, and Takata's ability to pay is in doubt since the company is also facing serious financial problems.

TagsHonda, Takata, Takata recall, Honda recall, Honda recall list, Recall, airbag, Takata airbag, airbag recall