Mar 13, 2015 11:01 AM EDT
Honda Apologizes to Customers For Takata Airbag Issues

Honda is looking to increase production of replacement air bag inflators to make sure its vehicles are repaired as soon as possible and recalled inflators aren't installed in other vehicles.

"Honda is fully mobilized on the recalls and safety improvement campaigns associated with Takata airbag inflators as we focus on taking care of our customers and preventing any further injuries," the automaker said in a statement. "We apologize to our customers for any inconvenience this issue may cause."

Honda believes that this will help accelerate the pace of repairs, though it could take "several days to several weeks" to fix affected vehicles. Demand for specific inflators needed to complete repairs currently exceeds supply coming from Takata, according to Honda's release.

The defective air bag inflators can rupture during a collision, thus spewing shrapnel at those inside the vehicle.

Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed that just about 90 percent of vehicles affected by the inflators have not been repaired yet.

Honda is attempting to reach as many owners affected by the issue by making automated and direct phone calls and enlisting the services of special investigative firms to contact "hard-to-reach" owners.

They're even willing to reach people through social media.

"Moving forward, we continue to urge owners of Honda and Acura vehicles affected by the Takata airbag inflator recalls to get their vehicles repaired at an authorized dealer as soon as possible," the automaker said.

Those who aren't sure if their vehicle has been recalled or not are encouraged to visit NHTSA's VIN number lookup on its website.

Since 2008, 17 million vehicles have been called back with defective Takata air bags, and a little under 2 million have been repaired as of December 31, according to the safety administration.

The inflators are in cars made by at least 10 automakers like Honda, BMW, Ford, GM, and Nissan. The defective parts have been linked to six deaths and dozens of injuries worldwide so far and resulted in several lawsuits.

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