GM to recall 200,000 Saab and Saturn cars for Takata air bag issues

GM is recalling more than 200,000 Saab and Saturn cars in the US and Canada because of air bag inflator issues on their Takata-made air bags. This is just the latest in a series of recalls of Japanese-made faulty Takata air bags.

The latest announcements are part of a widening recall which has seen roughly 500 million vehicles affected by Takata's airbag inflators, which can explode with excessive force, causing metal shrapnel to spray within vehicle compartments.

So far, these inflators have been linked to at least 10 deaths, mainly in the United States, and around 100 injuries.

The GM recall includes the Saab 9-3 from 2003 to 2011 and the Saab 9-5 from 2010 and 2011. Also included is the Saturn Astra from 2008 and 2009. The Saab models under recall were sold in other markets including Europe, while the Astra was sold as an Opel in Europe and elsewhere. Wilkinson said GM's global safety team is reviewing data on the inflators in other markets "and will respond appropriately."

Dealers will replace the inflators. Owners will get letters notifying them of the recalls, but since parts aren't available yet, they'll have to wait for a second letter before taking cars to dealers.

In related news, Mazda recently had to recall 1.9 million vehicles in Japan and across the world due to similar issues with faulty Takata air bags.

The latest recalls cover vehicles made by GM, Ford, BMW, Volkswagen, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Daimler Trucks. A total 24.4 million is the number of vehicles under recall in the U.S. for Takata air bag problems, affecting 14 car and truck makers. It's already the largest automotive recall in U.S. history, and the government expects it to grow. Worldwide, about 50 million inflators are under recall.