U.S. officials lower number of Takata air bag recalls to 23.4 million, from more than 30 million

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States has changed the number of defective air bag inflators it says are affected by the Takata recall – from more than 30 million in the U.S. to 23.4 million in total.

NHTSA said in a statement on Tuesday that its current estimate of the number of defective inflators installed in U.S. vehicles is 23.4 million, “somewhat lower” than earlier estimates of more than 30 million. The revised estimate is based on the most recent and accurate information by the affected automakers and includes approximately 4 million vehicles that have been repaired (defective inflators in both driver- and passenger-side air bags).

Related: U.S. safety agency starts process to take over management of Takata air bag recall

Japanese auto manufacturer Takata Corporation made headlines in May when it announced the recall of nearly 34 million defective air bag inflators, including 1.2 million recalls in Canada. At least seven people have died from exploding air bags.

Related: Takata recommends all batwing inflators be removed from any U.S.-registered vehicle

NHTSA said in the statement that it continues to study the possible establishment of a Coordinated Remedy Program (CRP) to address defective inflators and ensure that all affected vehicles have safe air bags as quickly as possible. “NHTSA has consulted with all 11 affected vehicle manufacturers, as well as numerous air bag suppliers, to gather information on inflator supplies, risk factors, and the biggest obstacles to replacing defective inflators,” the agency said, adding that it intends to hold an event in the fall to allow public discussion of these efforts.

Related: U.S. officials probe rupturing air bag concerns beyond those involved in Takata recall

The agency has also completed its own initial testing of Takata inflators, designed as a check on the validity of test results from Takata and other sources. “Preliminary results are broadly consistent with data from Takata, including Takata’s findings on the risk associated with vehicles from high-humidity geographic areas,” the statement said.

NHTSA reported that it is investigating the recent rupture of a Takata-made seat-mounted side air bag, as well as failures of side air bag inflators in testing. It is also continuing its investigation into possible violations of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act involving defective Takata inflators.