Nissan, Honda and Mazda in mass recall over faulty airbags

Mazda, Honda, and Nissan recall 2.8 million vehicles that could see airbags explode and shoot metal pieces into driver and passengers

Takata employee sews an airbag at Takata's current crash-testing facility August 19, 2010 in Auburn Hills, Michigan (GETTY IMAGES)

Japanese carmakers Nissan, Honda and Mazda have recalled close to three million vehicles citing faulty airbags that could potentially explode and send pieces flying inside the car.

Honda is set to recall two million vehicles, affecting at least 13 models, Nissan is recalling 755,000 cars worldwide, while Mazda Motor Corp added it would call back 159,807 vehicles.

The automakers blamed a defect affecting both driver and passenger seat airbags that, if inflated and applied excessive pressure, could explode and send small metal pieces flying inside the car.

The airbags were made by Tokyio-based Takata Corp, the world's largest supplier. Reacting to the recall, chief executive Shigehisa Takada said the company is working with safety regulators and car makers to strengthen its "quality control system".

The latest recall brings the total number of vehicles affected by faulty airbags to nearly 10 million in roughly five years, making it one of the biggest car recalls in history.