A GLOBAL recall from Japan’s four largest car manufacturers has sparked fury among safety-conscious motorists, with Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mazda set to assess and replace airbags in 3.4 million vehicles worldwide.

In the UK alone, that number stands at around of 151,400 cars – 76,000 Toyotas, 60,000 Nissans and 15,400 Hondas.

The Toyota Corolla and Yaris are affected while the in the Nissan range, the X-Trail, Patrol, Almera, Almera Tino, Terrano II and Navara will be recalled for precautionary measures. 

Meanwhile, most of Honda’s CRVs, including 400 Jazz and Civic models, will be returned to the Swindon-based manufacturer.

But it will only affect drivers who bought these models between 2000 and 2004, as the defective part was sold by parts maker Takata, which also makes seat belts, steering wheels, electronics systems, child restraint systems and other interior parts. 

The four manufacturers have been quick to issue the recall.

While Mazda is recalling 45,463 cars, including the RX-8 and Mazda 6, none of these are in the UK. 

A Honda spokeswoman said: “In the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could be propelled upward toward the windshield, or downward toward the front passenger's foot well, potentially causing injury to a vehicle occupant.”

Honda says it has been in contact with the DVLA to trace all the owners of vehicles which may be affected. 

Toyota had received reports of five separate incidents of the airbag inflator being ruptured – two in Japan and three in the United States. 

Meanwhile, a Nissan spokesman said: "We are conducting a voluntary safety recall campaign to address the issue identified by Takata and replace the front passenger air bag inflator. Nissan plans to begin notifying customers within 30 days. Nissan dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost to the customers.

Any Nissan owners with the above models should contact garages where they purchased their car or call 01923 899334. 

All four car manufacturers have said they will replace the parts for free. 

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