(Bloomberg) — The U.S. government demanded automakers expand recalls involving faulty Takata Corp. air bags, prompting pushback by the Japanese supplier, which said problems with the devices were limited to humid areas.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration yesterday called for Takata and 10 automakers to repair all cars nationwide with potentially defective driver's side air bags. Adding to the almost 8 million cars already recalled in the past two years may put "lives at risk" by diverting replacement parts from where they're needed, Takata said.

Piecemeal, regional recalls have left car owners unsure about whether the air bags in their vehicles are prone to rupturing. NHTSA said it will use its legal authority to ensure vehicles that use the same or similar air-bag inflator are repaired if Takata and the carmakers don't agree quickly to a national recall.

"These regional recalls are ludicrous and inappropriate," said Joan Claybrook, a former NHTSA administrator who now advocates for consumer safety. "People take their cars to different parts of the country all the time."

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