By Dave Sebastian

General Motors Co. will recall about 5.9 million vehicles with Takata air-bag inflaters after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rejected the company's petition to exclude certain trucks and SUVs from the recalls.

The safety agency on Monday said the company's inflaters have the same risk of explosion after long-term exposure to high heat and humidity as other recalled Takata inflaters.

GM has 30 days to provide the agency with a plan to notify vehicle owners and start repairing its air bags, the agency said.

"Based on data generated through independent scientific evaluation conducted over several years, we disagree with NHTSA's position," General Motors said. "However, we will abide by NHTSA's decision and begin taking the necessary steps."

Takata, whose faulty air bags have been linked to deaths and injuries, filed for bankruptcy in 2017, and auto makers set aside billions to cover settlements and replacement costs.

Write to Dave Sebastian at dave.sebastian@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-23-20 1126ET