Airbags are designed to protect individuals in the event of an accident, yet these devices may fail. Ten automakers have now recalled more than 33 million vehicles across the globe due to the possibility of Takata airbags in cars deploying explosively, leading to injury or death. Vehicles affected by this airbag recall were made between 2002 and 2008, although certain models have been recalled through 2014. Every driver needs to learn about these Takata airbag recalls and determine if their vehicle is affected, as one needs to know they can count on the airbag at all times.
The Problem with Defective Takata Airbags
The Takata Airbag Recall List of affected vehicles contain a defective inflator. The inflator is a metal cartridge filled with propellant wafers and, in certain cases, it deploys with excessive force, leading to metal shards in the airbag flying through the passenger cabin. As a result, airbag injuries may occur, the exact opposite of what one should expect from a safety device. There appear to be several reasons for the failure of the inflator to act as intended. Poor quality control, vehicle design, and exposure to heat and humidity in certain parts of the world are believed to play roles in the problem.
Challenges Involved With The Airbag Recalls
Takata continues to work with automakers to identify all vehicles making use of the defective airbags. This is just one of many challenges facing the airbag manufacturer, as the company is finding it difficult to replace the defective airbags in a timely manner. In addition, the company, manufacturers, and regulators are still attempting to identify exactly what led to the issue with these airbags. It is believed that many of the vehicles which have received replacement safety devices will need another replacement again in the future, once the root cause of the failure is determined.
What Vehicles are included in Airbag Recall
- Airbag Recall List of Vehicles GM
- Airbag Recall List of Vehicles Chrysler
- Airbag Recall List of Vehicles Nissan
- Honda Airbag Recall Models
- Toyota Airbag Recall List
Defective Takata Airbag Recall 2015 : Reported Injuries And Deaths
At this time, seven individuals have been killed and more than 100 injured as a result of the defective airbags. Various automakers have also reported improper deployments of these airbags, leading to the need for all vehicles to be identified in a timely manner. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to work with Takata and automakers to identify these vehicles and to alert vehicle owners to the need for a replacement device. Automakers currently affected include BMW, Chrysler, Mazda, Nissan, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi and Toyota. Vehicle owners can find a list of the affected models at SaferCar.gov.
What Drivers Need To Know: Is My Airbag Defective?
Drivers need to be aware that the vehicles with defective airbags involving incidents have all occurred in areas of high humidity or heat, but this does not mean every driver should not be vigilant. Car makers have recalled vehicles for rupturing airbags in other areas, and these incidents have not been attributed to atmospheric conditions. One cannot be too safe when it comes to the airbag in their vehicle. Anything which results in the propellant wafers breaking down prematurely and burning too rapidly is a cause of concern. Therefore, every driver needs to be aware of recalls involving their vehicle and have the car or truck serviced in a timely manner.
Defective Airbag Recall List
One needs to pay particular attention to Takata airbag recall updates, as the inquiry continues into these defective products. When a vehicle is determined to have a defective airbag, the owner needs to have the car promptly serviced to prevent these types of injuries. In the event an individual has already been injured as a result of one of these defective airbags, a car wreck lawyer should be consulted.
Takata may be held responsible under product liability laws. The attorney works to determine if this is the case and whether any other parties are involved. Continue to follow these airbag recall updates to ensure you are protected at all times, and speak to an attorney if you have been injured by an airbag to determine if you have a case.
