NHTSA Shines Light on Takata Airbag Recall

Tens of Millions of Vehicles Affected

Countless vehicles in the United States are equipped with Takata airbags. While airbags are meant to protect passenger vehicle occupants from harm, tens of millions of airbags from the manufacturer, Takata, are at risk of exploding upon deployment. The resulting explosions have caused injuries and deaths.

As such, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) has brought attention to the recall with its Takata Recall Spotlight.

Recent Recalls

The largest series of Takata recalls was first announced in 2015. In 2019, however, a separate group of Takata airbags was recalled for defective inflators. These inflators can result in airbags underinflating during deployment, but they can also cause deadly explosions. Unlike the first major recall, in which defects were triggered by heat and humidity, the defective parts on these airbags have a faulty seal that can allow moisture to compromise inflators.

Recalled vehicles include:

• BMWs
• Toyotas
• Audis
• Hondas
• Isuzus
• Mitsubishis

Like in the first major recall, some vehicles are at high-risk. Certain 323i and 328i vehicles from BMW should not be driven until drivers have their airbags repaired.

To find out if your vehicle has been affected by a recall, you can check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA’s recalls website.

A Problematic History

As we mentioned above, problems with Takata airbags first came to light in 2015. By the end of that year, 8 people had lost their lives to the defective airbags, which can be compromised by exposure to heat and humidity. By December 2018, approximately 63 million airbags had been recalled according to a comprehensive zoning schedule. Vehicles in Zone A, or hot and humid environments, run the highest risk of complication and are thus prioritized for repairs. Certain 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles with “Alpha” airbags are also at a heightened risk, along with Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series vehicles from 2006.

If you own any of these vehicles, you should not drive them – unless you are going straight to the repair shop. Residents in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas should seek repairs as soon as possible, as well.

What If I am Injured in a Recalled Vehicle?

Sadly, consumers sometimes remain unaware of a vehicle recall until it is too late. If you are someone you love is injured or killed by a defective Takata recall, you may be entitled to compensation. Attorneys at Clark, Fountain, Littky-Rubin & Whitman have experience representing victims of Takata airbags.

We can help you, too.

Call us today at 561-899-2100 or request a free consultation online to get started.