Takata Airbags Still a Threat
Maybe you remember hearing about airbag recalls a decade or so ago. At that time, Takata was forced to recall millions of their airbags after they exploded and caused numerous injuries and deaths. Unfortunately, problems persist with Takata airbags, and some manufacturers are so concerned that they’ve issued Do Not Drive warnings for some of their older vehicles.
What’s the Issue?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when vehicles containing Takata airbags are exposed to extreme humidity and heat for a lengthy period of time, they can inexplicably deploy, causing a dangerous explosion. In some cases, occupants have experienced shrapnel bits whizzing at them, with at least 400 injuries and nearly 30 fatalities resulting from improperly inflated airbags. Carfax reports tens of thousands of vehicles are still on the road with these airbags, and Florida, with its climate, is one of the riskiest places to be driving with a Takata in the car.
Which Vehicles Have Do Not Drive Warnings?
An array of manufacturers warn that certain vehicles should not be driven until the airbags have been replaced. Among them are the following:
- Acura is recalling certain models from 2002-2003;
- BMW Is recalling certain models from 2000-2006;
- Chrysler Is recalling certain models from 2005-2010;
- Dodge Is recalling certain models from 2005-2010;
- Ford is recalling certain Rangers from 2006;
- Honda Is recalling certain models from 2001-2003;
- Mazda Is recalling certain Mazda B-Series from 2006;
- Nissan is recalling certain models from 2002-2006.
Do You Have a Takata Airbag in Your Vehicle?
With nearly 80 million recalls occurring involving Takata airbags in the past decade, the seriousness of the problem is clear. How do you know whether or not your vehicle is a time bomb waiting to go off? You can find out in several ways:
- Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) against the recall list on the NHTSA website;
- See if your car is listed on the NHTSA list of vehicles that are impacted;
- Call the dealer to see if your vehicle is on the recall list and schedule an immediate repair at no cost to you;
- Sign up to receive alerts on recalls that may impact your vehicle.
What if I Can’t Get in for a Repair for a Few Weeks?
If there’s a delay in getting your vehicle repaired, consider all avenues to minimize your time in the vehicle, including carpooling, using public transportation or ride shares, getting a loaner vehicle from your car dealership, or even renting a vehicle.
Too Late for You?
If the recall came too late for you and you’ve already been seriously injured or lost a loved one due to a failed Takata airbag, you may be entitled to damages to address your medical bills and more. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation with the experienced Kissimmee personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group in our office today.
Source:
usatoday.com/story/money/cars/recalls/2024/05/30/airbag-recall-takata/73905594007/
