It’s not uncommon for an automotive company to issue an occasional recall, however, the now infamous Takata recall only continues to grow. The largest recall in automotive history, it has affected 100 million airbags worldwide, with 70 million of those being in the United States. If you are the owner of a vehicle, it’s imperative that you pay attention, and check to see if you car is one of the affected makes and models.
Most Recent Takata Recall
In addition to previous recalls, 2.7 million Takata airbags were included in the list of those needing to be replaced this summer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that this recall covers three automakers not previously mentioned by Takata: Tesla, Jaguar Land Rover, and Fisker. Additional vehicles sold by Ford, Mazda, and Nissan also need to be brought in for a new airbag. In total, there have been 19 automakers affected by this faulty equipment, with Ford seeing the biggest impact of 2.2 million vehicles covered.
Scope of Recall
Originally, the issue was thought to be a manufacturing problem at two North American factories that caused the inflators to be vulnerable in warm, high-humid climates. Initially, the recall was focused on certain geographic areas. However, as evidence mounted, it was extended to other areas, and other types of inflators made by Takata that could also cause the same problem. The most recent recall covers a new type of inflator that was not previously included.
South Florida Death Associated with Takata Airbags
A 12th U.S. death was reported in Hialeah where a man died in June of 2016 when the driver side airbag inflator ruptured while he was attempting a repair on a 2001 Honda Accord. The ignition was on, and the use of a hammer during the repair triggered activation of the Takata airbag inflator, which ruptured during deployment of the airbag. The man later died of his injuries.
Worldwide, there have been 18 deaths associated with this type of airbag. An additional 180 people have been injured. It’s most important for drivers of certain Honda and Acura vehicles from 2001-2003 models to have their airbags replaced, as theses are the vehicles that show the highest risk of potentially fatal or debilitating ruptures during an airbag deployment.
According to the data, barely one third of the vehicles covered by the previous recall have been repaired. This is startling considering the risk associated with using the affected airbags. For more information and to see if your vehicle has been affected by the Takata recall, please visit https://nhtsa.gov/.
If you have been injured by a product, accident, or the negligence of another, it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney may be able to help you recover financial losses from your accident or injury.
References:
Eisenstein, P. A. (2017, July 12). 2.7 Million Takata Airbags Recalled for New Defect. Retrieved July 18, 2017, from http://nbcnews.com/business/autos/2-7-million-takata-airbags-recalled-new-defect-n782201
(2017, July 13). 12th U.S. death linked to defective Takata air bag inflators. Retrieved July 18, 2017, from https://nhtsa.gov/recall-spotlight/12th-us-death-linked-defective-takata-air-bag-inflators
The Airbag in Your Car Could Explode. This Is What You Should Do About It. (2016, August 26). Retrieved July 18, 2017, from https://nytimes.com/interactive/2016/business/takata-airbag-recall-guide.html
Press, T. A. (2017, July 13). Takata Airbag Recall More Than Doubles in Size. Retrieved July 18, 2017, from http://mysuncoast.com/business/takata-airbag-recall-more-than-doubles-in-size/article_25a27ef2-67e4-11e7-a151-135c9883cfab.html
