An additional 3.3 million defective Takata airbag inflators are being recalled. Automakers affected by the recall include: Toyota, Honda, Ford, Tesla, Subaru, GM, Fiat Chrysler, Mazda, BMW, Mitsubishi, Jaguar Land Rover, Audi and Daimler Vans. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, an estimated 37 million vehicles with Takata airbags are under currently recall. Millions of other vehicles will be added to the recall by 2019.
Defective Takata airbags contain inflators that may explode when the airbags deploy. The inflators use the highly volatile chemical ammonium nitrate as a propellant. Ammonium nitrate burns too quickly after it has been exposed to humid and hot weather conditions for a long period. As a result, the inflators deploy with too much force. Vehicle occupants can be killed or injured by high-speed metal shrapnel from the inflator’s casing. There have been at least 21 deaths worldwide caused by defective Takata airbags. An additional 180 worldwide have suffered severe injuries.
The Takata recall is especially important for Florida residents. We live in one of the most hot and humid (if not the most hot and humid) states in the US.
Some vehicle models have Takata airbags that are more likely to explode. NHTSA has urged owners of the following vehicles to seek immediate repairs. If you own one of the following vehicles, see if you can have it towed to the dealership.
- 2001-2002 Honda Civic
- 2001-2002 Honda Accord
- 2002-2003 Acura TL
- 2002 Honda CR-V
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 Acura CL
- 2003 Honda Pilot
- 2006 Ford Ranger
How to Check If Your Vehicle Has Recalled Takata Airbags
You may use NHTSA’s website to determine whether your vehicle is affected by the recall. Simply gather your vehicle identification number (VIN) from your insurance card or your driver’s side dashboard to begin the process. Once you have your VIN, type into the recall lookup search bar on www.NHTSA.gov.
The Florida product liability attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson have experience with product liability cases involving defective auto parts. Curtis Miner, a partner at Colson Hicks Eidson, has been appointed Lead Counsel for the Personal Injury Track in the nationwide Takata Airbag Product Liability Litigation. If you have questions about Takata airbags, then you have come to the right place. Please call us at 305-476-7400 or fill out the online contact form on our website.
