INTRODUCTION
Safety technology in vehicles has advanced significantly since the implementation of the initial Federal Safety Standards in 1968. The purpose of introducing oversight was to safeguard the public against unreasonable risks stemming from subpar design, construction, or vehicle performance. However, what occurs when a safety feature poses more harm than good? This precise scenario unfolded with the defective Takata airbags. The Takata airbag recall has affected millions of individuals who own vehicles sold in the United States.
Numerous vehicle brands installed defective Takata airbags in their vehicle models during the late 90s and early 2000s, which have the potential to release lethal shrapnel upon inflation and has led to several Takata airbag deaths. NHTSA has confirmed that 28 people in the United States have been killed when their defective Takata airbag inflators exploded. Tens of millions of faulty Takata airbags are under recall. If the faulty Takata airbags are subjected to long-term exposure to high heat and humidity, it can cause an exploding Takata airbag. While it is possible for any product to have defects, the legal and ethical issue lies in how a company handles knowledge of these defects. In the case of Takata, the company was aware of the life-threatening faulty Takata airbags as early as 2000, and executives even confessed to manipulating early data with the intention of preserving their reputation and maximizing profits. If you or a loved one have been injured by a defective Takata airbag, you have the right to be compensated for your injuries through the Takata Airbag Settlement and should call Takata Airbag lawyer Timothy L. Miles today for a free case evaluation as you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Give us a call and see what a Takata Airbag lawyer can do for you. (855) 846-6529 or [email protected], 24/7 and no charge, of course. In this comprehensive guide, we will address in detain the five most important things consumers must know about the Takata airbag recall. What Automobiles Have Defective Takata Airbags Subject to the Takata Airbag Recall?
The massive Takata airbag recall of approximately 67 million defective Takata airbags started in November 2014, and the NHTSA has updated the list as recently as 2021 to include vehicles with non-azide driver inflators (NADI). The most recently recalled vehicles are Toyota, BMW, Audi, Honda, and Mitsubishi brands. These same brands are also involved with the colossal and ongoing recall initiated in 2014. We urge you to check the NHTSA website for your safety, as the list may continue to grow as more evidence is uncovered.
List of Vehicles with Defective Takata Airbags that Are Also Under a Do Not Drive Warning
The NHTSA has issued do not drive warnings for certain vehicles with defective Takata airbags that are at a far higher risk for exploding Takata Airbags that could injure or kill vehicle occupants. These vehicles should be repaired immediately and not driven until repaired. Both NHTSA and the manufactures of these vehicles "urge consumers to NOT drive these vehicles until they are repaired."
According to the NHTSA, "Test data on the defective Takata air bag inflators in these vehicles show a far higher risk of ruptures during air bag deployment than for other recalled Takata air bags." If you are the owner one of these vehicles, you can search the Recalls Lookup using your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm that the vehicle has an unaddressed recall and needs a repair. If it does, you should immediately call your dealer to schedule a free repair. There are no replacement parts for these vehicles available. How Do You Determine if Your Car Has One of the Defective Takata Airbags Subject to the Takata Airbag Recall?
The NHTSA has a page dedicated to safety issues and recalls for motor vehicles. You input your vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if there are any active problems. You can usually find your VIN on the bottom lower-left-hand side of the dashboard, underneath the spare tire, the driver-side door, the driver-side rear wheel well, or on the front of the engine block. You can also find it on your title, registration, or car insurance documents.
Are the Defective Takata Airbags Still Being Used?
Despite the discontinuation of the Takata airbag division, and the defective Takata airbags, there are still approximately 14 million potentiallyfaulty Takata airbags installed in vehicles that are actively being driven. If your vehicle is included in the NHTSA list, we strongly recommend ceasing operation and promptly arranging for repairs, especially if you reside in a hot or humid area. Time is of the essence when dealing with this issue, as it is directly related to the degradation of the chemical properties responsible for airbag inflation.
As recently as 2022, five fatalities have been attributed to defective Takata airbags in affected vehicles. Most car manufacturers involved in the Takata airbag recall offer complimentary replacement parts, regardless of whether the vehicle was purchased new or used. We suggest contacting an authorized dealer to schedule an appointment. Some dealerships may even provide towing services and loaner vehicles while your vehicle undergoes repairs. Faulty Takata components have been linked to at least 30 deaths and over 450 injuries. Are Some Defective Takata Airbags Riskier Than Others?
Even if you are aware of the issues with faulty Takata airbags, some are more dangerous than others. The oldest airbags, known as "Alphas," have a 50% chance of malfunctioning in a way that can result in severe injuries and even death. It is estimated that there are still thousands of these vehicles on the road. Older Honda and Acura vehicles are equipped with these highly hazardous components, including the following models:
Manufacturers have faced difficulties in reaching the owners of these "Alphas" since the vehicles may have changed hands multiple times. Additionally, individuals who currently possess these vehicles may not have received recall notices, as these notices are typically sent to the address of the registered owner. This was the case in a tragic accident that occurred in July 2022, resulting in the death of a passenger. The owner of the vehicle had received a recall notice in 2018 but chose not to have the necessary repairs done. They then loaned the car to a family member who was killed when the driver-side airbag fragmented upon deployment. While the airbag in this particular instance was not an "Alpha," it still serves as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of driving a vehicle with faulty airbags. call a Takata airbag lawyer today about the Takata Airbag Settlement if you were injured by a defective Takata airbag
If you or a loved one were injured by a defective Takata airbag, contact Takata airbag lawyer Timothy L. Miles today for a free case evaluation and see if you are eligible for compensation from the Takata Airbag Settlement. Call a Timothy L. Miles today you could be entitled to substantial compensation.
Remember, the call is free and so is the fee unless we win or settle your case, so give Timothy L. Miles a call today. 855/846-6529 or [email protected].
The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center 300 Centerview Dr., #247 Brentwood, TN 37027 Phone: (855) 846–6529 Email: [email protected] Takata airbag lawyer Timothy L. MilesTimothy L. Miles is a top-rated and AV preeminent lawyer in Nashville, Tennessee and a nationally known class action and products liability lawyer who has been leading the fight to protect consumer rights for over 22 years. Mr. Miles received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in 1995 and his J.D. from the Nashville School of Law in May 2001, graduating third in his class, and was made a member of the Honorable Society of Cooper’s Inn which is reserved for students graduating in the top ten percent of their class. Comments are closed.
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