Some Fiat Chrysler, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles from the 2016 and 2017 model years being sold are equipped with Takata airbag inflators, despite the devices being potentially defective and likely to be recalled within a few years, according to a Senate report. Takata has already agreed to recall about 69 million airbag inflators in the U.S. by the end of 2019, but these automakers can legally sell their newer model vehicles as they are not yet covered by the recall.
The vehicles are equipped with a type of inflator that is prone to rupture due to containing ammonium nitrate, which can deteriorate over time when exposed to moisture and high temperatures.
Mitsubishi and Volkswagen identified their new models that have Takata inflators without a chemical drying agent, but Toyota and Fiat Chrysler did not specify any. To date, at least 11 people have been killed worldwide by Takata’s inflators, with two other deaths in Malaysia currently under investigation.
Benny Agosto, Jr. is a partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston, Texas. For over 60 years, Abraham Watkins has successfully represented injured people and families who fall victim to catastrophes. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and resources necessary to obtain just compensation their clients. For more information, please contact the office of Benny Agosto, Jr. at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, by letter at 800 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002, or by phone at (713) 222-7211.