Despite a finding that Takata airbags are prone to dangerous explosions when deployed, the Japanese auto supplier, Takata, and the auto industry as a whole have been slow in their widespread recall. This slow recall poses a deadly threat to millions of drivers and passengers.
The Takata airbags have been shown to have a chemical defect that causes them to explode and send shrapnel flying, causing serious injury or even death during deployment. According to the Associated Press, the Takata airbags have been found responsible for injuring nearly 200 people and have killed another 19 in incidents that have taken place since July 2017.
Takata supplied these defective airbags to automobile manufacturers for years, creating one of the largest and most complex recalls in U.S. history. Currently, approximately 34 million vehicles are under recall for the approximate 46 million defective Takata airbags that are furnished in 19 automobile manufacturer brands. By December 2019, additional Takata airbags are scheduled to be recalled, bringing the total number of affected airbags to around 65-70 million.
According to Consumer Reports, the automobile manufacturers most efficiently completing the recall include Tesla, Honda and Subaru, while the automobile manufacturers least efficiently completing the recall include Mercedes Benz, Mazda and Fiat Chrysler.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is encouraging the public to fix their vehicles of the defective airbags as soon as possible; the recall repair is free.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to a Takata airbag, contact an experienced attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or toll free at 713-222-7211.