Recently, Takata Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer of airbags, had an additional 3.3 million airbags supplied to auto manufacturers recalled in the United States. The recalled airbags were supplied in over 43 million U.S. vehicles. Currently, approximately 20 deaths and 180 injuries have been linked to the faulty airbags.
The defect in the airbag is in the inflating mechanism. This defect causes some airbags not to inflate during a crash, as well as potentially propelling burning shrapnel into the driver and passenger. The airbags produced by Takata use ammonium nitrate, which is designed to rapidly expand, filling and deploying the airbag during a wreck. Unfortunately, when the ammonium nitrate is exposed to high humidity and temperatures, it causes the ammonium to burn too fast.
The recent airbag recall covers various models between 2009 and 2013 from the following manufacturers: Audi; BMW; Daimler; Chrysler; Fiat; Ford; GM; Jaguar-Land Rover; Mazda; Mercedes-Benz; Mitsubishi; Nissan; Subaru; and Tesla automakers. A report of the specific vehicles affected should be filed later this month with NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) from the affected auto manufacturers.
Currently, NHTSA says it is monitoring automakers’ progress towards recall replacements and working to expand completion rates. However, currently only about 18.5 out of 43 million have had the airbag inflator replaced. Priority is given to older model affected vehicles, in high humidity areas like the Gulf Coast, Florida, and Georgia.
Benny Agosto, Jr. is a partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston, Texas. For over 68 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. If your life has been impacted by a faulty airbag, 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.