When you purchase a vehicle, you have a right to expect that it will be free from defects that could harm you or your passengers ─ especially in the event of a car accident. Modern vehicles have many built-in safety systems to protect you during a collision, including shatter-proof windshields, seat belts, and air bags. Unfortunately, these safety systems aren’t always designed or manufactured properly, which means they can sometimes fail when you need them most.
Since 2013, tens of millions of vehicles with air bags manufactured by the Takata Corporation have been recalled from consumer markets due to dangerous defects that have resulted in severe and sometimes fatal injuries. Recently, the Takata Corporation initiated a new recall on over 10 million more defective air bags.
What Is Wrong with the Airbags?
As early as 2013, consumers across the globe were reporting severe injury or death due to the defective deployment of Takata-manufactured air bags. According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “long-term exposure to high heat and humidity can cause these air bags to explode when deployed.” Such explosions could propel flying debris, such as glass and shrapnel, throughout the vehicle.
Now, the Takata Corporation has initiated a new consumer recall over a separate group of defective air bags. According to a recent update from the NHTSA:
“A faulty seal on the inflator is believed to cause the problem. If the inflator is not sealed properly, moisture can get into the propellant used to inflate the air bag and cause the inflator to malfunction. This could lead to the air bag deploying slowly during a crash, which means it won’t protect you as it’s designed. Or, it could also lead to the inflator deploying aggressively and even exploding. The metal parts from the exploding inflator could injure or kill someone.”
What Cars Are Included in the Latest Takata Air Bag Recall?
Manufacturers are still working to determine exactly what vehicles have been affected by the most recent recall. However, they have narrowed their sights down to several different vehicle types. These vehicles include:
- BMW ─ 1999-2001: 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i. 2000-2001: 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, 325iT. 1999: Certain 323i and 328i vehicles.
- Mitsubishi ─ 1998-2000 Montero.
- Toyota ─ 1997-1998: Supra. 1998-1999: RAV4 EV, Celica. 1998-2000: RAV4.
- Audi ─ 1998-2000: A6. 1999: A8. 1999-2000: A4. 2000: TT Coupe. 2000-2001: TT Roadster.
- Honda ─ 1996-2000: Honda Civic Coupe. 1997-1998: Acura 2.2CL, Honda EV Plus. 1997-1999: Acura 3.0CL. 1997-2001: Honda CR-V. 1998-1999: Acura 2.3CL. 1998-2000: Honda Accord Coupe, Honda Accord Sedan, Honda Civic Sedan. 1998-2001: Honda Odyssey. 1998-2003: Acura 3.5RL. 1999-2001: Acura 3.2TL. 2001-2002: Acura MDX, Acura 3.2CL.
- Isuzu ─ 1998-1999: Isuzu Oasis.
Remember, manufacturers are always adding updates to their lists of recalled vehicles, so it is important to check your VIN regularly.
Need Legal Advice? Contact Us Now
If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective air bag, you have every right to seek justice. For an in-depth evaluation of your unique case, contact the respected trial attorneys of Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C. The consultation is free.
