The largest automotive recall in United States history continues to expand as automakers announce new additions to the ever-growing list of vehicles equipped with faulty Takata airbags.
Since 2014, millions of vehicles with faulty passenger side airbags have been recalled. The recall was recently expanded to driver’s side airbags at the start of this year.
The airbag inflators have been found to violently explode, sending shrapnel into the passenger compartment and injuring drivers and passengers.
Millions of Vehicles Recalled
At least seven major vehicle manufacturers have announced recalls this month. The affected brands include:
- Daimler vans
- BMW
- Honda
- Acura
- Ford
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Chrysler
- Volkswagen
- Audi
A complete list of all vehicles included in the massive recall can be found at safercar.gov.
Originally, only older model vehicles located in southern states were included in the recall; high humidity was determined to be a major factor in causing the deterioration of the inflators, and ultimately the violent explosions. However, the most recent expansion includes model year vehicles as new as 2016.
Many U.S. officials are calling for all Takata inflators to be recalled, rather than continuing with this gradual piecemeal recall. However, a spokesperson for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that there is not yet enough data to justify a sweeping recall.
New Fatality Reported
In December 2015, a Georgia man died in a fatal auto accident that has since been linked to a faulty driver’s side Takata airbag. The vehicle was a 2006 Ford Ranger and the driver’s-side airbag had not been recalled. This is the ninth fatality linked to Takata in the U.S., and the tenth globally.
This tragedy prompted the most recent expansion of recalls for driver’s side airbags.
Takata airbag malfunctions can cause serious injuries, and even death. If you or a loved one has been harmed by one of these faulty products, the product liability attorneys at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call (817) 920-9000 or contact us online to schedule a free claim review.