This year, the toll of defective Takata airbag victims has risen to a reported 22 deaths and over 180 injuries. The Takata air bag recall is now the largest automotive recall in U.S. history with 37 million vehicle recalls for an estimated 50 million defective Takata airbags. More airbags are expected to be recalled, raising the Takata airbag recall to 65-70 million by the end of 2019.
Vehicles with defective Takata airbags include: 2009, 2010, and 2013 automobiles from Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar-Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Tesla, and Toyota.
Like other airbags, Takata uses a chemical reaction to instigate a small explosion to fill the airbag in the event of a vehicle collision. These reactions are unfortunately altered when mixed with humidity and variant temperatures and can lead to hot shrapnel being ejected at vehicle occupants. Areas like Houston, Texas with high humidity and heat are getting priority in the recall process.
As defective automobile attorneys, we see many accidents involving airbags that do not work as they were intended. If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious accident involving a defective Takata airbag, contact the product liability attorneys at The Potts Law Firm to determine if you have a case against your vehicle manufacturer.