Vehicle Recalls
If it feels like you’ve been hearing about the Takata airbag recalls for an almost endless amount of time, there’s a good reason for that. The Japanese airbag manufacturer has been in the news since 2014, when news reports began to surface about the faulty airbags installed in tens of millions of vehicles.
Since that time, over 42 million vehicles with Takata airbags have been recalled in the United States alone and, just recently, another 2.7 million vehicles were added to the list. The new recall was ordered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and announced by Takata in July.
What is Covered by the Newest Round of Recalls?
The July 2017 recalls covered vehicles made by Ford, Mazda, and Nissan. Details of the Ford recall, which makes up most of the recalled vehicles, are not yet known. However, it has been made public that 627,000 Nissan Versas, model years 2007 to 2012, and 6,000 Mazda B-series trucks will be covered by the recall.
These new recalls are part of what seems to be an ongoing saga for the now-bankrupt airbag manufacturer. So far, at least 18 people have lost their lives and another 180 people have been injured worldwide due to the faulty airbags sold by Takata. The problem stems from the inflator device in these airbags, which, upon deploying, can explode and cause occupants injury or death.
Problems with the Takata Airbag Recall
The fact that as many as 70 million faulty airbags have been identified and recalled is concerning enough, but even more alarming is that only one-third of those airbags have actually been repaired. There are a couple of reasons for that figure.
First, there is a such a demand for repairs that there is a shortage of replacement parts. Second, many owners of vehicles equipped with faulty airbags have not been notified that their vehicle is subject to recall. Some of these vehicles have been sold multiple times on the used car market, and current owners are not always easy to trace.
Safety advocates fear that the recall might not be finished. There is a chance that more vehicles will be added and that the number of motorists endangered by defective airbags will continue to rise.
To Learn More, Contact an Experienced Vehicle Recall Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective vehicle part, you can file a product liability claim to receive compensation for the damages you have suffered. Our vehicle recall lawyers have years of experience getting clients the payment they deserve, and we offer free consultations to those who are considering filing a claim.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]