Yet another recall has been announced for defective automobile parts, this time affecting Takata airbags in approximately 7.8 million vehicles sold in the United States. This defect is due to airbags that have the potential to explode with excessive force upon inflation. This force is said to be enough to rupture the container of the airbag, which would cause shrapnel to be fired into passengers. This shrapnel would include plastic and metal fragments that would pose significant threat of laceration and injury. Unlike the GM ignition defect recall, this issue could transform life-saving features into an extremely dangerous problem. Thus far, four deaths have been reported to have been caused by the Takata airbag explosions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging owners of vehicles that may be included in the recall to seek immediate action to replace these defective Takata airbags. Georgia is included in the list of regions that are most susceptible to the defective airbags deploying with excessive force. Others include Florida, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. While these are not the only states in which the recalled vehicles may be located, the issue may be more dangerous in these areas due to the heat and humidity often found here.
The vehicles included in the Takata airbag recall can be found on Georgia roadways every day. There are 627,615 BMW, 371,309 Chrysler, 58,669 Ford, 5,051,364 Honda, and 694,626 Nissan vehicles included in the recall, in addition to many others. The complete list of vehicle years, makes, and models can be found below:
- 2000-2005 BMW 3 Series Sedan
- 2000-2005 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon
- 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series Coupe
- 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series Convertible
- 2001-2006 BMW M3 Coupe
- 2001-2006 BMW M3 Convertible
- 2003-2008 Chrysler Dodge Ram 1500
- 2005-2008 Chrysler Dodge Ram 2500
- 2006-2008 Chrysler Dodge Ram 3500
- 2006-2008 Chrysler Dodge Ram 4500
- 2008 Chrysler Dodge Ram 5500
- 2005-2008 Chrysler Dodge Durango
- 2005-2008 Chrysler Dodge Dakota
- 2005-2008 Chrysler 300
- 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen
- 2004 Ford Ranger
- 2005-2006 Ford GT
- 2005-2007 Ford Mustang
- 2003-2005 GM Pontiac Vibe
- 2005 GM Saab 9-2X
- 2001-2007 Honda Accord
- 2001-2005 Honda Civic
- 2002-2006 Honda CR-V
- 2003-2011 Honda Element
- 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
- 2003-2007 Honda Pilot
- 2006 Honda Ridgeline
- 2003-2006 Acura MDX
- 2002-2003 Acura TL/CL
- 2005 Acura RL
- 2003-2007 Mazda6
- 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6
- 2004-2008 Mazda RX-8
- 2004-2005 Mazda MPV
- 2004 Mazda B-Series Truck
- 2004-2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2006-2007 Mitsubishi Raider
- 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
- 2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2002-2004 Nissan Sentra
- 2001-2004 Infiniti I30/I35
- 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4
- 2003-2005 Infiniti FX35/FX45
- 2003-2005 Subaru Baja
- 2003-2005 Subaru Legacy
- 2003-2005 Subaru Outback
- 2004-2005 Subaru Impreza
- 2002-2005 Lexus SC
- 2002-2005 Toyota Corolla
- 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla Matrix
- 2002-2005 Toyota Sequoia
- 2003-2005 Toyota Tundra
If you are uncertain whether your automobile is included in the Takata airbag recall, visit www.safercar.gov and use the “Vin Lookup Tool”. You can find your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN (vehicle identification number) at the driver’s side windshield base. Due to high usage, the tool may experience temporary glitches. If this is the case, simply visit your vehicle manufacturer’s website and use their VIN recall lookup tools. If your vehicle is included in the Takata airbag recall, visit a dealership immediately to have the airbags replaced.
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed as a result of a defective airbag, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. Jones & Swanson has represented clients in numerous defective airbag claims. We understand what it takes to represent you successfully.
Categories: Airbag Safety, Auto Accidents, Product Recall, Recalls
