Airbags are supposed to be an important safety feature in every vehicle. However, recently several airbags have caused more harm to vehicle occupants than protection.
Several complaints have been sent to the NHTSA in various vehicle makes and models. The common component is the airbag, manufactured by Takata, a Japanese corporation.
Defective Airbag Investigation
The investigation into the defective airbags began after several reports of air-bag inflator ruptures in Florida and Puerto Rico. One of the complaints reported to the NHTSA involved an incident reported on August 6, 2013, where a Honda driver was involved in a car accident where both the driver and passenger airbags deployed. The driver side airbag inflator ruptured and a one-inch piece of shrapnel hit the driver’s eye causing vision loss and cuts to the driver’s nose.
According to a recent article in the New York Times, “The defect involves airbags that can rupture when they deploy in an accident, sending metal fragments into the car’s cabin and potentially injuring the driver or passengers instead of protecting them.” Hiroko Tabuchi & Aaron M. Kessler, Senators Seek Inquiry of Takata Airbag Accusations, New York Times, Nov. 7, 2014.
To date, more than 14 million vehicles have been recalled because of defective Takata airbags. Id. However, Takata has suggested limiting these recalls to 13 states and other territories with high humidity, which Takata has suggested plays a role in the defect. Id.
Check the Safety of Your Vehicle Airbag Now
To check if your vehicle has been recalled as a result of the defective airbags, click on the link below to visit Safercar.gov and view the recall notifications from manufacturers including BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, and Mitsubishi.
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