More Air Bag Recalls Due to Safety Concerns, Especially for those Exposed to High Heat and Humidity

As we face record high temperature and heat indices this week, it is concerning that there have been more Takata airbag recalls due to safety concerns, especially for those exposed to high heat and humidity.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is part of the United States Department of Transportation, continues to remind consumers of the dangers associated with airbags found in many types of commonly used vehicles.

Instead of protecting the occupant of the vehicle during a crash, these damaged airbags may instead explode when deployed, resulting in serious injury and even death. The NHTSA warns that “[a]pproximately 67 million Takata airbags (priority groups 1-12) have been recalled because these airbags can explode when deployed, causing serious injury or even death.”

The recall applies to airbags manufactured by Takata and installed into vehicles manufactured by 19 different vehicle manufacturers.

However, the risk is greater for those recalled Takata airbags that have had long-term exposure to high heat and humidity, which is often the case for vehicles located in the southeastern United States. In fact, all of the vehicles originally sold or ever registered in the following locations and which contain a recalled airbag are given priority for repairing the defective airbag, including:

• Alabama

• Florida

• Georgia

• Hawaii

• Louisiana

• Mississippi

• Texas

• Puerto Rico

• American Samoa

• Guam

• Saipan

• U.S. Virgin Islands

The NHTSA also warns that “[c]ertain 2001-2003 Honda and Acura (containing “Alfa” airbags), 2006 Ford Ranger, and Mazda B-Series vehicles are at a far higher risk for an airbag explosion that could injure or kill vehicle occupants . .” and should not be driven.

If you are concerned that your vehicle may contain one of these dangerous recalled airbags, simply find the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your vehicle and use the NHTSA’s “Recalls Look-up Tool” here: Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, Equipment | NHTSA.

We also recommend that all vehicle owners register at Email Alerts | Safercar | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (dot.gov) to receive information about future recalls that could affect the health and safety and you and your passengers. Both criminal and civil penalties have been imposed against Takata for its manufacturing of defective airbags.

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed by a Takata airbag recall, contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation. The product liability attorneys at Jinks, Crow & Dickson have decades of experience protecting the rights of people throughout the country who have been harmed by dangerous products.