And it’s not Over…
On January 9, 2018, Takata expanded its already massive recall by an additional 3.3 million airbag inflators. This most recent recall addresses concerns that the airbags may deploy and fire dangerous metal fragments in to the passenger compartments of the vehicles they are installed in. More recalls are scheduled for the future.
Which Vehicles are Affected by this Recall?
If you own a vehicle of any the brands listed below it would be a good idea to check your vehicle’s VIN number on the NHSTA website to see if any new recalls have been issued, even if your car has not been involved in any of the previous recalls.
The following vehicle brands have models that are included in the recall:
- Acura
- Audi
- BMW
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Jeep
- Ferrarri
- Ford/Lincoln
- Lexus
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mitsubishi
- General Motors
- Saab
- Pontiac
- Honda
- Infiniti
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
- Tesla
- Toyota
- Scion
- Volkswagen
As you can see from the list, the recall does not discriminate based on your car’s value. Many luxury brands use these dangerous airbags, too, including Land Rover, Ferrarri, and Jaguar.
My car is a 2016 model. How can it possibly be on the list when the first recall was made in 2014?
Great question. It is perfectly legal for a manufacturer to use a known defective part in a vehicle as long as there is a recall scheduled. Because the availablitlity of safe airbags is limited, manufacturers have resorted to using defective airbag inflators to keep up with production.
I recently bought a car that is included in the recall and the work hasn’t been done. How can this be?
It is legal for car dealers to sell cars that have outstanding recalls. Rental car companies are also allowed to keep cars in service that have outstanding recalls.
I’ve heard there are a limited number of airbags available to make the needed repairs. How are they deciding whose car gets repaired first?
It depends on where you live. The Takata inflators are more likely to explode when exposed to persistent hot, humid conditions. Florida, Alabama, California, Georgia, South Carolina, Hawaii, States that border the Gulf Coast and Island Territories are being given first priority. These areas are considered “Zone A” because climate conditions may contribute to further deteriation of the inflator device and increase the possiblility of malfunction.
Zone B includes the middle range climate states. Arizona, Arkansas, Washington D.C., Illinios, Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. These states typically have four seasons and do not experience hot, humid, conditions year-round. Vehicles housed in these states are considered second priority.
Zone C includes states in the Northern part of our country as well as Alaska.
I live in Zone C. Should I just ignore the recall?
No. Fortunately, the risk of the airbag inflator exploding and spraying shrapnel into the cabin is very slim. After discovering the problem, Takata tested its inflators and reported the results to the NHSTA.
Out of 30,000 airbag inflators tested, only 265 ruptured. Obviously, the chances are very slim that you will be in an accident that causes airbags to deploy and that the inflators would explode. Unfortunately, if both of these events occur, the consequences are deadly. Metal pieces will be sprayed into the vehicle compartment directly at you and your passengers.
Until the Fix is Made
Consumer Reports suggests that owners of recalled vehicles minimize the use of their vehicles, utilize public transportation or rent a car until the car can be repaired. Takata is not covering the cost of these inconveniences. Repairs are free.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident, call The Thomson Law Firm at (540) 777-4900 for a FREE consultation.
