Several automakers, including Subaru, Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler, Vans, Mercedes, and Ferrari, are issuing an auto defect recall for about 1.7 million vehicles to replace potentially deadly airbag inflators manufactured by Takata Corporation. According to an Associated Press news report, the inflators can send shrapnel flying into drivers and passengers. So far, at least 23 people have died from the problem worldwide and hundreds more were injured.
Which Vehicles Have Been Recalled?
The recalls are part of the largest series of auto defect recalls in U.S. history. This year, there have been about 10 million airbag inflator recalls nationwide; by the time it’s all over late next year, there may have been as many as 70 million. Takata’s use of ammonium nitrate in these inflators, which creates a small explosion to inflate the airbags, is the root cause of the problem. However, the chemical can deteriorate over time due to high humidity and heat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) manages the recalls as they come into effect over time.
As part of this latest round of Takata airbag recalls, Subaru is recalling 826,144 vehicles including its popular Forester, Outback and Legacy models from 2010 to 2014. Mercedes is recalling 288,779 vehicles from the 2010 to 2017 model years. Volkswagen recalls 119,394 Audi and Passat vehicles from the 2015 to 2017 model years. And BMW is recalling 266,044 vehicles from the 2000 to 2004 model years and the 2007 to 2015 model years.
If you own one of these vehicle makes and models, you can go to NHTSA’s website and enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number to determine whether your vehicle has been recalled for this specific auto defect. As of December, vehicle manufacturers have recalled over 50 million inflators, of which they have replaced a little over half. Millions of vehicles remain without replacements for their defective airbag inflators, thereby endangering millions of consumers. Ford, Honda, Fiat Chrysler and Toyota have already released their 2019 Takata recalls, which add up to more than 5 million vehicles.
Auto Product Liability Issues
If you or a loved one has been injured due to these dangerous and defective autos and auto products, please get in touch with an experienced San Bernardino auto defect attorney currently handling Takata airbag lawsuits to obtain more information about your legal rights and options. You may be able to seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Source: https://www.boston.com/cars/car-news/2019/02/11/automakers-recall-1-7-million-cars-with-potentially-deadly-airbags
