Takata’s Alpha Airbag Classified as High-Risk Inflators

Takata’s “Alpha” airbags found in older Honda and Acura vehicles are being classified as high-risk inflators.

The “Alpha” airbags are the oldest of the recalled Takata airbags and carry a 50% higher risk of failure than all other recalled airbags.

Nine of the 15 confirmed fatalities due to the Takata airbag ruptures, were Alpha airbags.

The NHTSA says that while most of those airbags have been replaced in vehicles, thousands still need repaired. Because these vehicles are older, they have had many different owners which makes it difficult to get in contact with the current owner.

If you or someone you know, drives one of the vehicles with the high-risk inflators, contact your vehicle’s manufacturer immediately to get the airbag repaired.

The “Alpha” airbags are in certain 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles:

• 2001-2002 Honda Civic
• 2001-2002 Honda Accord
• 2002-2003 Acura TL
• 2002 Honda CR-V
• 2002 Honda Odyssey
• 2003 Acura CL
• 2003 Honda Pilot

All Takata airbags are dangerous. The Japanese airbag manufacturer, Takata, is responsible for the deadly airbags that were installed in cars from model years 2002-2015. The inflators carry the risk of exploding when deployed, releasing sharp, metal fragments.

The faulty Takata airbags have been responsible for 15 deaths and over 100 injuries world-wide.

The Takata airbag recall is the largest automobile recall in U.S history that includes 19 automobile manufacturers and over 42 million vehicles.

If you want to see if your vehicle is included in the recall, visit NHTSA’s website for more information.

Recovering compensation after an injury from a defective product

It is a manufacturer’s responsibility to make sure their products are safe for consumers.  If someone is injured due to a defective product, a product liability claim may exist.  A claim may be pursued to pay for damages caused by the defective product such as medical bills, missed time from work and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured by a defective product, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney to review your rights.  Call 412-661-1400 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Pittsburgh at Berger and Green today.

Source: NHTSA, “Takata “Alpha” Air Bags Pose Increased Risk”