What You Need to Know About the Takata Airbag Recall

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 your vehicle is part of the recall, you may be wondering if your airbags really are defective, if your vehicle is safe to drive and how you need to proceed to get the issue fixed.

Here are a few answers to those questions and more:

How long will it take for my car to be fixed?

• The NHTSA says Takata has begun producing millions of replacement kits per month. However, the recall itself, will take several years to complete all affected vehicles.

Should I respond to the recall?

• All recalls should be taken seriously. It is recommended you contact the manufacturer right away when notification has been received.

Does it matter where you live?

• The NHTSA says yes. The Takata airbags seem to be most vulnerable in high humidity and high temperatures in states such as Florida. Although they are most vulnerable in hot climates, the recall should not be ignored, no matter where you live.

Are my airbags definitely defective?

• Very few of the 37 million recalled vehicles have tested positive for the defective airbags. This does not mean you shouldn’t get your vehicle repaired.

Should I drive my vehicle?

• If your recall states that only the front passenger airbag is affected, do not let anyone sit in that seat.  If the recall says the driver side is affected, try to minimize your risk by carpooling or using public transportation.

Will it cost me any money to repair my vehicle?

• Repairs pertaining to the recall are free.

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: Consumer Reports, “Takata Airbag Recall: Everything You Need to Know”