Airbag Recall: Is My Vehicle Safe?

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

In our next set of blogs, we are going to discuss the recall crisis affecting Takata-made air bags in older Toyota and Honda cars.

On Friday, we will blog about a disturbing story involving a woman who was allegedly killed by a defective airbag following a crash, even though authorities believed she was stabbed.

First, if you are not aware, Toyota Motor Corp recently recalled 247,000 vehicles in the United States because of potentially defective air bags made by Takata Corp. The vehicles involved in this recall that are sold in North America are listed below.

So far, more than 14 million vehicles from 11 automakers containing Takata airbags have been recalled worldwide.

According to Reuters, safety regulators are urging people to get their airbags replaced as soon as possible in the affected vehicles. The airbags could reportedly open with too much force and spray occupants with shrapnel.

In one case, a Florida man was driving a 2001 Honda Civic when he was involved in an accident with another vehicle. He reportedly suffered eye injuries as the airbag deployed and propelled metal fabric at him. The man has filed a personal injury lawsuit.

Due to heightened airbag concerns, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee also announced that it would begin to seek information about the recall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and automobile manufacturers.

Who Should I Speak to If I Have Been Injured in a Recalled Vehicle?

If you are ever injured due to the result of a recalled vehicle’s mechanical failure, you should contact our attorneys immediately.

In many cases, manufacturers will attempt to strike a settlement with you, for much less compensation than you could get through a lawsuit. This is why it is important to have effective legal counsel, who can guide you into making the best decision.

For more information about defective motor vehicle accidents, call us today. You can also visit our product liability FAQ page for additional reading.

According to USA Today, automobiles linked to the recall include:

BMW:

2000 – 2005 3 Series Sedan
2000 – 2006 3 Series Coupe
2000 – 2005 3 Series Sports Wagon
2000 – 2006 3 Series Convertible
2001 – 2006 M3 Coupe
2001 – 2006 M3 Convertible

Chrysler:

2003 – 2008 Dodge Ram 1500
2005 – 2008 Dodge Ram 2500
2006 – 2008 Dodge Ram 3500
2006 – 2008 Dodge Ram 4500
2008 – Dodge Ram 5500
2005 – 2008 Dodge Durango
2005 – 2008 Dodge Dakota
2005 – 2008 Chrysler 300
2007 – 2008 Chrysler Aspen

Ford:

2004 – Ranger
2005 – 2006 GT
2005 – 2007 Mustang

General Motors:

2003 – 2005 Pontiac Vibe
2005 – Saab 9-2X

Honda:

2001 – 2007 Honda Accord
2001 – 2005 Honda Civic
2002 – 2006 Honda CR-V
2003 – 2011 Honda Element
2002 – 2004 Honda Odyssey
2003 – 2007 Honda Pilot
2006 – Honda Ridgeline
2003 – 2006 Acura MDX
2002 – 2003 Acura TL/CL
2005 – Acura RL

Mazda:

2003 – 2007 Mazda6
2006 – 2007 MazdaSpeed6
2004 – 2008 Mazda RX-8
2004 – 2005 MPV
2004 – B-Series Truck

Mitsubishi:

2004 – 2005 Lancer
2006 – 2007 Raider

Nissan:

2001 – 2003 Nissan Maxima
2001 – 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
2002 – 2004 Nissan Sentra
2001 – 2004 Infiniti I30/I35
2002 – 2003 Infiniti QX4
2003 – 2005 Infiniti FX35/FX45

Subaru:

2003 – 2005 Baja
2003 – 2005 Legacy
2003 – 2005 Outback
2003 – 2005 Baja
2004 – 2005 Impreza

Toyota:

2002 – 2005 Lexus SC
2002 – 2005 Toyota Corolla
2003 – 2005 Toyota Corolla Matrix
2002 – 2005 Toyota Sequoia
2003 – 2005 Toyota Tundra

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys

Did you know? Beginning in 1998, passenger cars were required to have driver and passenger air bags in the U.S.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/21/us-autos-takata-lawsuits-idUSKCN0IA1TK20141021

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.