Takata, a Japanese-based automotive supplier, once provided around 25% of the airbag inflators used by car manufacturers worldwide. Unfortunately, a critical flaw in their design has led to one of the largest automotive recalls in history. The defective Takata airbags, which were meant to protect motorists during collisions, have been linked to potentially fatal malfunctions.
The primary issue with these airbags lies in the inflator component. A faulty seal on the inflator allows moisture to seep into the propellant, causing the chemical used to inflate the airbag to become unstable. This instability can result in the propellant igniting too quickly, causing the inflator to rupture. The rupture sends sharp metal fragments into the driver and passenger compartments, leading to injuries such as blindness, scarring, and in some cases, fatalities. In addition to the danger of shrapnel, these airbags may also fail to deploy at all during an accident, leaving drivers and passengers unprotected.
The risks associated with faulty Takata airbags are particularly concerning in hot and humid climates, where the defective components are more likely to degrade over time. Since the recall began in 2014, it has affected millions of vehicles across the globe, with manufacturers like Toyota, BMW, Audi, Honda, and Mitsubishi among the most impacted. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has continued to update its recall list, including the addition of vehicles with non-azide driver inflators (NADI) in 2021.
If your vehicle is equipped with one of these potentially defective airbags, it’s crucial to take immediate action. The NHTSA website offers an up-to-date list of affected vehicles, so be sure to check if your car is included. For those who have suffered injuries due to these airbags, seeking legal assistance from an experienced Takata airbag lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call Timothy L. Miles for a free consultation—if your case doesn’t result in a win or settlement, you pay nothing.