Manufacturers are Recalling More Vehicles Over Fatal Airbag Defect
When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made the Takata airbag recall the largest automotive recall in U.S. history on May 19, 2015, we knew that this was still just the beginning. At that time, a staggering 34 million vehicles in the United States were subject to the recall – including cars, trucks and SUVs across 15 different makes from model years 2000 through 2011.
Now, USA Today has reported that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Honda, and BMW are adding millions more cars to the recall. According to the news, FCA is recalling another 1.4 million vehicles globally, while Honda and BMW announced additional recalls in the United States of 350,000 and 420,100 vehicles, respectively.
Models added to the list in this latest round include:
Acura
2006 MDX
2005 RL
BMW
2002 – 2003 5 Series
2003 X5
Chrysler
2009 – 2010 300
2008 – 2010 300C
2008 – 2010 SRT8
Dodge
2009 Ram 2500
2009 Ram 3500
2008-2010 Charger
2008 – 2010 Dakota
2008 – 2010 Magnum
2008 – 2010 Ram 4500 and 5500
Mitsubishi
2008 – 2011 Raider
See if your vehicle is on the list for the Takata airbag recall.
Takata Airbag Recall Numbers are Likely to Continue to Climb
When we discussed the Takata Airbag Recall a couple of weeks ago, we noted that the NHTSA was still working with automakers to identify all of the vehicles that had been manufactured with the defective airbags. As FCA, Honda, B.M.W., Mazda, Nissan, Toyota and others continue to sort through the issue, we expect to see more stories like the one published by USA Today. Honda has already come out and said that it expects it will be “several weeks” before it can disclose a more comprehensive list of affected vehicles.
Previously-Repaired Vehicles Being Recalled Again
Importantly, Honda and BMW are both now recalling vehicles that have already previously been serviced for defective airbags. Honda is seeking to replace passenger-side airbags in 350,000 vehicles that have already had their driver-side airbags replaced. BMW is recalling 381,000 vehicles that have already had their driver-side airbags replaced in order to replace passenger-side airbags. As we have cautioned previously, vehicle owners should check NHTSA’s website regularly for updates to the recall list.
What if My Vehicle is Subject to the Takata Airbag Recall?
Takata’s defective airbags have already been linked to at least five fatal accidents in the United States and one overseas. If your vehicle is subject to the recall, you should contact your local dealership to get in line for a replacement airbag.
Owners in Texas and other high-humidity areas along the Gulf coast are being prioritized for replacements; however, it is still likely to take some time before your vehicle gets repaired. Some outlets have reported that it may take years for Takata to supply enough airbags to fix everyone’s vehicles. Different manufacturers are making different recommendations for what owners should do in the meantime.
Contact Zehl & Associates in Houston, TX if You Have Been Injured by a Defective Airbag
If you have been injured or know someone who has been injured by a defective airbag, call the law firm with the #1 largest auto accident verdict in the State of Texas. We have recovered over $1 Billion in compensation for our clients, including tens of millions specifically for automotive defects. For a free, confidential consultation, call (888) 603-3636 or contact Zehl & Associates online today.