Takata Expands Airbag Recall

Takata Expands Airbag Recall

After more than a decade of denials and refusals to cooperate with vehicle safety regulators, Japanese airbag maker Takata has finally publicly acknowledged that its airbags are defective. As part of this admission, Takata agreed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to expand its recall to nearly 34 million vehicles nationwide. This makes the Takata airbag recall the largest automotive recall in U.S. history – affecting roughly one out of every seven vehicles on the road.

What does the Expanded Takata Airbag Recall Mean for Me?

With the expansion of Takata’s recall, it is extremely important to find out if your vehicle is affected. If yours isn’t, a vehicle belonging to someone you know likely is. Takata’s defective airbags have already been linked to at least five deaths in the U.S. – including one in Houston, Texas and are known to explode violently sending shrapnel flying into drivers and front seat passengers. If you have been involved in an accident and suffered injuries caused by your airbag, you should contact us right away.

How do I know if My Vehicle is Included in the Takata Airbag Recall

While Takata initially only included vehicles from six automakers in its recall, that list has now expanded to 15 and includes dozens of different models. All of the affected vehicles are currently believed to have been manufactured between 2000 and 2011. You can enter your vehicle’s VIN number (it should be located on your dashboard near the windshield) into the NHTSA’s database to see if it has been recalled. You can also check your vehicle manufacturer’s website. NHTSA is cautioning vehicle owners to check the database periodically, as it is expected to grow when Takata releases the full list of affected makes and models.

What Vehicles are on the List so Far?

As of the date that Takata announced its expanded recall, these are the vehicles known to have been manufactured with defective airbags:

Acura

2003 CL

2003 – 2005 MDX

2002 – 2003 TL

BMW

2004 – 2006 325Ci

2004 – 2006 325i

2004 – 2005 325Xi

2004 – 2006 330Ci

2004 – 2006 330i

2004 – 2005 330Xi

2000 – 2006 3-Series

2001 – 2006 M3

Chrysler

2005 – 2008 300

2005 – 2007 300C

2007 – 2008 Aspen

2005 – 2007 SRT8

Dodge

2005 – 2007 Charger

2005 – 2007 Dakota

2004 – 2008 Durango

2005 – 2007 Magnum

2003 – 2008 Ram 1500

2003 – 2008 Ram 2500

2003 – 2008 Ram 3500

Ford

2005 – 2006 GT

2005 – 2008 Mustang

2004 – 2005 Ranger

Honda

2001 – 2007 Accord

2001 – 2005 Civic

2003 Civic Hybrid

2002 – 2006 CR-V

2003 – 2001 Element

2002 – 2004 Odyssey

2003 – 2008 Pilot

2006 Ridgeline

Infiniti

2003 – 2005 FX35

2003 – 2005 FX45

2001 I30

2002 – 2004 I35

2006 M35

2006 M45

2002 – 2003 QX4

Lexus

2002 – 2007 SC

Mazda

2004 – 2008 Mazda6

2006 – 2007 MazdaSpeed Mazda6

2004 – 2008 RX

Mitsubishi

2004 – 2005 Lancer

2006 – 2007 Raider

Nissan

2001 – 2003 Maxima

2001 – 2004 Pathfinder

2002 – 2006 Sentra

Pontiac

2003 – 2007 Vibe

Saab

2005 9-2X

Subaru

2003 – 2005 Baja

2004 – 2005 Impreza

2003 – 2005 Legacy

2003 – 2005 Outback

Toyota

2003 – 2007 Corolla

2003 – 2007 Corolla Matrix

2004 – 2005 Rav4

2002 – 2007 Sequoia

2003 – 2006 Tundra

What Kinds of Injuries to the Airbags Cause?

Along with the five known fatalities, Takata’s defective airbags have also been linked to more than 100 injuries. Due to the way that the airbags explode, victims are likely to suffer injuries such as:

• Severe lacerations and abrasions
• Wounds consistent with stabs and gunshots
• Eye injuries from flying projectiles
• Loss of eyesight
• Nose fractures
• Scarring and disfigurement

These are serious, and in some cases life-altering injuries. Takata needs to be held responsible for its appalling decision to put profits before the lives and safety of its customers. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving an exploding airbag, our attorneys are here to help.

What can the Attorneys at Zehl & Associates do for me after an Accident?

Zehl & Associates is a full-service Houston, TX personal injury and wrongful death law firm. Our attorneys have recovered over $1 Billion in compensation for our clients, and we have handled more than 250 cases specifically involving dangerous vehicle defects. From the moment we take your call, helping you becomes our top priority. Call our offices today to:

• Find out if your vehicle is on the Takata airbag recall list
• Get help finding a doctor for treatment or rehabilitation
• Learn what you need to do after being involved in a vehicle accident
• Find out how much money you may be entitled to recover
• Get help from the law firm with the #1 largest auto accident verdict in the State of Texas

Call 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consultation with a Takata Airbag Defect Attorney

Let the attorneys at Zehl & Associates use their extensive experience and nationwide reputation to help you fight for maximum compensation for your losses.

If you have been injured in an accident, it is important that you contact us immediately so that we can get started on your case right away. Call us now at 1-888-603-3636 to schedule your free consultation.