Takata airbags are once again under fire, as certain Volkswagen (VW) and Audi automobile models are being recalled allegedly due to the defective airbags that can potentially result in serious injury or death. Volkswagen has recently issued a recall of hundreds and thousands of vehicles that contain the allegedly defective Takata airbags.

The VW recall includes certain models of Audi vehicles as well. Volkswagen and Audi recently expanded a recall of certain vehicle models to include certain 2016 and 2017 and older models that contain Takata airbags.

The initial recall had included cars manufactured between 2002 and 2015, with the automakers warning the front airbags can explode and potentially cause injury. These airbag explosions have reportedly killed both driver and passenger, along with other serious injuries.

Overview of Problems with Takata Airbags

These alleged defective Takata airbags reportedly use ammonium nitrate, which degrades over time. The airbag inflation consists of a metal cartridge, which is loaded with ammonium nitrate.

According to regulators the Takata airbags explosions are due to the ammonium nitrate, which is the same chemical used for bomb making. This chemical may degrade and eventually cause the inflator mechanism to rupture

The explosive Takata airbags are allegedly made worse by high heat and humidity. These factors allegedly cause the propellant to degrade even faster, which may resulting in exploding Takata airbags.

The airbag is supposed to inflate when activated, but the alleged defective Takata airbags explode with such force that the metal cartridge that contains the propellant ruptures, ultimately spreading metal shrapnel throughout the car.

Normally, the Takata airbags inflator should burst just enough to release the airbag. But the defective models do not contain a sufficient amount of the drying agent necessary to produce the correct force.

Even though death and serious injuries have been reported in conjunction with Takata airbags, Volkswagen reportedly did not recall the vehicles until much later than other automakers.

Volkswagen and Audi had reportedly failed to promptly notify customers of the potential exploding Takata airbags, and have also allegedly failed to provide help to customers or compensate vehicle owners for any costs associated with the recall. The automakers also reportedly did not have enough components available to replace all the alleged defective airbags.

With the prompt action of other automakers in the face of their own recalls, Audi and Volkswagen had earned additional criticism for their delayed response. Affected owners say the two companies have also failed to cover costs associated with the recall.

Due to the nature of the injuries associated with the Takata airbags, regulators state that it is most likely not safe to drive affected vehicles. These include but are not limited to:

• 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC
• 2010-2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
• 2010-2014 Volkswagen Eos
• 2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf
• 2010-2014 Jetta SportWagen
• 2013 Volkswagen Golf R
• 2009-2014 Volkswagen GTI
• 2010-2014 Volkswagen Passat
• 2007-2010 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
• 2007-2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

Due to the other automakers being affected by alleged defective Takata airbags, along with the massive legal fines associated with product liability charges, the company is expected to face legal action. Automobile workers who own affected vehicles may be able to file a Volkswagen or Audi Takata airbag lawsuit.