NHTSA Denies Ford’s Request to Avoid Another Takata Airbag Recall

The longest-running and most complex auto recall in history continues to have implications for millions of drivers. 

Sixty-seven million vehicles have been recalled over the last decade in the massive Takata airbag recall — and the list continues to expand.

Recently, Ford lost its bid to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) to avoid recalling nearly 3 million additional vehicles, according to Cars.com.

On Jan. 21, 2021, the NHTSA denied Ford’s 2017 petition, in which the manufacturer argued certain Takata airbags had “inconsequential” defects. While the defective Takata airbag inflators that were part of the massive recall were made with ammonium nitrate, Ford had requested to be relieved of its obligation to notify consumers and remedy airbag inflators made with a calcium sulfate desiccant.

The specific issue with the ammonium nitrate-based Takata airbag inflators is that they were not made with a chemical drying agent, making them prone to erosion when subjected to long-term high heat and humidity. This defect can allegedly cause the airbag inflator to deteriorate over time and explode, rather than inflate, shooting metal fragments into vehicle occupants, causing them to sustain severe injury or fatality.

While Ford contended the airbags in question had “fewer potential moisture sources” that could cause the degradation that occurs in the inflators containing ammonium nitrate, the NHTSA rejected the argument.

“The evidence makes clear that these inflators pose a significant safety risk,” the safety regulator determined. 

“This is not the type of defect for which notice alone enables an owner to avoid the safety risk. A remedy is required to address the underlying safety defect,” the NHTSA stated in its decision.

Is Your Vehicle Affected by the Recent Ford Takata Airbag Recall?

According to the NHTSA, the defect involved in the most recent recall occurs in 2.7 million Takata airbag inflators made between Jan. 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2012. The faulty airbags were equipped on the driver’s side of certain Ford, Mazda, and Nissan models.

The vehicles affected by the calcium sulfate desiccant include: 

• Ford Ranger model years 2007-2011
• Ford Fusion model years 2006-2012
• Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ model years 2006-2012
• Mercury Milan model years 2006-2011
• Ford Edge model years 2007-2010
• Lincoln MKX model years 2007-2010

Pursuant to the NHTSA’s decision, Ford will be notifying consumers and informing them of the available remedies. 

Have Lawsuits Been Filed Concerning the Faulty Airbags?

Takata Corp. and multiple vehicle manufacturers have faced numerous lawsuits in recent years connected with the defective airbags and airbag injuries. As a result of incurring billions in liabilities related to class action lawsuits and recall costs, Takata Corp. filed for bankruptcy, according to Business Insider.

Individual automakers such as Ford, Honda, and many others have also paid out significant settlements in lawsuits to resolve allegations surrounding Takata airbags. 

Not only have consumers raised claims based on allegations that the airbag maker and vehicle manufacturers failed to warn about the dangers associated with the faulty airbags — but victims who have suffered severe injuries due to the defect have also filed suit. 

In a recent lawsuit filed against Ford, a plaintiff alleged she sustained catastrophic bodily injuries due to an exploding Takata airbag. In the complaint, she claimed the severity of the injuries caused her to suffer impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

Another past lawsuit for personal injuries filed against Honda and Takata Corp. alleged the plaintiff suffered permanent blindness in one eye due to the metal shrapnel from the exploding airbag striking his face.

If you have sustained injuries due to a faulty Takata airbag, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering and medical expenses. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you of your legal rights and remedies.