Takata Airbag Recall: What You Need to Know

Vehicles from 19 different automotive makers spanning over 10 years have been included in the Takata airbag recalls.

Approximately 67 million airbags are included in the recalls, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which it has called “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.”

The Takata recall continues to grow. In February, more than 150,000 Ford vehicles were recalled for Takata airbag defects.

If you purchased a vehicle affected by the Takata airbag recall, you may qualify to take legal action. Top Class Actions connects consumers with experienced consumer protection attorneys who will help you determine if you qualify to file a legal claim. Click here to learn more about your rights.

The regulator notes that the airbag inflators in these units are defective and may lead to explosions when activated in a crash. The phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) desiccated airbag inflators used in the recalled Takata airbags may degrade over time, the NHTSA reveals. This degradation could occur more rapidly in environments with high heat and humidity.

When the inflators’ active substance degrades, the airbags can rupture and send metal shrapnel into the vehicle cabin. Instead of saving lives, these airbags may take the lives of drivers and passengers during accidents.

According to the NHTSA’s recall announcement, this defect has resulted in at least 18 deaths and at least 250 injuries.

Vehicles equipped with these airbags span 19 different car companies and countless models. Model years range from 2001 to 2019. Due to the millions of vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recall, consumers should check to see if their vehicle is affected through the NHTSA’s VIN recall check.

Consumers with affected vehicles are directed to contact their dealership as soon as possible so they can have their airbags repaired for free under the recall agreement. However, not all repairs will happen immediately, with some repairs delayed to 2025. Older vehicles and those registered in high heat and high humidity states such as Florida are being prioritized for repairs due to increased risks.

Some manufacturers are recommending that consumers do not drive their vehicles unless they are taking their car directly to the dealership for repairs.

Certain 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura vehicles, 2006 Ford Ranger vehicles, Mazda B-Series trucks, and 1999 BMW 323i and 328i vehicles fall under this category due to a “far higher risk” for airbag explosions, the NHTSA notes. Owners of these vehicles are directed to seek immediate repairs.

Although the recall ensures that consumers will not face future injuries or damages as a result of Takata airbag failures, countless drivers and passengers may have suffered from serious injuries already.

• Lacerations and cuts
• Puncture wounds
• Fractured bones
• Blindness
• Permanent scarring
• Facial injuries
• Ear injuries
• Neck injuries
• Death
• Other disfigurements

If you or a loved one have been impacted by this or other Takata airbag recalls, you may be able to take legal action. Top Class Actions has taken the guesswork out of the process by connecting our readers directly to experienced legal professionals.

In order to take action for injuries or damages related to the Takata airbag recall, consumers should reach out before April 11. After this date, incidents which occurred before April 18, 2018 may be time-barred and ineligible for action.