Who Is Affected by the Takata Airbag Defect?

A Takata airbag defect has prompted the largest auto recall in history. Affecting over 60 million vehicles made by 19 manufacturers, the faulty airbags have allegedly been linked to hundreds of injuries and at least 26 deaths, according to Reuters and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Takata airbag recall has been expanded several times since it was first issued to include millions more vehicles each time. 

Significantly, the Takata airbags have been the subject of several class action lawsuits that have resulted in significant settlements. Read on to learn more about who may be affected by the Takata airbag defect — and if you might be eligible to file a lawsuit. 

Is Your Car Part of the Takata Airbag Recall?

The NHTSA has advised consumers that Takata airbags have been recalled due to their potential to explode upon deployment and cause severe injuries or fatality.

The affected vehicles run the gamut in price, model year, vehicle type, and manufacturer. Some of the most popular makes and models of cars driven in the U.S. were equipped with faulty airbags, including Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, and other vehicles, according to Statista. Since so many manufacturers used the airbags in their vehicles, there’s a good chance your car might be part of the recall. You can check if your vehicle has been recalled by searching your vehicle’s VIN on the NHTSA website.

If your vehicle is part of the Takata airbag recall, the NHTSA advises you to contact the vehicle dealership for free repairs to remedy the issue.

Who Has Been Injured by the Takata Airbag Defect?

The faulty airbags have been linked to moisture, high heat, and humidity, The New York Times reported. However, accidents in connection with them have also been reported to have occurred in drier locations, including Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, Boston.com reported.

Additionally, vehicle occupants of all ages have suffered from injury or fatality in connection with the defect, according to the NHTSA.  

According to the complaint in a lawsuit against Ford, victims who sustained injuries due to the Takata airbag defect have suffered a wide range of injuries. The plaintiff in the lawsuit, Reshay F., claimed to have sustained catastrophic injuries, permanent impairment, and disfigurement.

The complaint also cites several other instances of accidents in connection with Takata airbags.

For example, the lawsuit cites one occurrence involving a man who was a passenger in a 2001 BMW 330i who suffered permanent loss of vision when a defective Takata airbag exploded on him while riding in the car in Virginia.

The complaint cites another instance in which a driver in Kentucky sustained facial and brain injuries when the Takata airbag ruptured in his 2001 Honda Civic.

In addition, the lawsuit references an accident in Florida involving defective airbags in a 2001 Honda Civic that left a woman quadriplegic.    

What Can You Do If You Were Injured by a Takata Airbag?

If you were injured by a defective Takata airbag, you should seek medical assistance immediately. It’s also a good idea to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you of your legal rights and remedies.

You may be entitled to compensation for your unreimbursed medical expenses and other monetary damages, as well as the pain and suffering that you experienced due to your airbag injuries. A qualified personal injury attorney who handles Takata airbag cases can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.