Massive Takata Airbag Recall Affects Millions of Vehicles

Across the world, a massive product recall has affected millions of cars and is most likely the largest product recall in history.

The products at issue are airbags made by Takata. These airbags have been installed and sold by dozens of vehicle manufacturers in millions of individual vehicles, which are now subject to the Takata airbag recall. You can view a list of affected makes and models on our defective airbag investigation page.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has called the massive Takata airbag recall the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history, according to Consumer Reports.

This recall has affected such car manufacturers as Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mazda, Toyota, Mercedes and others. Estimates by the NHTSA indicate that when the breadth and width of the Takata airbag defects are realized, this massive recall could affect one out of every nine cars on the road around the world.

Why Is There a Takata Airbag Recall?

Takata is a Japanese car part manufacturer and has facilities all over the world. Following the massive Takata airbag recall, Takata filed for bankruptcy in June 2017.

Takata began issuing recalls of its airbags in 2013 when it discovered that defective inflators in its airbags had been reported in conjunction with a series of injuries and deaths.

The airbags that are part of the Takata airbag recall share a defect that may cause them to explode unexpectedly. Takata included an ammonium nitrate inflator component that can deteriorate over time.

This metal cartridge is loaded with propellant and is designed to inflate rapidly in the case of an auto accident. This is meant to be a protective measure for the occupants of the vehicle. However, some airbags subject to the Takata airbag recall that were meant to protect passengers have been the source of deadly accidents and injuries for some.

Over time, this cartridge in the Takata airbags can deteriorate. When this deterioration is coupled with humidity as well as problems with manufacture and design, it can be a deadly combination. The ammonium nitrate cartridge may explode sending metal pieces throughout the cabin of the automobile.

Takata airbags have been blamed for several deaths worldwide. At least thirteen deaths have been attributed to the explosion of airbags made by Takata, including a teenage girl in Malaysia. Some estimates place the death toll as high as sixteen worldwide.

In January 2017, the United States brought charges against Takata executives. Takata pled guilty to charges and agreed to pay one billion dollars in victim compensation, automobile manufacturer compensation and fines.

Some vehicle owners have also reported their airbags failed to deploy when they should have, exposing the vehicle’s occupants to a significantly greater risk of injury.

If you have been injured or someone you love has been injured or killed as a result of a defective airbag under the Takata airbag recall, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney. While monetary compensation cannot take away the pain and suffering one has experienced, it may help to alleviate lost wages and medical costs.

Were You Affected by the Takata Airbag Defect?

The Takata airbag recall affects over 37 million vehicles sold or leased under dozens of different brands, including:

• Acura
• Audi
• BMW
• Cadillac
• Chevrolet
• Chrysler
• Daimler
• Sprinter
• Sterling Bullet
• Ferrari
• Dodge/Ram
• Fisker
• Ford
• GMC
• Honda
• Infiniti
• Jaguar
• Jeep
• Land Rover
• Lexus
• Lincoln
• Mazda
• McLaren
• Mercedes-Benz
• Mercury
• Mitsubishi
• Nissan
• Pontiac
• Saab
• Saturn
• Scion
• Subaru
• Tesla
• Toyota
• Volkswagen

If you have owned or leased a vehicle under any of the brands above, you may qualify to file your own airbag lawsuit or Takata class action lawsuit.
You can find a full list of makes, models and model years on our Defective Airbag Recall Investigation Page.

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