Within the United States, 7.8 million vehicles have been recalled to an allegedly lethal airbag defect. According to consumer reports, airbag defect lawsuits, and reports by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the allegedly defective airbags manufactured by Takata Corp. have been installed in over 50 different car models from different automakers from 2001 to 2011.

During the last year, GM has faced a similar class action lawsuit involving an ignition switch defect that turned off safety features like airbags. However, the Takata defective airbag problem allegedly takes the airbag safety feature and turns it into a shrapnel projecting hazard. According to news reports, this Takata airbag defect has been linked with at least four known deaths.

Because of the potential danger to drivers and passengers, the NHTSA has urged drivers of vehicles containing the Takata defective airbags to “take immediate action” by going to their local car dealership and having their airbags checked for defects. Because the defect is allegedly connected to built-up moisture in the airbags, drivers in states with high heat and humidity should take extra precaution and get their safety airbags checked as soon as possible.

However, because of the millions of Takata airbags that may need to be replaced, some consumers may have to wait months to receive a replacement airbag. Toyota, who has some car models containing the Takata airbag defect, has come up with a temporary solution by disabling passenger side airbags and not allowing passengers to occupy that seat until the airbag can be permanently replaced.

Because of the alleged danger present to passengers and drivers operating a vehicle with a defective Takata airbag, many individuals have filed or may file a Takata airbag defect lawsuit.

Takata Airbag Recall

Starting in 2013 and continuing up through October of this year, Takata recalled close to 8 million vehicles installed with their allegedly defective airbags. The Takata airbag design defect allegedly causes moisture to seep into the airbag system. The ammonium nitrate contained within the airbags allows the Takata safety product to ignite and inflate instantly during a crash.

However, because of the alleged airbag defect, when this ammonium nitrate chemical comes into contact with moisture, the airbag explodes sending plastic and metal debris into the vehicle. Passengers hit by the lethal shrapnel have been found with injuries typically consistent with a shooting or stabbing.

The Takata airbag recall has affected over 50 different models manufactured by Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and a number of other automakers that were made between 2000 and 2011. This airbag recall includes, but is not limited to:

• Acura – MDX / TL / CL / RL
• BMW – 3 Series Sedan / Coupe / Convertible / Wagon, M3 Coupe / Convertible
• Chrysler – 300, Aspen
• Dodge – Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500/ 4500 / 5500, Durango, Dakota
• Ford – GT, Mustang, Ranger
• Honda – Accord, Civic, CRV, Element, Odyssey, Pilot
• Infiniti – I30, I35, QX4, FX35, FX45
• Lexus – SC
• Mazda – 6, Speed 6, RX, 8, MPV, B Series Truck
• Mitsubishi – Lancer, Raider
• Nissan – Maxima, Pathfinder, Sentra
• Pontiac – Vibe
• Saab – 9-2X
• Subaru – Baja, Legacy, Outback, Impreza
• Toyota – Corolla, Sequoia, Tundra

Because of the sheer number of cars allegedly affected by the Takata airbag defect and the claims that the company knew of the defect since 2001, many consumers have filed Takata airbag defect lawsuits or have joined Takata airbag defect class action lawsuits.