Recent GMC Yukon recalls have been conducted after news of the defective Takata airbags spread. Allegedly, the company may have known for years about airbag defects.

General Motors is one of several automobile companies that have recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles because these vehicles contained the defective Takata airbags.

The vehicles subject to the GMC Yukon recalls are 2010 to 2014 year models of the Yukon and Yukon XL, with the total recall number totaling in the millions.

According to the GMC Yukon recalls, the front airbags can suddenly explode and injure both driver and front passenger.

Overview of Takata Airbag Concern

Late model vehicles are primarily affected by the Takata airbag warning, in that the front airbag may suddenly deploy without warning due to ammonium nitrate deterioration.

Regulators have traced the cause to the metal cartridge in the airbag component which is loaded with ammonium nitrate propellant. It is important to note that ammonium nitrate is the same chemical used for some types of bomb making.

The airbags may explode due to the inadequacy of the drying agent, which is meant to prevent the airbag from deploying with too much force and ultimately prevents explosions. The drying agent and ammonium nitrate may deteriorate due to high heat and humidity temperatures, leading to unexpected deployment.

Like other airbag components, the inflator is designed to inflate when activated and in the event of an impact. However, vehicles affected by the GMC Yukon recalls, as well as other GM models, have reportedly had their airbags suddenly explode and send shrapnel throughout the vehicles.

This essentially causes the airbags to act as a bomb rather than a life saving device. General Motors has notified customers affected by the GMC Yukon recalls, as well as other vehicles affected by the Takata airbag defect to prevent further injury.

General Motors and other automakers have been criticized for not addressing this issue sooner, with advocates stating the companies should have reacted sooner to protect their customers.

In addition, critics have stated that while the notifications were helpful in informing consumers, it does not help consumers who have had their vehicles recalled or have already been injured. General Motors has reportedly failed to offer any form of compensation for public transportation costs or offer temporary replacement vehicles.

Even with this in mind, consumers are still being advised against driving vehicles with the defective Takata airbags. Since 2008, Takata has been connected to a number of different safety issues and has been the subject of public scrutiny. Takata has filed bankruptcy due to the company’s recent history of recalls and numerous lawsuits.

Consumers who were affected by the GMC Yukon recalls, as well as other Takata airbag vehicle recalls may be able to file legal action against General Motors or Takata. Potential claimants should contact a lawyer to determine eligibility for a claim.

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The airbag injury attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual defective airbag recall lawsuit or defective airbag recall class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, defective airbag recall lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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