Takata airbags have been in the headlines for almost a decade. Some of these airbags, which may be inside vehicles from many different manufacturers, have killed and seriously injured drivers and passengers around the globe.
A recall of defective Takata airbags began in 2004. Sadly, the company’s airbags are still killing motorists in the U.S. In fact, in early January, a South Carolina man became the 19th American to die because of a bad Takata airbag.
Why are some Takata airbags dangerous?
Airbags usually protect drivers from serious injury in automobile accidents. While not all Takata airbags are faulty, some have inflators that degrade over time. Degraded inflators may explode, potentially causing sharp pieces of metal to collide with drivers and passengers at high rates of speed.
Which vehicles have outstanding recalls?
Owners of vehicles with defective Takata airbags should have received a recall notice in the mail from their car’s manufacturer. This recall notice advises owners to take their vehicles to dealerships or service centers for urgent repairs. If you have not received a recall notice, you can use your car’s identification number to search the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s database for unaddressed recalls.
What should you do in the meantime?
Taking your car for repairs may be inconvenient. If your vehicle has a faulty Takata airbag, though, continuing to drive it may be exceedingly dangerous to you and your family. Consequently, you should park your vehicle until a technician makes necessary repairs.
Because of their potential to cause catastrophic injuries and death, defective Takata airbags continue to be a major concern for drivers. Ultimately, to restore your confidence in your car’s airbags, you must promptly address the issue.