The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration along with Takata will announce a broadening of its current recall that includes eight top automakers in the United States. In a report filed Monday, Takata revealed more problems with the inflators that had been previously disclosed. Originally, Takata blamed the problems on the propellant used to inflate the airbags, saying that it was sensitive to high humidity. According to a report in today’s New York Times, former Takata engineers have said that they raised concerns over 10 years ago about the stability of the propellant used in the dangerous airbags.
Takata also acknowledged today that some of the faulty airbags have leaks in the airbag inflators. Former employees have also confirmed that the company was aware of the problems but chose to manufacture the defective product anyway.
Six people have been killed by the exploding airbags. One of the fatalities occurred outside of the United States.
Takata joins the ranks of automakers as having one of the most notorious recalls of all time. A title previously held by GM for faulty ignition switches and Ford Motor Company for SUV and small truck rollovers and the still infamous 1971-1976 Ford Pintos recalled for exploding fuel tanks.
Auto makers included in the most current recall are as follows:
- BMW
- Chrysler
- Daimler Trucks
- Ford
- General Motors
- Honda
- Mazda
- Mitsubishi
- Nissan
- Subaru
- Toyota
Because of the sheer number of consumers impacted by the recall and the nature of the deadly product itself, the National Highway and Safety Traffic Administration has created a webpage specific to Takata recalls. The webpage advises consumers to keep checking their vehicle’s VIN number on the website, adding that it may take several weeks for automakers to compile all of the data needed to follow through with the recall.
Numerous injuries have also been reported as a result of these defective products. Reported injuries include:
- Severe burns
- Facial lacerations
- Puncture wounds to the face and neck
- Metal pieces lodged in eyes causing permanent blindness
- TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
- Facial fractures
In at least two cases, authorities wrongly assumed that victims had been shot or stabbed before or during their accidents. Their wounds were so horrific that police naturally drew these fateful conclusions.
Takata is a Japanese company that got its start making textiles in the 1930’s. In the 1950’s it began making seatbelts for cars and after that it began making airbags and child restraint systems. According to the website, they hope to achieve a dream of a society with “no traffic fatalities.” At the present time they have 46 plants in 17 countries.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle with a defective Takata airbag. Call The Thomson Law Firm at (540) 777-4900. The Thomson Law Firm has aggressively represents people injured by defective products. Call today for a free consultation.
