Feds Direct Takata to Implement National Recall of Exploding Air Bags
While this blog has previously reported on the Takata air bag recall linked to exploding air bags that can propel shrapnel at vehicle occupants, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now requiring expansion of the Takata faulty air bag recall. Takata recalls previously have been limited to regions of the country in the South that are impacted by high humidity. Prior to this expansion, Takata indicated the issue was the result of humidity causing the propellant to burn to fast which could blow apart the metal canisters.
The NHTSA has requested expansion of the Takata air bag recall after an incident in North Carolina, which is not one of the states covered by prior recalls based on high humidity. The driver of a Ford vehicle was injured when an air bag inflator ruptured according to David Friedman, deputy administrator of NHTSA. The NHTSA action comes in the wake of recalls by ten separate vehicle manufacturers covering 17 million vehicles worldwide. However, this new national recall is limited to Mazda, Ford, Chrysler, BMW and Honda vehicles.
Freidman informed media sources that Takata has been asked to issue a nationwide “defect notification” for vehicles with the defective driver side air bags. The agency indicates that errors by Takata in handling the explosive chemicals in the air bag inflator can cause metal and plastic debris to be hurled at the driver when the air bag deploys in a crash. To date, there have been two fatalities linked to the air bag defect and two more deaths that are suspected to have been related to the exploding air bag issue.
While any vehicle recall related to consumer safety issues is significant, there are a couple of reported details regarding the Takata air bag recall that are particularly concerning. First, the New York Times has reported that technicians at Takata ordered the destruction of certain test results performed on air bags after discovering cracks in air bag inflators. Another serious issue raised by the NHTSA is that Takata has not kept sufficiently accurate records, which has complicated the process of identifying the vehicles equipped with the defective air bags.
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If you or a loved one has been injured by an air bag that explodes or fails to function properly in a collision, you might have a right to financial compensation for your injuries. Our accident attorneys at Montlick and Associates have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for over thirty years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Sources:
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2014/1106/Takata-ordered-documents-in-air-bag-recall-destroyed-report-says
http://www.cbs19.tv/story/27420327/feds-tell-takata-to-make-air-bag-recall-nationwide
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/u-s-regulators-tell-takata-and-automakers-make-airbag-recall-nationwide-1.2839684
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2014/10/22/takata-airbag-deaths-recall-stock-investors-defect/17709019/