How many cars were affected?
To date, there are over 34 million cars that are being affected by the Takata airbag recall. Reports of fatalities and injuries attributed to the airbags began two years ago. Initially, the global giant reported that the defects in the airbag were correlated to the region in which it was employed. Therefore the Takata airbag recall was only regional since their evidence indicated that high humidity was a contributing factor in the defect. However on May 20, the recall was expanded nationwide. This is the largest nationwide recall in history with just about one in every seven cars potentially being equipped with a defective airbag.
What are the defects?
Due to a change in the chemical composition of the airbag inflator unit, some of the metal components of the units threads when deployed. As a result, the shredded metal or shrapnel violently disperses into the passenger cabin of the motor vehicle.
How can the defects cause harm, injury or death?
The shrapnel projected from the defective Takata airbags have caused blindness, facial fracturing and quadriplegia. Additionally six deaths and over 100 serious injuries have been attributed to the defective airbags. One woman in Florida died when shrapnel from her deployed airbag flew into her neck.
Who is overseeing the recall?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an arm of the federal government has begun the process of commandeering the recall. Takata was not forthcoming in answering inquiries and delivering reports when the list of injuries and deaths began. Takata was being fined daily due to their delay in giving vital information to the hearing committee that had been set up to investigate the problems with the defective airbags.
What is being done since the recall?
Takata Corporation is producing an abundance of airbag inflators to meet the demand of the 34 million cars that are impacted by this recall. Floridians seem to have the highest risk since most of the injuries have been reported in that area. Accordingly that area and vehicles that are older will be prioritized as it may take over two years to manufacture enough replacement parts. With the NHTSA taking control, other manufacturing venues will be explored to speed up the process. Motorists should consult their auto dealer to find out if their car is impacted as well since letters may not go out to owners until replacement parts have been obtained. l
To find out if your car is on the recall list visit http://money.cnn.com/2015/05/20/autos/takata-recall-list/index.html?iid=EL. This link was provided on CNN Money Please note that this list is being updated continually and should be consulted again after several days in the event that your car has been added.
