On Nov. 18, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a press release online that called for a national recall of vehicles with frontal airbags made by Takata Corp.
Although more than 7.8 million vehicles have been recalled in the United States for these airbags, the NHTSA’s evaluation of recent drivers side airbag failures outside of the current regional recall area led to the administrations request.
Deaths linked to defective Takata airbags in California and North Carolina are disconcerting as many of the recalls announced this year only covered areas of high absolute humidity. In the press release, the NHTSA notes that it will use the full extent of its statutory powers to ensure that vehicles with the same or similar airbag inflator are recalled.
“By demanding this national recall, NHTSA has demonstrated once again that it will follow data and evidence to protect the lives of Americans on the road…”
Secretary Anthony Foxx
The NHTSA went on to issue two different orders for Takata Corp. and vehicle manufacturers. A General Order requires all ten vehicle manufacturers that use Takata airbag inflators as well as Takata to produce and file, under oath, documents about completed, ongoing or planned testing of Takata inflators.
A Special Order to Takata is requiring the manufacturer to provide, under oath, documents and details on the propellant used in Takata’s inflators. The corporation recently announced that it changed the chemical mix of its airbag inflator propellant, which may have prompted the NHTSA’s order for further information.
Worldwide, at least five deaths have been attributed to problems with Takata airbags. Most recently, a medical examiner in Orlando attributed metal shrapnel from a faulty airbag to the death of a motorist in Orlando.
The Takata airbag recall lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy are continuing to monitor any breaking details on Takata airbags. If you or someone you love has been injured by one of these dangerous airbags, contact a Cincinnati injury lawyer at our law firm for a free legal consultation you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim.