Some Honda and Acura vehicles are equipped with Takata airbags that have a nearly 50 percent chance of rupturing in a crash and injuring or killing drivers, according to new test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA is asking the public and the news media to get the word out and help find cars with Takata airbags so they can get fixed immediately.
The subset of affected Takata airbags includes:
- 2003 Acura CL
- 2002 Honda CR-V
- 2001-2002 Honda Accord
- 2001-2002 Honda Civic
- 2002-2003 Acura TL
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 Honda Pilot
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx is urging people to avoid driving these cars unless they are going straight to the dealer to get the airbags fixed. If the airbag ruptures, it could spray shrapnel throughout your vehicle, and hurt or kill you or your passengers.
The vehicles listed above were recalled between 2008 and 2011 because of a manufacturing defect. Honda has stated that more than 70 percent of these vehicles have been repaired. However, there are still 313,000 cars that have not been repaired.
Takata airbags are at greater risk of rupturing in cars that have spent a lot of time in humid climates, such as Florida, Texas and Southern California. Eight of the 10 U.S. deaths from Takata airbags happened in cars in these types of climates.
If you own a car with a defective Takata airbag, check SaferCar.gov to find out if your car has any safety recalls. If there is a recall on your car you can get it repaired for free.
If you or a family member has died or been seriously injured because a Takata airbag ruptured, contact the Cincinnati Takata airbag recall lawyers at O’Connor Acciani & Levy. You might be entitled to compensation for your injuries.