The Issue Surrounding Defective Airbags

Consumer Reports indicates that the recall of Takata airbags was dubbed: “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history,” by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).   The airbags have an inflator that has, in some situations, ignited with explosive force.

The problem is metal shards end up being sprayed throughout the passenger cabin when the inflator housing ruptures in a car crash. Obviously, this is extremely dangerous after an accident.  More than 100 injuries (some horrific) have been linked to the airbags and at least 10 people have died.

The airbags were installed in cars made by 14 different automakers and millions of vehicles have already been recalled. Most drivers would assume that with an ongoing recall and with known problems that they no longer have to worry about the airbags being used in new cars.

Shockingly, this assumption would be wrong.   Brand new cars are being sold with known-defective airbags, and some of the airbags that have already been replaced will need to be replaced again because they’re lacking a drying agent that prevents ammonium nitrate from degrading which means they can explode and send metal shards flying through the car. 

The fact that cars are still being sold with defective airbags and that airbags may need to be replaced multiple times shows how difficult it can be to get problems with vehicles addressed.

If car makers continue selling cars despite an ongoing recall that government officials have become so involved in, what chance does the average consumer have of dealing with defects in their own personal car? Consumers who face issues need to make sure they get the proper help and should consult with a California lemon law attorney for assistance.

Takata Airbags Being Installed in New Vehicles

Auto Blog reported on the problems with Takata airbags being installed in new cars, as well as on the issues, which will result in some airbags needing to be replaced a second time.

Both 2016 and 2017 model vehicles from three different automakers have Takata airbags in them, according to a report from the U.S. Senate Committee which oversees NHTSA.  Not only that, but two auto makers are specifically mentioned in the report because they are continuing to build new cars that will later need to be recalled.

It is not only new vehicles which will have problems in the future, but those who have already had their defective Takata airbags replaced will be surprised to find out they have to get them replaced again later.  Approximately 2.1 million drivers who have their airbags replaced had new faulty airbags put into their cars.  Worse yet, there is still a stockpile of 580,000 airbags with the same issue that are waiting to be installed in cars.

The debacle with the airbags shows how slow car makers are to respond appropriately to problems, the difficulty of actually getting defects fixed in an effective way, and the problems car owners can face when they have safety issues that car makers simply cannot address properly. Anyone who is facing issues with their car who wants to get help seeking remedies should consult with a lemon law lawyer to find out what options they have.