The Takata Corporation, a Japanese auto parts manufacturer, once operated production facilities across four continents, providing approximately 25% of all airbag inflators used globally. However, the company’s reputation took a drastic hit when it was discovered that millions of its airbags were defective. The initial recall in 2013, affecting 3.6 million vehicles, originated from reports of defective airbag inflators at a Takata plant in Mexico. These faulty airbags were linked to injuries and fatalities, leading to a surge in Takata airbag lawsuits.
In response to the escalating safety concerns, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated what would become the largest vehicle recall in U.S. history. To date, over 42 million vehicles have been recalled in the U.S. alone, with numbers continuing to rise globally. Takata airbags are notorious for their potential to explode on deployment, propelling metal shrapnel into vehicle occupants. This danger has resulted in numerous serious injuries, including scarring, blindness, and even fatalities.
The core of the problem lies in a faulty seal on the airbag inflator. If compromised, this seal allows moisture to seep into the ammonium nitrate propellant, a chemical used for rapid airbag deployment. In high-humidity areas, the risk increases as the propellant becomes more unstable. Upon impact, instead of deploying safely, the airbag may explode with excessive force, rupturing the inflator canister and sending metal fragments into the driver’s and passenger’s compartments. Additionally, some defective airbags may fail to inflate properly, leaving occupants unprotected during an accident.
If your vehicle contains a Takata airbag, it’s crucial to stay informed and take any necessary actions recommended by the NHTSA. For those injured due to a malfunctioning Takata airbag, seeking assistance from an experienced Takata Airbag Lawyer is essential. Timothy L. Miles, a knowledgeable Takata airbag lawyer, is dedicated to helping victims pursue compensation in light of these tragic circumstances. If you or a loved one have been affected, a Takata airbag lawsuit could be the first step toward justice and recovery from the Takata airbag settlement.
