Drawing parallels to the General Motors ignition switch problems, Honda has been accused of failing to take action after reports of Takata brand airbags installed in its vehicles have caused injuries and deaths. Regulators and automakers have blamed Takata airbags for at least 37 incidents of exploding airbags and 139 injuries. Honda is aware of two people who have been killed by shrapnel from exploding air bags. Experts believe more injuries and deaths can be attributed to the faulty airbags.
The fault in the airbags lies in defective propellant. Airbag propellants are supposed to burn quickly to produce gas and inflate the airbag in the event of a crash. In some cases, the Takata airbags are producing too much gas too quickly, causing the propellant canister to rupture. Ruptured cannisters can expel metal shrapnel into the vehicle’s interior.
Honda has recalled 2.8 million vehicles with Takata airbags installed. Toyota has recalled 844,000 of its vehicles also. Other automobile manufacturers with recalled Takata airbags include BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Subaru. One of the bigger problems with this recall is the availability of parts to fix the recalled airbags. Toyota is urging drivers living in areas of high humidity to have their vehicles fixed as soon as possible. High humidity can be a factor in causing a ruptured propellant canister.
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If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today at (800) 333-0000 for a free consultation.
