In the past few years, Takata Corp. has become a household name in the automotive industry. The Japanese manufacturer’s faulty airbags have led to a series of recalls involving millions of vehicles. As a result, the company has filed for bankruptcy and is now undergoing a restructuring process. But the recall process is far from over and continues to move forward.
The initial recall of Takata airbags began in 2008, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall for 2.7 million vehicles due to defective inflators. The defective inflators were found to be prone to rupture, which can cause metal shrapnel to be propelled into the occupants of the vehicle. Since then, the scope of the recall has grown to encompass more than 100 million vehicles in the U.S. and more than 150 million vehicles worldwide.
In May of 2020, the NHTSA issued an expansion of the Takata airbag recall, adding an additional 6.5 million vehicles to the list. This expansion affected a variety of popular vehicles from various manufacturers, including Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and BMW. In total, the recall affects more than 20 different manufacturers and more than 70 different models of vehicles.
It is estimated that there are still millions of vehicles on the road that have not yet been recalled due to the Takata airbag issue. If you are uncertain if your vehicle is affected by the recall, you can check with your car manufacturer or enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the NHTSA’s online recall lookup tool.
Table of Contents
The Dangers of Takata Airbags
Takata airbags are dangerous because they are prone to rupture when deployed. When a Takata airbag inflator ruptures, it can send metal shrapnel into the occupants of the vehicle. This can cause serious injury or even death.
In addition to the risk of injury, Takata airbags can also cause damage to the vehicle itself. If the airbag deploys with too much force, it can damage the interior of the car. This can lead to costly repairs that may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
What to Do if Your Vehicle is Affected by the Recall
If your vehicle has been affected by the Takata airbag recall, it is important that you get it fixed as soon as possible. Most manufacturers will replace the airbag inflators in affected vehicles for free. If you are unsure if your vehicle is affected, you can contact your car manufacturer or use the NHTSA’s online recall lookup tool.
It is also important to keep in mind that the recall covers only certain vehicles and certain parts. If your vehicle is not affected by the recall, you may still need to have the airbag inflators replaced. In this case, you may need to pay for the repairs yourself.
Conclusion
The Takata airbag recall is an ongoing process that affects millions of vehicles worldwide. It is important that all affected vehicles get fixed as soon as possible in order to prevent injury and damage to the vehicle. If you are unsure if your vehicle is affected, you can check with your car manufacturer or use the NHTSA’s online recall lookup tool.
