Takata Airbag Recall: Largest & Most Complex in U.S. History
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has described the ongoing Takata airbag recall as “the largest and most complex auto safety recall in U.S. history.” This is no exaggeration. The airbags in question have been in production for over a decade and have been installed in the lineup of over two dozen vehicle manufacturers. NHTSA estimates that the number of these faulty airbags totals roughly 41.6 million vehicles equipped with 56 million individual airbags, which is simply mind-blowing.
The purpose of airbags is simple. They are designed to protect passengers and save lives. This is the expectation, and countless hours of research and development have been invested into achieving this. However, just because the concept is simple does not mean the engineering hurdles are easily overcome. This has proven to be the case with Takata.
The problem lies with the chemical used to inflate the airbag, PSAN, or phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate. This chemical was hailed as a cheaper and safer alternative to the industry-standard chemicals of the time. However, in recent years, the reality of PSAN has yielded its ugly head. Given enough time, temperature fluctuations (both daily and seasonally), and humidity, these airbags have proven to be volatile and dangerous. Instead of the relatively slow, controlled, and predictable reaction of this chemical required to safely inflate the airbag, these faulty Takata airbags can explode, injuring, and in some cases, killing passengers. The technicalities around how exactly these airbags fail is conversation best left to the experts.
We rest on the promise that our airbags are safety devices. The notion that we could be driving around with nothing short of a bomb affixed to our steering wheels is simply unacceptable. To add, the fact that temperature and humidity play such a crucial role in the failure of these devices leaves us here in South Florida especially at risk.
Injured by a Defective Takata Airbag? Call Us for Help!
If you own a Takata airbag-equipped vehicle, take advantage of the recall and get it replaced. If you or someone you know has already suffered injury due to a faulty airbag of any sort, call us today at (561) 570-5700 or use link below to schedule a free consultation. Robes Law Group is here to help victims of dangerous and defective products such as the Takata airbag.
The information contained in this blog is merely for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.
