Eight automakers have agreed to recall 12 million additional vehicles in the U.S. over potentially defective airbags manufactured by Japan-based Takata, adding to what already was the largest auto recall in U.S. history. Langdon & Emison has played a key role in resolving lawsuits involving defective Takata airbags, including a recent settlement on behalf of a young man who suffered severe injuries as a result of a crash in Paducah, Ky.
Recalls by Honda, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Ferrari and Mitsubishi recently were announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recalls include passenger airbags in older models in areas along the Gulf Coast with high heat and humidity; however, other areas of the country are also affected depending on the age of vehicles, according to a recent AP report.
Takata airbags are equipped with inflators prone to rupture or explode with excessive force when deployed and shoot shrapnel into the vehicle compartment.
Takata uses a composition of chemicals, including ammonium nitrate, to create a small explosion that inflates the airbags in a crash. The chemical propellant is housed in a metal canister designed to contain the explosion. But, the chemical can deteriorate over time when exposed to high heat and humidity, causing it to burn faster; blow apart the metal canister; and send shrapnel into the necks and faces of vehicle occupants.
The defective airbags are responsible for 11 deaths and more than 100 injuries worldwide. The recalls are the first to be announced by automakers since Takata agreed to expand the airbag recall. The government is phasing additional recalls due to lack of available replacement parts. More recalls will be announced in the coming weeks.
The models covered by the most recent recall include:
Honda: Certain 2003-06 Acura MDX, 2005-11 Acura RL, 2009-11 Acura TSX, 2010-11 Acura ZDX, 2008-11 Honda Accord, 2010-11 Honda Accord Crosstour, 2006-11 Honda Civic, 2005-11 Honda CR-V, 2003-11 Honda Element, 2010-11 Honda FCX Clarity, 2007-11 Honda Fit, 2010-11 Honda Insight, 2002-04 Honda Odyssey, 2003-11 Honda Pilot, 2006-11 Honda Ridgeline, certain 2006-10 Honda Gold Wing motorcycles.
Fiat Chrysler: Certain 2007-09 Chrysler Aspen SUVs, 2005-12 Chrysler 300, 2008-12 Dodge Challenger, 2006-12 Dodge Charger, 2005-11 Dodge Dakota pickups, 2004-09 Dodge Durango SUVs, 2005-08 Dodge Magnum wagons, 2004-08 Ram 1500 pickups, 2005-09 Ram 2500 pickups, 2006-09 Ram 3500 pickups, 2007-10 Ram/Ram 3500 cab chassis, 2008-10 Ram/Ram 4500/5500 cab chassis, 2007-12 Jeep Wrangler SUVs, 2006-09 Mitsubishi Raider pickups, 2008-09 Sterling/Bullet 4500/5500 cab chassis.
Toyota: Certain 2008-11 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-11 Toyota Corolla and Matrix, 2006-11 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-11 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-11 Lexus ES350, and 2009-10 Pontiac Vibes designed for General Motors by Toyota.
Mazda: Certain 2009-11 Mazda6, 2007-11 CX-7 and CX-9, 2004-11 RX-8, 2004-06 MPV, 2003-08 Mazda6, 2006-07 Mazdaspeed6
Subaru: Certain 2003-04 Legacy and Outback, 2006 Saab 9-2x made by Subaru, and 2003-06 Baja pickups. Also certain 2009-11 Legacy, Outback and Forester; 2006-11 Impreza and Tribeca.
Nissan: Certain 2005-08 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-04 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2006-10 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-11 Nissan Versa.
Ferrari: Certain 2009-11 Ferrari California and 2010-11 458 Italia.
Mitsubishi: Certain 2006-07 Lancer and Lancer Evolution cars.
Contact Langdon & Emison
A national leader in auto product defect cases, Langdon & Emison represents clients nationwide in Takata airbag cases. If you or a loved one has been injured by a Takata airbag, contact our firm at 866-931-2115 or complete an online form.