TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT NEWS(2023)

HighbrowLawyerApril 15, 2023

124 4 minutes read

TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT NEWS(2023)

The Takata airbag recall has been one of the largest and most complex automotive recalls in history. This article will cover the latest updates on the Takata airbag recall class action lawsuit news. It will discuss what the recall is about, the timeline of events, the causes of the recall, and the latest updates on the Takata airbag recall class action lawsuit.

The Takata airbag recall has been ongoing for more than a decade. The recall began in 2008, and since then, more than 100 million vehicles worldwide have been affected. The recall was initiated because of defective airbags that could rupture during deployment and send shrapnel flying into the vehicle’s occupants. This defect has been linked to at least 27 deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide.

Table of Contents

What is the Takata Airbag Recall?

The Takata airbag recall is a massive automotive recall that affects millions of vehicles worldwide. The recall was initiated because of defective airbags made by Takata, a Japanese company that produced airbags for many automakers, including Honda, Toyota, Ford, General Motors, and others. The defect in the airbags was caused by the degradation of the ammonium nitrate propellant used in the airbag inflators.

Timeline of Events

The Takata airbag recall has been ongoing for more than a decade. Here is a timeline of the major events:

2008: Honda recalls 4,000 vehicles due to defective Takata airbags.
2009: Takata declares bankruptcy due to the high costs of the recalls.
2013: Takata and Honda are fined $70 million by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for failing to report safety defects.
2014: The NHTSA issues a nationwide recall of Takata airbags.
2015: The first death linked to the Takata airbag defect is reported.
2017: Takata declares bankruptcy due to the high costs of the recall.
2018: Takata agrees to pay $1 billion in penalties and plead guilty to criminal charges.
2019: The last of the Takata airbag recall is scheduled to be completed.

Causes of the Recall

The root cause of the Takata airbag recall is the use of ammonium nitrate as a propellant in the airbag inflators. Over time, exposure to heat and humidity can cause the ammonium nitrate to degrade, leading to an increased risk of the airbag inflator rupturing during deployment.

The Latest Updates on the Takata Airbag Recall Class Action Lawsuit

The Takata airbag recall class action lawsuit has been ongoing for years. In 2020, a settlement was reached between the plaintiffs and Takata’s US unit, TK Holdings, which had filed for bankruptcy. The settlement totaled $1.6 billion and covered claims from the carmakers affected by the recall. It also included compensation for those who had been injured or had lost loved ones due to the defective airbags.

As of 2021, the Takata airbag recall remains ongoing, with millions of vehicles still needing repairs. The NHTSA is urging all consumers to check whether their vehicle is affected by the recall and to have any necessary repairs done as soon as possible.

Settlements and Penalties

Takata has faced significant penalties and settlements over the course of the recall. In addition to the $1.6 billion settlement with the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit, Takata was fined $25 million by the NHTSA in 2015 for failing to cooperate fully with the agency’s investigation. In 2017, Takata pleaded guilty to criminal charges and agreed to pay $1 billion in penalties. TK Holdings, Takata’s US unit, also filed for bankruptcy in 2017, which allowed it to settle many of the claims against it.

Implications for Consumers

The Takata airbag recall has significant implications for consumers. Vehicles with defective airbags are not safe to drive, and owners should have their vehicles repaired as soon as possible. In addition to the safety implications, there may be legal and financial implications for consumers who own vehicles affected by the recall.

What Should You Do if Your Vehicle is Affected?

If your vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag recall, you should have it repaired as soon as possible. The repair typically involves replacing the defective airbag inflator with a new one that does not use ammonium nitrate as a propellant. The repair is usually free of charge to the consumer.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

Consumers can check whether their vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag recall by visiting the NHTSA’s website and entering their vehicle’s identification number (VIN). The VIN is a unique 17-digit code that can be found on the dashboard, driver’s side doorjamb, or registration documents.

Future of the Takata Airbag Recall

The Takata airbag recall is expected to continue for several more years. While the majority of the affected vehicles have been repaired, there are still millions of vehicles that need to be repaired. The NHTSA is continuing to monitor the progress of the recall and is urging consumers to have their vehicles repaired as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The Takata airbag recall is one of the largest and most complex automotive recalls in history. It has affected millions of vehicles worldwide and has been linked to at least 27 deaths and hundreds of injuries. While significant progress has been made in repairing the affected vehicles, the recall remains ongoing, and consumers should check whether their vehicle is affected and have it repaired as soon as possible.

FAQs

What is a class action lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit is a legal action in which a group of people who have been harmed by a common defendant join together to sue that defendant.

How do I know if my vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag recall?

You can check whether your vehicle is affected by visiting the NHTSA’s website and entering your vehicle’s identification number (VIN).

What should I do if my vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag recall?

If your vehicle is affected, you should have it repaired as soon as possible. The repair is typically free of charge to the consumer.

What are the safety implications of driving a vehicle with a defective airbag?

Vehicles with defective airbags are not safe to drive. In the event of a crash, the airbag may not deploy properly, which could result in serious injury or death.