Answer:
Takata, the company who produced the defective airbags specified in this massive recall, announced in May of 2015 that they are doubling the number of recalled vehicles in America from 18 million to nearly 34 million. This is by far the largest automobile recall in history, and one of the largest consumer product recalls ever issued.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these defective airbags can explode upon inflation, sending shrapnel into the face and body of the driver and front seat passenger. At least 17 deaths and well over 100 injuries have been tied to these defective airbags so far.
Car companies affected by this recall include, but are not limited to: Acura, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Saab, Subaru, and Toyota.
This recall is so expansive that every car owner is being asked to contact their local dealership in order to determine if their vehicle has been recalled. Alternatively, you could check the NHTSA’s recall website at http://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/. Be aware that the most recent additions to this recall may not show up immediately through this web app, and the NHTSA recommends that you check back periodically.
If your vehicle is listed in this recall, you’re asked to contact the manufacturer’s customer service department or your local franchised dealership to inquire about scheduling a no-cost repair. If you’ve already been in an accident and were injured by airbag shrapnel, you may very well have a valid product liability claim with which our attorneys may be able to help. Call us for a free consultation at (214) 651-6100 for more information.