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Airbag Defects

Florida Injury Lawyers for Vehicle Accidents Involving Airbag Defects

deployed airbags that look defective

Defective airbags create severe risks for drivers and passengers. From deploying without a crash to exploding violently or failing to deploy in the event of a traumatic collision, there are numerous potential issues that can lead to dangerous accidents and injuries for which defective airbags are to blame.

In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and many of the world’s leading auto manufacturers issues the largest-ever recall upon discovering dangerous defects in a widely-used brand of airbags. Despite millions of vehicles being recalled and fitted with replacement airbags, questions remain as to the safety of the airbags used. The research also suggests that drivers and passengers in Florida may be particularly at risk, since high humidity and high temperatures are known to trigger the issues that led to the recall.

Issues Related to Airbag Defects

Dangerous airbag deployments and failures to deploy can result from a wide range of factors. Some of the most common issues in cases involving accidents and injuries caused by defective airbags include:

Failure to Deploy – Faulty sensors and other issues can cause airbags not to deploy in the event of a high-speed collision.
Deploying Too Late – In order to be effective, airbags must deploy in an instant. Deploying too late can leave vehicle occupants exposed to severe traumatic injuries, and colliding with an inflating airbag (as opposed to an airbag that is already fully-inflated) can result in injuries as well.
Low-Speed Accident Deployment – In low-speed accidents, airbags can do more harm than good. Many people suffer airbag-related injuries in low-speed accidents when they would have been better off had their airbags not deployed.
Deploying Without a Crash – When airbags deploy without a crash (for example, as a result of hitting a pothole), not only can the airbag itself cause injuries, but it can put the vehicle’s occupants and other motorists at risk for serious injuries resulting from a collision.
Burns and Shrapnel Injuries – Airbags that deploy improperly can cause burns and send shrapnel flying through the vehicle cabin. Eye, ear and facial other injuries are all common in cases of defective airbag deployments.

How the Takata Airbag Recall Could Affect Your Vehicle

Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley, P.A. is currently prosecuting claims relating to the recent recall of Takata manufactured airbags. Ruptures of the Takata inflators have been tied to twelve deaths and more than 200 injuries in the United States. The danger of shrapnel-generating airbag explosions is of greater concern in hot, damp climates, so owners of affected vehicles in areas fitting that description should take special note of this recall.

Updated Statistics: 46 Million Inflators Recalled in 34 Million Vehicles

In January 2017, pursuant to the Amended Consent Order, Takata filed a scheduled defect notice (2 of 5), expanding the population of defective inflators. The affected vehicle manufacturers also filed defect notices for their affected vehicles. In total, approximately 46 million inflators have been recalled in approximately 34 million vehicles in the United States.

Then, in July 2017, based on new Takata test data undertaken pursuant to NHTSA’s Consent Order, Takata filed a defect notice recalling—for the first time—inflators that contain a desiccant (the PSDI-5 desiccated inflator made with calcium sulfate desiccant). Approximately 3 million Ford, Mazda, and Nissan vehicles contain the part. Nissan filed a defect notice for all of its affected vehicles (approximately 515,000). Ford and Mazda each filed defect notices for all of their affected vehicles, respectively, which include notice of intent to file Petitions for Inconsequentiality. Under NHTSA regulations, the companies had 30 days to file their respective petitions.

This expansion does not recall all desiccated inflators. Takata used several propellant-desiccant combinations in their PSAN inflators and, at this time, only one combination in this particular inflator variant (the PSDI-5 desiccated inflator) shows the problem that causes ruptures.

Affected Makes and Models of Vehicles Recalled as of January 19, 2017

Please visit https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ and enter your Vehicle Identification Number to see if your car is affected by this recall.

ACURA

2003 Acura 3.2CL
2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL
2013-2016 Acura ILX
2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid
2003-2006 Acura MDX
2007-2016 Acura RDX
2005-2012 Acura RL
2009-2014 Acura TL
2009-2014 Acura TSX
2010-2013 Acura ZDX

AUDI

2006-2013 Audi A3
2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant
2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan
2010-2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet
2003-2011 Audi A6 Avant
2005-2011 Audi A6 Sedan
2009-2012 Audi Q5
2017 Audi R8
2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
2007-2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan
2005-2008 Audi S4 Avant
2007-2009 Audi S4 Cabriolet
2005-2008 Audi S4 Sedan
2010-2012 Audi S5 Cabriolet
2007-2011 Audi S6 Sedan
2016-2017 Audi TT

BMW

2008-2013 BMW 1 Series
2000-2013 BMW 3 Series
2002-2003 BMW 5 Series
2011-2015 BMW X1
2007-2010 BMW X3
2003-2013 BMW X5
2008-2014 BMW X6
2010-2011 BMW X6 Hybrid

CADILLAC

2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade
2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT

CHEVROLET

2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD
2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado LD
2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
2007-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe

CHRYSLER

005-2015 Chrysler 300
2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen
2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire

DAIMLER TRUCKS NORTH AMERICA

2008-2009 Sterling Bullet

DAIMLER VANS

2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter
2007-2017 Freightliner Sprinter
2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

DODGE/RAM

2008-2014 Dodge Challenger
2006-2015 Dodge Charger
2005-2011 Dodge Dakota
2004-2009 Dodge Durango
2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
2003-2008 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 Pickup
2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup
2007-2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup
2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis

FERRARI

2010-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale
2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A
2012-2015 Ferrari 458 Spider
2016-2017 Ferrari 488 GTB
2016-2017 Ferrari 488 Spider
2009-2014 Ferrari California
2015-2017 Ferrari California T
2013-2017 Ferrari F12
2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf
2016 Ferrari F60
2012-2016 Ferrari FF
2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso

FISKER

2012 Fisker Karma

FORD

2007-2010 Ford Edge
2006-2012 Ford Fusion
2005-2006 Ford GT
2005-2014 Ford Mustang
2004-2011 Ford Ranger

GMC

2007-2014 GMC Sierra HD
2007-2013 GMC Sierra LD
2007-2014 GMC Yukon
2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL

HONDA

2001-2012 Honda Accord
2001-2011 Honda Civic
2003-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
2001-2011 Honda Civic NGV
2010-2015 Honda Crosstour
2002-2011 Honda CR-V
2011-2015 Honda CR-Z
2003-2011 Honda Element
2010-2014 Honda FCX Clarity
2007-2013 Honda Fit
2013-2014 Honda Fit EV
2010-2014 Honda Insight
2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
2003-2015 Honda Pilot
2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline

INFINITI

2003-2008 Infiniti FX
2001 Infiniti I30
2002-2004 Infiniti I35
2006-2010 Infiniti M
2002-2003 Infiniti QX4

JAGUAR

2009-2015 Jaguar XF

JEEP

2007-2016 Jeep Wrangler

LAND ROVER

2007-2012 Land Rover Range Rover

LEXUS

2007-2012 Lexus ES350
2010-2017 Lexus GX460
2006-2013 Lexus IS250/350
2010-2015 Lexus IS250C/350C
2008-2014 Lexus IS F
2012 Lexus LFA
2002-2010 Lexus SC430

LINCOLN

2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
2006-2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ

MAZDA

2004-2009 Mazda B-Series
2007-2012 Mazda CX-7
2007-2015 Mazda CX-9
2003-2011 Mazda6
2006-2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed6
2004-2006 Mazda MPV
2004-2011 Mazda RX-8

MC LAREN

2016-2017 McLaren 570
2015-2016 McLaren 650S
2016 McLaren 675LT
2012-2014 McLaren MP4-12C
2011-2015 McLaren P1

MERCEDES-BENZ

2005-2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2011-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio
2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
2010-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
2009-2010 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class

MERCURY

2006-2011 Mercury Milan

MITSUBISHI

2012-2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
2004-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer
2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider

NISSAN

2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
2007-2012 Nissan Versa

PONTIAC

2003-2010 Pontiac Vibe

SAAB

2005-2006 Saab 9-2x
2006-2011 Saab 9-3
2006-2009 Saab 9-5

SATURN

2008-2009 Saturn Astra

SCION

2008-2015 Scion XB

SUBARU

2003-2006 Subaru Baja
2009-2013 Subaru Forester
2004-2011 Subaru Impreza (Including WRX/STI)
2003-2014 Subaru Legacy
2003-2014 Subaru Outback
2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca
2012-2014 Subaru WRX/STI

TESLA

2012-2016 Tesla Model S

TOYOTA

2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
2003-2013 Toyota Corolla
2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix
2009-2013 Toyota Matrix
2004-2005 Toyota Rav4
2002-2006 Toyota Sequoia
2011-2014 Toyota Sienna
2003-2006 Toyota Tundra
2006-2011 Toyota Yaris (Hatch Back)
2007-2012 Toyota Yaris (Sedan)

VOLKSWAGEN

2009-2017 Volkswagen CC
2010-2014 Volkswagen Eos
2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf
2013 Volkswagen Golf R
2009-2013 Volkswagen GTI
2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat
2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

DEADLINES FOR TAKATA NOTICES AND RECALLS

December 31, 2017 – Takata’s 3rd scheduled defect notice is due (of 5).
December 31, 2018 – Takata’s 4th scheduled defect notice is due (of 5).
December 31, 2019 – Takata’s 5th scheduled defect notice is due (of 5). This is also the deadline by which Takata must prove its desiccated PSAN inflators are safe, otherwise the NHTSA Administrator can order Takata to recall all desiccated PSAN inflators.
September 30, 2020 – Last deadline for non-desiccated PSAN inflator recalls to launch (vehicle manufacturers must have sufficient parts available for repairs).

Choose the Vehicle Defect Attorneys at Searcy Denney

Our firm has significant experience representing individuals and families in cases involving defective products. We have been fighting against the major vehicle manufacturers and other large corporations for decades, and we have secured millions in compensation – including numerous multi-million-dollar awards – for clients suffering due to dangerous defects. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident and you suspect that a defective airbag may be to blame, we encourage you to contact us for help. We will provide you with a free case assessment, and if we represent you, we will work vigorously to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a Free Airbag Defect Consultation

To speak with one of our vehicle defect attorneys about your case, please call (800) 780-8607 or contact us online. Your initial consultation is free and confidential, and you pay nothing unless we help you recover just compensation.