The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is asking the public to help find cars with defective Takata airbags after new tests show that airbags in certain cars have a nearly 50 percent chance of rupturing. Defective Takata airbags have caused 10 deaths, eight of which involved this riskier group of cars.
The airbags with a greater risk of rupturing were installed in model year 2001-2003 Hondas and Acuras, including:
- 2003 Honda Pilot
- 2002 Honda CR-V
- 2003 Acura CL
- 2001-2002 Honda Accord
- 2001-2002 Honda Civic
- 2002-2003 Acura TL
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
The NHTSA is urging owners of these vehicles to avoid driving them unless they are traveling to the dealer to get the airbags fixed. Dealers will repair the dangerous airbags for free.
The NHTSA is also doing its own customer outreach to contact those who may be affected by this recall. Find out if your car is affected by entering the vin number here.
Airbag Ruptures More Likely in Humid Climates
Takata airbags have a greater likelihood of rupturing in areas with high humidity, including Florida, Texas, Southern California and places along the Gulf Coast.
Honda recalled vehicles from this subset between 2008 and 2011. The carmaker reports that roughly 70 percent of cars in this subset have been repaired. However, that leaves roughly 313,000 vehicles with these dangerous airbags that may be out on the road.
If you or someone you know drives a vehicle affected by this recall, head to a dealership as soon as possible. Encourage friends and family to have their vehicle inspected so that they remain safe.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident because of a defective Takata airbag, contact the Knoxville personal injury attorneys at Greg Coleman Law as soon as possible. You owe it to yourself to find out if you are entitled compensation for your pain and suffering.
Call (865) 247-0080 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation Form to get started.
