Ongoing Takata airbag recall shows risks of auto defects clearly

You depend on the proper performance of certain systems in your vehicle for your safety. The failure of certain systems, such as the airbag, could leave you incredibly vulnerable while driving, especially if you do end up in a crash.

Unfortunately, defective vehicle components can and do wind up inside mainstream manufacturers’ most popular models. The ongoing drama of the Takata airbag recall is certainly evidence of how even the best brands can make a mistake in safety testing or when partnering with a component manufacturer.

Honda will recall another 1.6 million vehicles over airbag defects

Takata airbags have become notorious for the unnecessary danger they pose to consumers. Since 2013, there have been at least 20 verifiable deaths in crashes related to defective Takata airbags. The Takata airbags had a variety of issues, from shrapnel formation upon inflation to improper containment of volatile chemicals.

Airbags can present a last line of defense in the event of a crash. However, if they trigger unnecessarily, have improper design or don’t trigger in time, they can do more harm than good. Other automobile manufacturers have had to recall millions of vehicles. In fact, the financial pressure of replacing so many defective units and the loss of new contracts pushed Takata out of business years ago.

The Takata issue has been going on for some time

Honda included Takata airbags in a number of its vehicles starting as far back as 1998. It is currently going to recall 1.6 million vehicles and have the owners present them to dealerships for the replacement of the defective Takata airbags. To this day, these dangerous Takata airbags are present in a number of popular vehicle brands.

The Takata airbag issues also highlight how corporations will put their own profits ahead of customer safety. Takata knew about defective inflators and other problems in their devices, but it only recalled about 3.6 million cars. In reality, millions of other vehicles were directly impacted by defective Takata airbags.

So far, more than 40 million vehicles with Takata airbags have been subject to recalls in the United States. There have also been recalls in Australia and New Zealand for similar issues with Takata.

Families impacted by defective vehicle components have rights

Although the recalls of the defective Takata products help improve traffic safety for drivers, it can’t undo the harm that defective airbags have caused to many families already.

Those who have suffered a traumatic loss, such as a death in their family, as the result of the defective vehicle components may have legal grounds for bringing action against the company involved in the production of their vehicle. Talking with an experienced Kentucky product liability attorney can help you figure out what options you have.