Deadly airbags were found in over 14 different car companies
Takata manufactured a cheaper version of the airbag using ammonium nitrate and sold it to 14 different automakers (BMW, Chrysler, Ferrari, Ford, GM, Honda, Jaguar/Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen).
Ammonium nitrate becomes unstable over time and exposure to water and humidity speeds up this process. It becomes so dangerous that it explodes causing shrapnel to fly out of the airbag and impale unsuspecting passengers. Penn State did an independent study in 2012 proved that ammonium nitrate was sensitive to changes in pressure, but couldn’t link the study to Takata or Honda.
Takata Airbags Recalled Vehicles
To search if your car is part of the Takata airbag recall, check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Here are the most recently recalled vehicles.
BMW
- 2000 328i
- 2001-2006 M3
- 2002-2003M5
- 2000 323i
- 2002-2006 325Ci
- 2002-2006 330Ci
- 2002-2003 325iT
- 2002-2003 325XiT
- 2001-2006 325i
- 2001-2005 325Xi
- 2001-2006 330i
- 2001-2005 330Xi
- 2002-2003 525i
- 2002-2003 530i
- 2002-2003 540i
- 2003 X5 3.0i
- 2003 X5 4.4i
FCA (Chrysler)
- 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen
- 2005-2010 Chrysler 300
- 2005-2010 Chrysler 300C
- 2005-2010 Chrysler SRT8
- 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger
- 2006-2010 Dodge Charger
- 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota
- 2004-2008 Dodge Durango
- 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
- 2003-2009 Dodge Ram 1500
- 2003-2009 Dodge Ram 2500
- 2003-2009 Dodge Ram 3500
- 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500
- 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 5500
Daimler Trucks North America
- 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet 4500
- 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet 5500
Daimler Vans USA LLC
- 2007-2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500
- 2007-2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500
- 2007-2008 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
- 2007-2008 Freightliner Sprinter 3500
Ford
- 2004-2006 Ranger
- 2005-2006 GT
- 2005-2014 Mustang
General Motors (GM)
- 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- 2007-2008 GMC Sierra 2500
- 2007-2008 GMC Sierra 3500
- 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe
- 2005 Saab 9-2x
Honda
- 2001-2007 Accord
- 2001-2005 Civic
- 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid
- 2001-2004 Civic CNG
- 2002-2006 CR-V
- 2003-2011 Element
- 2002-2004 Odyssey
- 2003-2008 Pilot
- 2006 Ridgeline
- 2003 Acura CL
- 2002-2003 Acura TL
- 2003-2006 Acura MDX
- 2005 Acura RL
Mazda
- 2004-2006 B-Series Truck
- 2003-2008 Mazda6
- 2006-2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed6
- 2004-2005 MPV
- 2004-2008 RX-8
Mitsubishi
- 2004-2006 Lancer
- 2004-2006 Lancer Evolution
- 2004 Lancer Sportback
- 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider
Nissan
- 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
- 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
- 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2001 Infiniti I30
- 2003-2005 Infiniti FX35
- 2003-2005 Infiniti FX45
- 2002-2004 Infiniti I35
- 2006 Infiniti M35
- 2006 Infiniti M45
- 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4
Subaru
- 2003-2005 Baja
- 2004-2005 Impreza
- 2003-2008 Legacy
- 2003-2008 Outback
Toyota
- 2003-2007 Corolla
- 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix
- 2004-2005 Rav4
- 2002-2007 Sequoia
- 2003-2006 Tundra
- 2002-2007 Lexus SC
Takata Knew the Risks
Multiple memos between Takata engineers and other companies to Takata were uncovered that detail the risk of ammonium nitrate and highlight the fraudulent activity the company performed to pretend the substance was safe. Honda quietly asked Takata to redesign the inflator valve, which is responsible for keeping water out of the airbag. This proves that both companies knew the risk before the 2014 recall.
This is such a huge problem that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a staggering $70 million cash fine and an additional $130 million if Takata fails to meet its commitments or if additional violations of the Safety Act are discovered. This is the largest fine in NHTSA history.
Takata has declared bankruptcy. However, as part of this declaration, the company need to set aside $125 million to auto manufacturers to resolve airbag claims.
Takata Ammonium Nitrate Airbag Risks
Takata airbag deployment shrapnel causes a variety of severe injuries and possibly death. These are:
- Arm breaks above the wrists
- Excessive black eyes
- Neck damage or break
- Brain injury or concussion
- Compound fractures
- Burns
- Facial or cranial fractures
- Rib, sternum and/or clavicle fractures
- Spinal fractures
- Serious cuts or avulsions
- Injuries related to metal shrapnel
- Permanent scarring
- Hearing damage or loss
- Vision damage or loss
- Vocal damage or loss
Your Rights
When manufacturers produce unsafe products that create pain and suffering, you deserve compensation. Although no amount of money will change the fact that you have suffered a serious injury as a result of manufacturer irresponsibility, compensation will help offset your current and future medical costs, as well as provide for the pain and suffering you have experienced. By filing, you may also help protect other people and their families from needless distress.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know experienced an explosion from a Takata airbag, you may be eligible for compensation to ease the financial and emotional burdens you are experiencing. Contact us today to set up a free consultation, during which we will listen to your story, answer any questions you may have and discuss your legal rights and options. If you choose us to represent you, we will work with you on a contingency fee basis; this means you pay nothing until we have secured compensation for you, either through a jury verdict or settlement.