Which Cars Have an Airbag Recall?
Officials are reporting that over 200,000 Alabama residents are driving with defective airbags. Approximately 700,000 airbags were originally identified as defective in Alabama. As of August 2019, roughly 35% of these airbags remain unrepaired.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 41.6 million vehicles are equipped with defective Takata airbags. The airbags are under recall due to the fact they can explode during deployments, causing serious injury and death.
The NHTSA strongly urges all vehicle owners to:
- Check for Recalls using your vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Get the Fix by calling your local dealer; it will be repaired for free.
- Sign Up for Recall Alerts about any future recall affecting your vehicle
Why Is an Airbag Recall So Important?
Over time, exposure to high heat and humidity increases the risk and potential of a serious injury, or even death during an airbag deployment. The NHTSA considers Alabama to be a “Zone A” region – the most dangerous and time sensitive designation.
Alabama residents should also be aware, certain 2001-2003 Honda & Acura vehicles, as well as 2006 Ford Rangers and Mazda B-series trucks are at a far higher risk of a life threatening airbag explosion.
The vehicles below are on the NHTSA’s “Do not drive list” and should be repaired immediately.
2001-2002 Honda Civic
2001-2002 Honda Accord
2002-2003 Acura TL
2002 Honda CR-V
2002 Honda Odyssey
2003 Acura CL
2003 Honda Pilot
Certain 2006 Ford Ranger (Ford advises do not drive)
Certain 2006 Mazda B-Series (Mazda advises do not drive)
New test data on the defective Takata airbag inflators in these vehicles show a far higher risk of ruptures during air bag deployment than for other recalled Takata air bags.
If you have identified your vehicle to have a defective air bag, it is imperative you have the repair done as soon as possible. Recall repairs are 100% free and parts for high risk vehicles are in good supply in Alabama Dealerships. Many are offering free towing and even a loaner vehicle to assist affected owners.
Vehicle manufacturers are making several outreach efforts to alert and help Alabama vehicle owners schedule their free recall repairs. Examples of these efforts include:
- In September, the National Safety Council and several manufacturers hosted the Airbag Recall Repair Month in Alabama. Participating dealerships are standing by ready to repair your vehicle for free. Several Dealerships are extending their hours and offering alternative transportation.
- General Motors is working to ensure that the 3,300 unrepaired owners residing in Alabama are made aware that their vehicle has an open urgent airbag safety recall. GM continues to communicate to these owners through a variety of channels: direct mailings, emails, live phone calls, automated phone calls, text messages and online/social media advertisements. GM vehicles affected include: 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado HD; 2007-2008 GMC Sierra HD; 2003-2010 Pontiac Vibe; 2008-2009 Saturn Astra; 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X; 2006-2011 Saab 9-3; and 2006-2009 Saab 9-5
- Manufactures, in partnership with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) mailed recall letters to more than 200,000 affected vehicle owners using the ALEA emblem to encourage owners to schedule their FREE airbag repair at a local dealership. An example from Volkswagen can be found here.
For more information about these and other efforts by affected vehicle manufacturers, please visit:
Audi USA
https://www.audiusa.com/about/takata
BMW of North America
Daimler Trucks North America
https://alliancetruckparts.com/sterling
Daimler Vans USA
https://www.mbvans.com/sprinter/owners-resources/recall
https://www.freightlinersprinterusa.com/freightliner/owners-resources/recall
FCA US LLC
https://chryslerpr.com/noticias
Ferrari North America, Inc.
https://auto.ferrari.com/en_US/owners/recall-campaign/
Ford Motor Company
http://fordairbaginfo.com/LincolnAirbagInfo.com
General Motors
www.gmtakataairbag.com or 1-866-467-9700American Honda Motor Company
Infiniti USA
https://www.infinitiusa.com/takata-airbag-recall.html
Jaguar Land Rover North America
www.jaguarusa.com/airbagrecall
www.landroverusa.com/airbagrecall
Mazda North American Operations
https://www.mazdarecallinfo.com/McLaren Automotive
https://cars.mclaren.com/ownership/america/recall
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
https://www.mitsubishicars.com/recall or (888) 648-7820
Nissan North America, Inc.
https://www.nissanusa.com/takata-airbag-recall.html
Subaru of America, Inc.
https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-recalls/airbags.html Tesla, Inc.
https://www.tesla.com/vin-recall-search
Toyota
https://www.carmaproject.com/home
https://pressroom.toyota.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=1052
Volkswagen Group of America
If you are a loved one have been seriously injured or killed by a defective airbag, our attorneys are ready to help. Call Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C. today for a free case evaluation.
