Important Details About the Takata Airbag Recall

If you’re an avid news watcher, you’ve probably heard about the Takata airbag recall. With over 30 million cars affected made by 10 different auto manufacturers, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know has been impacted by this recall.

The History of the Takata Recall

The Takata airbag recall isn’t all that new. In November 2014, the New York Times published an article stating the company had known about the dangers associated with their product. This article perhaps prompted the recall by bringing public awareness to the safety concern. A few weeks later, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a national recall.

Since then, six people are thought to have been killed by the faulty airbag inflator. Hundreds of people have been seriously injured. After the fifth person was killed (most likely because of the faulty airbag inflator), the NHTSA was forced to fine Takata $14,000 per day because of their lack of cooperation with the case.

As recently as May 28, 2015, more vehicles are being recalled. The investigation is far from over and the safety risk remains a major concern for drivers.

The Dangers

Looking at the details of some of the accidents will send chills up your spine. Some of the injured people had shards of metal shot into their face and neck when the airbag deployed. Takata said that at least 88 ruptures in total had happened, but many others are under investigation.

Now, the airbag manufacturer is taking steps to eliminate this risk and make repairs as quickly as possible. Right now, the primary focus is on high humidity areas. Obviously, that does not include Arizona. Still, the campaign wants to stress to drivers the importance of being aware of this heightened risk when driving across borders.

If you’re heading to a humid climate on a summer road trip, you should double check that your vehicle isn’t one of the high risk cars before leaving Tucson.

The easiest way to find out if your car was affected is to look use the VIN-lookup tool from the NHTSA. You can also do a quick review of the NHTSA website for your car’s make and model.

With over 30 million cars needing new airbags, there is a back log of demand. The manufacturer and the NHTSA have tried to get other companies to fill the demand, but it has not been deemed possible.

Worried?

If you’re concerned about driving a recalled vehicle with one of these airbags, there are a few things you can do:

1. Minimize your driving as much as possible.

2. Carpool to work.

3. Rent a car, especially if you’re going to a humid location for vacation.

4. Take another mode of transportation, such as a bus or bike.

Rita Ranch Automotive & Tire cannot handle these recalls. They can only be done at the car dealerships. However, we care greatly about your safety and want you to remain informed about the latest happenings in this recall. Call or follow us on Facebook for more details as they emerge.

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