More than 3.4 million vehicles were recalled this week from multiple car makers because airbags in the vehicles may be at risk of catching fire or otherwise injuring passengers.
According to news reports, vehicles from BMW, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota are all included within the recall. Consumer Reports estimated the recall affects about one million vehicles in the United States.
Manufacturers said the air bags could shoot shrapnel around the cabin in the case of a crash. The problem was undetected until late 2011. All airbags had been supplied by Takata Corp. They are made of flexible fabric and meant to inflate rapidly to protect passengers and drivers in the event of an accident.
In this recall, the airbag for the front passenger seat may not inflate correctly due to a manufacturing defect in the propellant used in the airbag inflator. This also brings with it a risk of fires starting or of passengers being injured by metal fragments.
The recall affects vehicles produced between 2000 and 2002 and mainly affects vehicles sold in North America, Europe and Japan. It is the latest in a string of recalls for Toyota since the fall involving more than a million vehicles. It is the largest recall for airbags made by Takata, which is one of the world’s top suppliers of airbags and seatbelts.
If you or your loved one has suffered serious injuries in any type of motor vehicle crash or due to a defective product, it is imperative to speak with a qualified Wisconsin personal injury attorney today. Call for your free, initial consultation.
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