If you own a vehicle with a Takata airbag, you could be putting your life in the wrong hands. Imagine the shock of an auto collision; the impact of steel and fiberglass at 25 miles per hour.
Now, imagine that your accident was a minor fender bender. The most trusted safety feature, the airbag, deployed. And when it deployed, it exploded . Shrapnel from the sudden failure blew into your face and body.
This hypothetical story was reality for at least 184 victims in the U.S. That doesn’t count many more throughout the world.
Fourteen of the 184 plus injured people were killed by similar explosions.
The Problem With Takata Airbags
Takata knew about the danger of their product since 2015. Airbag deployment test data showed that there was a likelihood of failure.
The culprit for the airbag bombs turned out to be the airbag inflators. A propellant inside the units became unstable over time, especially in certain conditions. The canister holding the propellant would become over-pressurized during inflation of the airbag. The excess pressure acted like an explosive inside a grenade. Pieces of the canister become projectiles, hitting the driver.
One case involved the death of a 17-year-old girl. Huma Hanif was involved in a minor crash. She should have had little to no injuries. Instead, a piece of the canister’s metal shell hit her in the neck and she bled to death at the scene.
Takata Engineers Knew About the Problem But Didn’t Fix It
The problem started in Takata’s Japan-based engineering facility. Testing on the inflators revealed up to a 50% rupture rate of the canisters. This means that almost half of 70 million vehicles on the road were equiped with potentially fatal airbags. They were literally ticking time bombs.
Engineers at Takata wanted to keep the negative results from making it to the public. So, since at least the year 2000, they began manipulating their data to look more favorable.
In January of 2016, an article in the New York times revealed a long-standing deception by Takata. Emails between Japanese and U.S. Takata engineers revealed manipulated airbag testing results.
According to the article, Takata engineer Bob Schubert, admitted to changing graphics to show better results. This practice had been taking place for 16 or more years company wide. It was so widespread that Schubert referred to it as, “the way we do business in Japan.”
Changes were made to test data before being sent to customers. This included Honda, GMC, Ford, and many more companies. As a result, the companies had no knowledge of the issue until the defect harmed accident victims.
A Victim Represented in North Charleston, SC was Awarded $450,000
A victim of the Takata airbag defect was seriously injured when the inflator in his vehicle ruptured. An 18-year-old driver of a 2001 Honda CP compact rear-ended another vehicle. It should have been a minor accident, but when the Honda’s Takata airbag deployed, the propellant canister exploded.
Aluminum shrapnel cut through the fabric of the airbag and then through the boy’s face and neck. One large projectile struck him in the throat. It damaged his voice box and nearly cut his carotid artery open. Had it been a millimeter to the right, the injury could have been fatal.
The young man sat for more than 45 minutes on the curb waiting for emergency crews, the shard of Takata’s canister still in place. When EMS arrived on scene, they were unable to remove the metal lodged in the young man’s throat.
Finally, the emergency room staff had to perform surgery to free the life-threatening shrapnel. For this victim, the negligence and deliberate manipulation of safety test results by Takata became a horror story in real life.
As a North Charleston accident injury attorney, Frank Hartman was able to win a $450,000 compensation settlement. This helps to cover the financial costs of the incident. However, nothing will erase the painful memories of a young man who narrowly escaped death.
What Vehicle Makes, Models, and Years are Affected by the Takata Airbag Recall?
When more than 70 million cars have a potentially fatal flaw, fixing the issue takes a long time. Auto companies didn’t have enough parts to take in so many vehicles at once.
The estimated timeline for recalling and repairing all affected autos was 52% in 2016. Honda predicted that the rate would decline every year after that. That would come out to about 30% of the remaining vehicles repaired a decade out.
The makes and models of cars equipped with the defective inflater are as follows:
ACURA
- 2003 Acura 3.2CL
- 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL
- 2013-2016 Acura ILX
- 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid
- 2003-2006 Acura MDX
- 2007-2016 Acura RDX
- 2005-2012 Acura RL
AUDI
- 2009-2014 Acura TL
- 2009-2014 Acura TSX
- 2010-2013 Acura ZDX
- 2006-2013 Audi A3
- 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant
- 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
- 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan
- 2010-2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet
- 2003-2011 Audi A6 Avant
- 2005-2011 Audi A6 Sedan
- 2009-2012 Audi Q5
- 2017 Audi R8
- 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
- 2007-2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan
- 2005-2008 Audi S4 Avant
- 2007-2009 Audi S4 Cabriolet
- 2005-2008 Audi S4 Sedan
- 2010-2012 Audi S5 Cabriolet
- 2007-2011 Audi S6 Sedan
- 2016-2017 Audi TT
BMW
Note: With more than 40 models affected between 2000 and 2015, BMW is one of the most recalled brands impacted by the Takata airbag scandal. (BMW)
- 2000-2013 BMW 3 Series
- 2002-2003 BMW 5 Series
- 2011-2015 BMW X1
- 2007-2010 BMW X3
- 2003-2013 BMW X5
- 2008-2014 BMW X6
- 2010-2011 BMW X6 Hybrid
CADILLAC
Note: The EXT is one of three Escalade styles made between 2007 and 2011 that has since been recalled by Cadillac. (JIM FETS/GENERAL MOTORS)
- 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade
- 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT2008-2013 BMW 1 Series
CHEVROLET
Note: The 2007 and 2008 Silverado 2500 and 3500 are the only Chevrolet models affected by the recall. (GM/WIECK)
- 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
- 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD
- 2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2007-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe Chrysler
DAIMLER
Note: The 2005 to 2010 model year Chrysler 300s and 300 Cs are subject to the Takata airbag recall. (2005 CHRYSLER 300)
- 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen
- 2005-2015 Chrysler 300
- 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire
- 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter
- 2007-2017 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
- 2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Note: The 2010 to 2014 model year Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are subject to the Takata airbag recall, along with several other Daimler models. (DAIMLER AG)
- 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet
DODGE/RAM
Note: Takata airbags in Dodge Chargers released between 2006 and 2010 have been recalled. (KYLE CAMPBELL)
- 2008-2014 Dodge Challenger
- 2006-2015 Dodge Charger
- 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota
- 2004-2009 Dodge Durango
- 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
- 2003-2009 Dodge Ram 1500
- 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500
- 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup
- 2007-2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
- 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500
- 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 5500
FERRARI
Note: The 2016 Ferrari 488 Spider is one of several recent Ferrari models recalled for having potentially-defective Takata airbags. (FERRARI)
- 2010-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
- 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale
- 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A
- 2012-2015 Ferrari 458 Spider
- 2016-2017 Ferrari 488 GTB
- 2016-2017 Ferrari 488 Spider
- 2009-2014 Ferrari California
- 2015-2017 Ferrari California T
- 2013-2017 Ferrari F12
- 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf
- 2016 Ferrari F60
- 2012-2016 Ferrari FF
- 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso
FISKER
The 2012 Karma is the only Fisker vehicle recalled for the defective air bag inflators. (BRUCE BENEDICT 2011)
- 2012 Fisker Karma
FORD
Note: The several models of the Ford Ranger, Mustang and GT have been impacted by the Takata airbag recall. (FORD)
- 2004-2011 Ford Ranger
- 2005-2006 Ford GT
- 2005-2014 Ford Mustang
- 2007-2010 Ford Edge
- 2006-2012 Ford Fusion
- 2009-2010 Ford Mustang
- 2013 Ford Mustang
- 2009-2010 Ford Fusion
- 2009-2010 Ford Ranger
- 2009-2010 Ford Edge
GMC
Note: The 2007-2008 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks were impacted by the Takata airbag recall. (GM/WIECK)
- 2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2007-2014 GMC Sierra HD
- 2007-2014 GMC Yukon
- 2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL
HONDA
Note: Honda CR-Z from model years 2011 through 2015 are a part of the Takata recall. (HONDA/WIECK)
- 2001-2012 Honda Accord
- 2001-2011 Honda Civic
- 2003-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
- 2001-2011 Honda Civic NGV
- 2010-2015 Honda Crosstour
- 2002-2011 Honda CR-V
- 2011-2015 Honda CR-Z
- 2003-2011 Honda Element
- 2010-2014 Honda FCX Clarity
- 2007-2013 Honda Fit
- 2013-2014 Honda Fit EV
- 2010-2014 Honda Insight
- 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
- 2003-2015 Honda Pilot
- 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline
INFINITI
Note: The 2006 Infiniti M35 and M45 were outfitted with possibly-defective Takata airbags. (INFINITI)
- 2003-2008 Infiniti FX
- 2001 Infiniti I30
- 2002-2004 Infiniti I35
- 2006-2010 Infiniti M
- 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4
JAGUAR
Note: Jaguar XF sedans from the 2009 through 2015 model years are being recalled. (JAGUAR LAND ROVER)
- 2009-2015 Jaguar XF
JEEP
Note: The 2016 Jeep Wrangler is among the models being recalled by the historic truck brand. (JOANNA TAVARES)
- 2007-2016 Jeep Wrangler
LAND ROVER
Note: Land Rover Range Rover SUVs from the 2007 through 2012 model years have been recalled because of the deadly air bag inflators. (JAGUAR LAND ROVER)
- 2007-2012 Land Rover Range Rover
LEXUS
Note: The 2006 through 2011 models of the Lexus IS was recalled in May 2016. (TOYOTA)
- 2007-2012 Lexus ES350
- 2010-2017 Lexus GX460
- 2006-2013 Lexus IS250/350
- 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C/350C
- 2008-2014 Lexus IS F
- 2012 Lexus LFA
- 2002-2010 Lexus SC430
LINCOLN
Note: The 2006 through 2011 Lincoln MKZ was recalled at the beginning of June 2016. (IFCAR)
- 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
- 2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr
MAZDA
Note: The 2003 through 2008 models of the Mazda6 were subject to the Takata airbag recall. (MAZDA)
- 2004-2009 Mazda B-Series
- 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7
- 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9
- 2003-2011 Mazda6
- 2006-2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed6
- 2004-2006 Mazda MPV
- 2004-2011 Mazda RX-8
MCLAREN
Not: The 650S is one of several McLaren models out????tted with Takata air bags. (MCLAREN)
- 2016-2017 McLaren 570
- 2015-2016 McLaren 650S
- 2016 McLaren 675LT
- 2012-2014 McLaren MP4-12C
- 2011-2015 McLaren P1
MERCEDES-BENZ
Note: Mercedes-Benz had 36 models affected by the Takata airbag recall, including the SLS AMG. (DAIMLER AG – GLOBAL
COMMUNICATION)
- 2005-2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- 2011-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio
- 2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
- 2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
- 2010-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
- 2009-2010 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
- 2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
- 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class
MERCURY
Note: Mercury is now defunct, but any Milans released between 2006 and 2011 that were still on the road were recalled in June 2016. (IFCAR)
- 2006-2011 Mercury Milan
MITSUBISHI
Note: The Raider is one of four Mitsubishi lines impacted by the Takata airbag recall. (MITSUBISHI)
- 2012-2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
- 2004-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider
NISSAN
Note: The 2002 through 2006 Nissan Sentra, as well as 2001 through 2003 Maxima and 2002 through 2004 Pathfinder
were all impacted by the Takata airbag recall. (NISSAN)
- 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
- 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
- 2007-2012 Nissan Versa
PONTIAC
Note: The Vibe was the only Pontiac model impacted by the Takata airbag recall. (PONTIAC)
- 2003-2010 Pontiac Vibe
SAAB
Note: The Saab 9-2x, 9-3 and 9-5 were all impacted by the Takata airbag recall. (SAAB)
- 2005-2006 Saab 9-2x
- 2006-2011 Saab 9-3
- 2006-2009 Saab 9-5
SATURN
Note: The 2008 and 2009 Astras were the only Saturn models impacted by the Takata airbag recall. (SATURN)
- 2008-2009 Saturn Astra
SCION
Note: The Scion xB was recalled in May 2016. (TOYOTA)
- 2008-2015 Scion xB
SUBARU
Note: The 2003 through 2008 Outbacks were among the Subaru models impacted by the Takata airbag recall. (SUBARU)
- 2003-2006 Subaru Baja
- 2009-2013 Subaru Forester
- 2004-2011 Subaru Impreza
- 2003-2014 Subaru Legacy
- 2003-2014 Subaru Outback
- 2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca
- 2012-2014 Subaru WRX/STI
TESLA
Tesla’s 2012-2016 Model S electric vehicles have several advanced safety features, but the Takata air bags inside them might be the biggest threat of all to occupants. (TESLA)
- 2012-2016 Tesla Model S
TOYOTA
Note: About 160,000 Toyota RAV4 SUVs from the 2004 and 2005 model years were included in a recent Takata airbagrelated
recall. (TOYOTA)
- 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
- 2003-2013 Toyota Corolla
- 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix
- 2009-2013 Toyota Matrix
- 2004-2005 Toyota Rav4
- 2002-2006 Toyota Sequoia
- 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna
- 2003-2006 Toyota Tundra
- 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris (Hatch Back)
- 2007-2012 Toyota Yaris (Sedan)
VOLKSWAGEN (VW)
Note: Volkswagen Passats released between 2006 and 2010 and between 2012 and 2014 are being recalled for airbag inflator replacement.
- 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC
- 2010-2014 Volkswagen Eos
- 2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf
- 2013 Volkswagen Golf R
- 2009-2013 Volkswagen GTI
- 2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat
- 2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
- 2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Who Can Advise You About Your Next Steps
If you were injured due to a Takata airbag failure, you are entitled to compensation. Finding the right lawyer immediately is critical to ensuring that your case is handled fairly.
I represented an injury victim of a Takata airbag explosion and won them $450,000 in settlement compensation. That’s the representation that I offer, and I always fight for my clients.
If you or a loved one was injured by an airbag, you need to find legal representation right away. The Hartman Law Firm, LLC provides legal assistance for those who have suffered from these injuries. Their legal expertise rivals the best around.
Frank Hartman will fight for fair and reasonable compensation for your injuries.
To get started, call Frank 24/7 at 843.300.7600. Or, you can contact him online, or email him at james@thehartmanlawfirm.com. The sooner you get Frank on your case, the sooner you’ll get your settlement and start on the road to recovery.