In the wake of more Takata airbag deaths, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for more than 250,000 model year 2005-2010 Fiat Chrysler vehicles. In addition, the NHTSA urgently advises ALL vehicle owners to check to determine if their car is subject to a Takata airbag recall.
If you do find your car on the Takata airbag recall list, you should contact the manufacturer’s dealership as soon as possible to schedule a free repair and follow any warnings. Dealerships should work with you to arrange transportation for your car to be repaired. Vehicles on the “Do Not Drive” warning list include model years 2005-2010 Dodge Magnums, Chargers, and Challengers, as well as 2005-2010 Chrysler 300s.
Takata Airbag Deaths Prompt Recall
NHTSA officials said the recall is serious and urged car owners to take action to prevent Takata airbag deaths. “Left unrepaired, recalled Takata airbags are increasingly dangerous as the risk of an explosion rises as vehicles age. Every day that passes when you don’t get a recalled airbag replaced puts you and your family at greater risk of injury or death,” NHTSA Administrator Ann Carlson said. “An exploding Takata airbag can send metal fragments toward the driver or passengers, and this shrapnel can kill – and has – killed or maimed people.”
There have been at least 32 Takata airbag deaths around the world, including 23 in the United States. Drivers can check to see if their car is on the recall list by going to https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and entering their 17-digit vehicle identification number. Drivers can also call (833) 585-0144 to arrange for their vehicles to be towed to a dealership or for alternate transportation, according to Chrysler Fiat.
Takata’s airbag design included a trigger using ammonium nitrate to inflate airbags in a crash. However, when exposed to moisture in the air and repeated high temperatures, the chemical can grow more volatile over time. The explosion has the potential to break a metal canister and launch shards into the passenger cabin. This defect led to the Takata airbag deaths.
Safety experts say even slight collisions can cause the defective airbags to inflate with the potential to explode and cause injury and death. If you’ve been injured by a defective product, or someone else’s negligence, an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm may be able to help you recover your losses. Call 866-730-3508 for a free consultation. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida.
