Brian White | July 20, 2015 | Product Defects

The airbag is one of the simplest and greatest additions to modern cars, keeping people safe since 1941. Normally a standard feature, this lifesaver recently hit the spotlight when airbags supplied by Japanese parts manufacturer, Takata, were found defective. Takata’s problematic airbags affected multiple models across several brands.

The problem is so pervasive that more than 41 million vehicles contain faulty airbags worldwide. Here is everything you need to know about the problem and how to proceed if your vehicle includes one of these airbags.

The Airbag Defect

Takata’s airbags use a certain inflator that contains a metal cartridge filled with propellant wafers. These wafers slowly decompose over time. If the casing shatters during the bag’s expansion, shards of the metal break free. Shrapnel is flung from the wheel with the airbag as it expands.

At first, experts thought the airbags were only defective in hot or humid climates. Recalls were initially focused entirely on regions with high humidity. After some investigation, engineers discovered the malfunction occurs during a variety of factors. Recall efforts were redoubled earlier this year. As of May, anyone with these models is urged to bring in his or her vehicle.

List of Affected Vehicles

After Takata admitted its airbags were defective, the largest recall in the history of the United States’ automotive industry took place. The recall affects 32 million U.S. vehicles. This recall is due to 8 deaths and several dozen injuries.

Below is a complete list of all the vehicles with the faulty product installed. Just because your vehicle is listed here does not mean it is eligible for recall, though. Some large manufacturers, like Toyota, used different airbag products the same year. In these cases, you will need to cross-check your vehicle’s VIN numbers with the manufacturer’s to see if your vehicle is at-risk.

Manufacturers urge customers to get the airbags fixed as soon as possible. Because cars are more susceptible in humid areas, customers in dry regions may experience a recall delay.

Acura

  • 2002–2003 TL
  • 2002 CL, 2003–2006 MDX
  • 2005 Acura RL

BMW

  • 2000–2005 3-series sedan and wagon
  • 2000–2006 3-series coupe and convertible
  • 2001–2006 M3 coupe and convertible

Chevrolet

  • 2007–2008 Chevrolet Silverado HD

Chrysler

  • 2004–2010 Chrysler 300
  • 2007–2008 Aspen 

Daimler

  • 2006–2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500
  • 2007–2008 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500

Dodge/Ram

  • 2003–2008 Dodge Ram 1500
  • 2004–2010 Charger
  • 2004–2011 Dakota
  • 2004–2008 Durango
  • 2004–2009 Ram 2500 and 3500
  • 2004–2010 Ram 4500
  • 2005–2010 Dodge Magnum
  • 2008–2010 Challenger and Ram 5500

Ford

  • 2004–2006 Ranger
  • 2005–2006 GT
  • 2005–2014 Mustang

GMC

  • 2007–2008 GMC Sierra HD

Honda

  • 2001–2007 Accord (four-cylinder)
  • 2001–2002 Accord (V-6)
  • 2001–2005 Civic
  • 2002–2006 CR-V
  • 2002–2004 Odyssey
  • 2003–2011 Element
  • 2003–2008 Pilot
  • 2006 Ridgeline 

Infiniti 

  • 2001–2004 Infiniti I30/I35
  • 2002–2003 Infiniti QX4
  • 2003–2005 Infiniti FX35/FX45
  • 2006 Infiniti M35/M45

Lexus

  • 2002–2007 SC430

Mazda

  • 2003–2008 Mazda 6
  • 2006–2007 Mazdaspeed 6
  • 2004–2008 Mazda RX-8
  • 2004–2005 MPV
  • 2004–2006 B-series 

Mitsubishi

  • 2004–2006 Lancer
  • 2006–2010 Raider

Nissan

  • 2001–2003 Maxima
  • 2001–2004 Pathfinder
  • 2002–2006 Nissan Sentra

Pontiac

  • 2003–2007 Vibe

Saab

  • 2005 9-2X

Subaru

  • 2003–2005 Baja
  • Legacy
  • Outback
  • 2004–2005 Impreza
  • Impreza WRX
  • Impreza WRX STI 

Toyota

  • 2002–2007 Toyota Corolla and Sequoia
  • 2003–2007 Matrix
  • 2003–2006 Tundra
  • 2004–2005 RAV4

Make sure to find your car dealer if your car is listed. In the event that your airbag was deployed and someone was injured, as a result, contact us through our website or by phone at (713) 500-5000. Our Houston injury attorneys have been following these recalls, and we can determine if you are eligible for compensation.

Contact the Houston Product Liability Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help

For more information, contact the Houston product liability law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.  

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers
3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350
Houston, TX 77098
United States

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy
11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06
Houston, TX 77029
United States

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop
2600 S Loop W, Suite 293
Houston, TX 77054
United States