Regulators: Takata Airbag Recall Could Expand To Include More Car Makers

For months now, regulators, car makers, and manufacturers alike have been scrambling to manage the massive Takata airbag recall that has affected millions of cars in the U.S. Now, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has revealed that the recall could expand to include even more major car makers.

As the Examiner reports, Foxx recently elaborated on concerns that other major car makers not yet named in the recall were still using the now-infamous ammonium-nitrate-based airbag inflators. “Everyone’s got to be vigilant,” he said in an interview in Tokyo. “12 manufacturers that we know pose a risk to safety of our consumers, it doesn’t preclude companies from doing their own testing. Our investigation remains open, so I wouldn’t preclude the possibility that other OEMs would be affected.”

Manufacturers who have not been included in the Takata recall but are still reportedly using the technology include Volkswagen, Jaguar-Land Rover, Tesla, and Daimier. None of these car makers, however, have announced their own recall due to defective airbags.

Cutting Ties with Takata Corp.

It is estimated that 19 million cars in the U.S. have been outfitted with the defective Takata airbags. Affected car makers, like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan have already cut ties with Takata and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has fined the company $70 million, with another $130 million potentially pending. Takata is still the primary source of new airbags that are intended to replace the defective ones—but some are skeptical with the company’s ability to meet demands.

The ammonium-nitrate-based airbag inflators are now known, on some impacts, to deploy with too much force, sending shrapnel into the car. Dozens of people have been seriously hurt by the airbags and eight have died.

If you or a loved one has been hurt by a Takata airbag, relief can be possible. At Jividen Law Offices, PLLC, our West Virginia defective product lawyers have been helping injured consumers seek justice for more than 35 years. Over that time, we have helped countless individuals and families receive the compensation they deserve during this difficult time.

Do not let this breach of trust stand. Contact us at 304.232.8888 today.