Almost ten years after a federal recall due to faulty airbags was mandated, millions of Americans have yet to replace the life-saving devices in their vehicles. This information was released on Wednesday by a reputable vehicle information company, which offers vehicle history reports. The data revealed that over 6.4 million vehicles in the U.S. still have Takata airbags that have not been replaced despite being part of the recall.Importantly, these airbags have been linked to at least 27 fatalities and 400 injuries within the country. Approximately 40% of these overdue replacements, totaling more than 2.5 million vehicles are situated in places known for high heat and humidity. These are conditions known to contribute to the malfunction of these devices.The issue with the Takata airbags is that prolonged exposure to heat and humidity can trigger an excessively forceful deployment. This would then cause surrounding metal pieces to be launched into the vehicle’s cabin akin to shrapnel, posing significant risk to the vehicle’s occupants.States with these high-risk conditions, include Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. With Texas leading the way, these states have the largest number of vehicles still needing airbag replacement.The recall for the Takata airbag was first issued in 2014, with a gradual roll-out to allow manufacturers ample time to produce replacement pieces for the massive demand. The recall implicated over 67 million airbags in over 40 million vehicles across 19 automakers, encompassing vehicles manufactured between 2001 and 2015. Because this is a federal safety recall, vehicle owners can have the airbags replaced in authorized dealerships free of charge.

Experiencing the aftermath of a car accident, particularly dealing with the loss of a loved one or injuries sustained, is an incredibly challenging journey. At Nazari Law, our commitment is to provide dedicated support to surviving family members and injured individuals pursuing a wrongful death or personal injury claim. We strive to ensure rightful compensation and fight for justice on your behalf. Take the time you need to mourn or heal as we work diligently to navigate the legal process. For a free consultation, please contact us at (818) 380-3015. If you require a copy of the police report, our team is ready to assist you.