Do You Need to Check for Airbag Recall?
When we’re driving, we’re usually aware of other drivers, vehicles, and hazards of the road. As long as we buckle our seat belt and keep our eyes on the road, we can avoid most potential dangers of driving, right? Wrong.
We tend to forget the possible dangers of our own cars. We assume that, if operated correctly, our cars are safe to drive—For the most part this is true. If you stay on top of car maintenance, then your car should be safe to take on the road. Make sure to take your car in for frequent oil changes, tire rotations and replace any worn parts like brake pads.
However, sometimes car manufacturers release recalls of car parts or certain car models. A recall occurs when they discover a safety-related defect or a compliance issue with federal safety standards. Just last week, Honda and Toyota recalled their Takata airbags, which affected over 6 million vehicles worldwide. This is the most recent in an ongoing list of recalls of Takata airbags.
If you are the owner of a recalled Honda or Toyota vehicle, then you could be in serious danger. Do you need to check for airbag recall on your vehicle?
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
What is an Airbag?
Airbags are a vehicle occupant-restraint system that uses a bag designed to inflate at the exact moment it is needed. The airbag is a vital safety feature of every vehicle. In the event of a frontal crash, an airbag can provide cushion and protection for the vehicle occupants.
Most airbag systems consist of multiple sensors, a control module, and at least one airbag. Since 1998, all new cars sold in the U.S. are required to have airbags on both driver and passenger sides. Most modern cars also include side airbags, which protect you from side impact.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 1987 and 2017 an estimated 50,457 people are alive today because of airbags. 2,790 lives were saved by frontal airbags in 2017 alone.
Airbags have been around since 1951, but didn’t become standard until the 1980s. Since then, the technology around airbags and their deployment have improved significantly, saving more lives. However, continually operating a vehicle with a recalled airbag could put your life at risk.
Honda and Toyota recently recalled their vehicles with Takata airbags because of their potential risk. Some of these airbags could not deploy properly or would launch metal fragments, causing serious injury and in some cases, death.
How to Check for Airbag Recall
Usually, car manufacturers send a recall notice by mail to the registered owner of the vehicle. This notice is important because it tells you the potential issue with your car and how to fix the problem. Manufacturers are required to repair or replace the recalled part for free. In some cases, they may offer you a refund or to repurchase the vehicle.
However, if your registration isn’t up to date, or you recently moved, you may not have received the recall notice. If you are the owner of a vehicle with recalled airbags, it’s important to get your car to a dealership as soon as possible.
Here are a few ways to check for airbag recall announcements that affect you, including the most recent airbag recall:
- Sign up on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website to receive e-mail notifications affecting the make and model of your car.
- Download the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Safecar mobile app to have recalls sent to your iPhone or Android.
- Look up your 17-digit VIN or Vehicle Identification Number on National Highway Traffic Administration’s website. You can find your VIN on your car registration or on the lower left corner of your car windshield.
As you can see, it’s important to keep up on airbag recalls. If you are a Las Vegas area driver who feels your airbags were defective or contributed to a car accident, we encourage you to get in touch with Anthem Injury Lawyers. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers will discuss your situation with you in a free consultation. Call today: (702) 857-6000.
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Airbag Recalls Out Now
On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, Honda and Toyota announced the recall of millions of their cars due to potentially defective airbag equipment. Other brands were also affected by faulty airbags made by Japanese manufacturer Takata.
The most dangerous models are certain 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles, 2006 Ford Ranger, and Mazda B-Series trucks. These vehicles are at a higher risk for airbag explosions that could cause injury or death. The NHTSA warns drivers not to drive these vehicles at all. Airbags are being replaced in order of priority groups.
Takata airbags have been recalled before—beginning in 2001. At least 25 people have been killed and 300 injured worldwide by defective Takata airbags.
The ongoing recalls of vehicles equipped with their airbag inflators took quite a financial toll on the company. In June 2017, Takata Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States.
Airbag Recall on Honda
Honda’s recall affects about 2.7 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. The recall is due to airbag inflators that are at risk of exploding. Propellant degradation after long-term exposure to high humidity or extreme temperatures can cause the inflators to explode. When they explode, sharp metal fragments could strike the driver or passengers.
Starting March 9th, Honda will begin officially notifying owners of cars affected by the recall. For any questions, owners of vehicles affected by this recall may contact Honda customer service at 888-234-2138. The NHTSA campaign number is 20V-027.
Honda Vehicles Recalled:
- 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL
- 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL
- 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL
- 2000-2001 Honda CR-V
- 2000-2001 Honda Odyssey
- 2001-2002 Acura MDX
- 2000 Accord Coupe and Accord Sedan
- 2000 Civic Coupe and Civic Sedan
Airbag Recall on Toyota
Toyota is recalling about 3.4 million of their vehicles because of dangerous Takata airbags that may not properly inflate in a crash. These airbags may have improperly sealed inflators, which might let too much moisture in. If the inflators get too much moisture, the airbags might deploy without enough force to protect the driver or passengers.
This is a different than the Takata airbag recall affecting airbags made between 2002 and 2015. Between the older recall and this recent one, the NHTSA is calling these recalls “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.”
On March 22, Toyota will begin notifying owners of vehicles affected by the recall. For any questions, owners may contact Toyota customer service at 888-270-9371. The NHTSA campaign number is 20V033.
Toyota Vehicles Recalled:
- Certain 1998 through 2000 Toyota RAV4 SUVs manufactured between June 4, 1997, and Aug. 31, 1999
- Certain 1998 through 1999 Toyota RAV4 EVs manufactured between June 16, 1997, and Aug. 31, 1999
- Certain 1997 and 1998 Toyota Supra coupes manufactured between March 10, 1997, and Aug. 3, 1999
- Certain 1997 and 1998 Toyota Celica coupes manufactured between Aug. 19, 1997, and May 7, 1999
Experienced Las Vegas Injury Lawyers
The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers attorneys and staff ready to help you with your car accident case. Our Las Vegas lawyers offer experience representing clients in defective airbag cases (and other car accident cases where another is at fault).
Don’t go in alone in a car accident case. We encourage you to speak to our team of Las Vegas personal injury lawyers. We offer free case evaluations. Our office is conveniently located in Henderson. We work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley, including North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Spring Valley, Anthem, and the Strip. Contact us today for a free consultation at (702) 857-6000.
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