Deadly Airbags Still Lurk in 6.4 Million U.S. Cars

Millions of vehicles are still equipped with faulty Takata airbags, a decade after the safety devices were recalled after being linked to injuries and deaths.

A total of 6.4 million cars across the country are riding with tainted airbags, according to data from CARFAX. The airbags were recalled beginning more than 10 years ago, amid reports of the devices deploying and tearing, sending shrapnel hurtling through the inside of vehicles.

“Even after a decade of a dedicated and committed effort by the vehicle manufacturers, government, non-profits and businesses, it's concerning that so many affected vehicles continue to be driven on U.S. roads with these potentially dangerous airbags sitting inside," said Faisal Hasan, CARFAX General Manager for Data. "It's easy to see recall fatigue settle in for many consumers, but they need to act.”

California is home to nearly 740,000 of the cars still equipped with faulty airbags, according to CARFAX. It is among a number of “Zone A” states, which "pose the highest threat to safety" because their high heat and humidity increases the risk that airbags will explode.

Some 100 million malfunctioning Takata airbags have been recalled around the world in the last 10 years. The recall is the largest by far on record in the U.S.

It followed initial reports of exploding safety devices causing accidents, injuries and even death. At least 25 people have been killed as a result of the defective airbags.

Takata eventually paid $1 billion to settle a Justice Department probe into claims that it failed to warn consumers of the problem. The company later filed for bankruptcy and was sold.

Still, defective Takata airbags continue to put lives at risk.

At least two people died last year in separate crashes in which the Takata driver's-side airbags in 2010 Dodge Chargers exploded, according to a Car and Driver report.

Know Your California Lemon Law Rights

The Takata recall is the largest in history, but major car manufacturers routinely call back vehicles for a wide range of other issues that pose serious safety risks. These recalls are often announced long after cars have left factories and dealership lots, sold to unsuspecting buyers.

That is where the California lemon law comes in.

The law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back (or replace, in some situations) vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replacement requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.