65,000 Toyota and Lexus Vehicles Recalled for Takata Airbag Defects

Toyota and Lexus have issued a new safety recall on vehicles that were already recalled because of issues with faulty Takata airbags. According to a report on Fortune.com, the replacement airbags, also made by Takata, use a propellant that might rupture the airbag, hurling shrapnel at drivers and passengers. About 65,000 vehicles in the United States are involved in this recall including Toyota Corolla (2003-2005), Toyota Sequoia (2002-2005), Toyota Tundra (2003-2005), and Lexus SC430 (2002-2005).

Dangerous and Defective Airbags

These vehicles were all subject to previous recalls when Takata airbags with faulty inflators were replaced with another type of Takata airbag, which also uses ammonium nitrate, a propellant that can deteriorate, particularly in hot and humid conditions, and cause the airbag to explode with too much force. Now, Toyota says affected consumers can contact Toyota dealers, who will replace the front passenger airbag inflator or airbag assembly with an airbag not manufactured by Takata or one of its suppliers free of cost.

Replacement parts are available and Toyota says consumers will begin getting recall notifications in the mail starting in January 2019. The ongoing Takata airbag inflator recall has spurred numerous automakers and vehicle brands to issue massive recalls for millions of vehicles equipped with these faulty inflators.

At least 23 people have been killed worldwide because of these exploding Takata airbags. The Takata recall is the largest ever in history. The Japanese manufacturer has already sought bankruptcy protection. The number of vehicles recalled for these defective products is expected to hit 100 million by the end of 2019.

If You Have Been Injured

Takata airbag inflators have caused not only fatalities, but also severe and catastrophic injuries. There are still millions of vehicles out on our roadways with these dangerous airbags and those who drive them don’t even know it. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a faulty Takata airbag inflator, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the automaker and the manufacturer of the defective airbag.

If you have lost a loved one, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love, care and companionship. An experienced auto defect lawyer will be able to advise you regarding your legal rights and options.

Source: http://fortune.com/2018/12/12/takata-airbag-recall-2018-toyota-lexus/