Ford Recalls Nearly 1 Million Vehicles for Faulty Takata Airbags
Ford Recalls Nearly 1 Million Vehicles for Faulty Takata Airbags
Ford Motor Company has issued an auto defect recall for nearly 1 million vehicles that pose a risk of flying shrapnel caused by exploding Takata airbag inflators. According to a news report in the Detroit Free Press, seven Ford and Lincoln vehicles have been named in this recall including Ford Edge (2010), Lincoln MKX (2010), Ford Ranger (2010-2011), Ford Fusion (2010-2012), Lincoln MKZ (2010-2012), Mercury Milan (2010-2011) and Ford Mustang (2010-2014).
Details of the Recall
Ford is urging consumers to get their vehicles to dealers as soon as possible for replacement. The automaker has said it has no reports of injuries involving these vehicles. But, so far, at least 23 people worldwide have been killed in incidents involving Takata airbags, which led to one of the largest recalls in history involving several automakers.
Takata airbags use the chemical ammonium nitrate to create an explosion that causes the airbags to inflate. But heat and humidity cause the airbags to deteriorate and explode with too much force blowing apart a metal canister designed to contain the explosion. 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.
Danger Posed by Defective Products
Unrepaired vehicles equipped with Takata airbags are still a major problem in the U.S. auto market. Whether you are in the market for a used vehicle or are about to rent a vehicle, it is important that you check if the vehicle has been recalled. You can do so by visiting the safercar.gov website and typing in the vehicle identification number or VIN. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective auto, contact an experienced auto defect lawyer who can give you more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Victims of Takata airbag defects have suffered major or catastrophic injuries consistent with stab wounds. Those who have been injured by these defective autos can seek compensation for damages including but not limited to medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families that have lost a loved one as a result of these defects can file what is known as a wrongful death lawsuit claiming compensation for medical and funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship.
