Honda Recalls 1.6 Million Vehicles for Defective Takata Airbags
Honda Recalls 1.6 Million Vehicles for Defective Takata Airbags
Honda is recalling about 1.6 million Honda and Acura cars for potentially deadly Takata front passenger airbag inflators. According to a USA Today news report, this is part of Honda’s fifth and final phase of planned recalls, which the automaker says, is six months ahead of the schedule set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The company said in its statement that Honda is announcing this recall to encourage “each owner of an affected vehicle to schedule repair with an authorized dealer as soon as possible.”
Details of the Recall
The statement also said replacement parts for these vehicles are available to begin free repairs right away. Vehicle owners will also get a free rental car for use until their vehicles are repaired and equipped with the replaced parts. This recall includes several Honda and Acura models from 2003 through 2015. All received replacement inflators made by Takata before February 2017 and were scheduled to be recalled a second time to replace those with inflators made by another company.
The Takata airbag recall has affected all major automakers and has forced the Japanese company into bankruptcy in July 2017. These airbags were manufactured with the chemical ammonium nitrate and were prone to exploding and releasing shrapnel, injuring passengers. So far, 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured by these inflators across the world.
With this recall, Honda says it would have recalled 22.6 million inflators. Owners of the recalled vehicles are expected to receive mailed notification starting in mid-August. If you own a Honda or Acura vehicle, it would be in your best interest to visit NHTSA’s website and enter your vehicle identification number or VIN to determine if your vehicle is included in the recall. For more information, visit hondaairbaginfo.com.
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.
