Senators Call On Takata To Recall All Cars Containing Its Airbags

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Ed Markey, both Democrats, are calling on Takata Corporation to recall all cars containing its airbags after a faulty part was discovered in a 2015 vehicle model.

According to a report in The Hill, Takata has already recalled more than 34 million vehicles that were found to have defective airbags, which could explode when deployed in humid conditions.

The Senators said the company should expand the recall to include all vehicles that contain its airbags after the discovery of the defective part in a brand new 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan in St. Louis, Missouri.

So far, Takata’s airbags have been linked to eight deaths and more than 100 injuries, just in the United States.

The senators wrote to Takata stating that the company needs to do all it can to identify and address the cause of the problem.

They urged the company to voluntarily recall all vehicles containing Takata airbags.

Problem Potentially Affects All Airbags

The Japanese manufacturer of airbags and other components has come under scrutiny after issuing a safety recall in 2014 for about eight million cars with defective airbags that could explode and send shrapnel flying into the vehicle compartment.

The number of vehicles recalled was expanded to 17 million after federal regulators put pressure on the company. The affected vehicle models included Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Chrysler and many other brands.

Blumenthal and Markey said that the latest airbag issue in Missouri is proof that issues with Takata’s airbags are not limited to humid areas.

This, they said, is the first incident reported in a Volkswagen, the first involving a side airbag and the first involving the newest models of Takata airbags.

This is contrary to Takata’s assertion that flaws in its airbag inflators are limited to older models and that the problems are present only when the airbags have prolonged exposure to extremely humid conditions.

If You Have Been Injured

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a defective Takata airbag, please contact us. We have a successful track record of handling cases involving defective autos and auto products.

Injured victims of defective autos can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families of deceased victims can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

The best auto defect law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to victims and their families.