The airbag recall situation continues to worsen. According to the maker of the airbags involved in the biggest auto recall in history, airbags that have already been replaced due to design defects and concerns that they are hazardous will have to be replaced a second time. An executive for the company that made the airbags recently noted that many of the airbags that have been replaced have the same inflator that is believed to be tied to the exploding airbags. The inflators in question have been found in cars with airbags that exploded on the driver's side of the vehicle and have been linked to six deaths and dozens of serious injuries.
The company supplies 20 percent of all airbags worldwide and plans to discontinue use of the batwing inflator, which has been tied to the explosions leading to the recently expanded recall. Approximately 34 million vehicles are now subject to this record recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) could not confirm that replacement airbags were safe, but noted that they were safer. The record recall, which has been expanded and now subjects some vehicles to a second recall, has been described as complex.
Consumers should be aware of the potential hazards and dangers that the products they use on a daily basis, including their vehicles, pose. The recall process helps to keep consumers informed; however, other legal options, resources and remedies may be available to victims of a defective product and their family members. An auto defect can place consumers in a position of serious danger and potential harm. Because of the danger any defective product can pose, consumers should remain aware of the protections and options available to them.
