The Northern New Jersey car accident attorneys at Breslin and Breslin are reporting that any car that was previously repaired because of a previous Takata airbag recall will need brought in again for service.
The Japanese manufacturer responsible for the world’s largest automotive recall will address U.S. lawmakers Tuesday for a scheduled hearing, where a Takata Corp executive is expected to identify the cause believed to be tied to millions of faulty airbags, according to reports.
A German research institute’s investigation into the 33.8 million vehicle recall has found four factors that have led to moisture possibly damaging the air bag inflator, or “batwing inflators,” and causing it to malfunction, sending shrapnel through the car, The Wall Street Journal reports.
These faulty inflators were also used in the airbags already replaced in carsunder previous recalls, according to the prepared testimony from Takata’s North American unit executive vice president Kevin Kennedy, CNN Money reports.
Currently, there are no estimates of how many cars or trucks have the replacement airbags installed.
Takata says older cars are more at risk but, CNN reports, Kennedy will testify that any replacement airbags already installed with the “batwing” inflators must also be replaced. Since age of the part is a factor, the company says repaired cars are not in immediate risk.
Six deaths and more than 100 injuries are believed to be in connection with the faulty inflators.
The company supplied defective driver and passenger-side airbags for BMW, Chrysler, Daimler Trucks, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has listed affected cars and truck as automakers identify their models and created a special website with a VIN look-up tool for car owners.
Most recently, Ford added an addition 1.5 million cars and trucks to its recall.
Last week, BMW recalled more than 400,000 of its models from 2002-2006 and Chrysler, Mitsubishi, Subaru and GM increased their previous recalls.
Nissan has not expanded its previous recalls, according to NHTSA.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a malfunctioning airbag, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Through a personal injury claim, eligible parties may be able to recoup monetary losses including but not limited to lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. To learn if you are eligible to file a claim, contact the experienced and trusted New Jersey car accident lawyers at Breslin and Breslin today.
