It has been over a decade since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) first issued recalls for vehicles with Takata airbags, now affecting over 67 million vehicles in the U.S. due to faulty inflators.
Despite efforts to address the issue, these airbags continue to pose a deadly risk, with a 28th fatality reported—an Alabama Honda owner died in 2018 from injuries caused by metal shards propelled by the airbag in a crash.
In addition to the fatalities, Ford and Mazda have recently intensified their warnings, advising owners of more than 450,000 vehicles with these airbags not to drive them due to the risk of rupture in a crash. These vehicles, including models from Lincoln and Mercury, date back to 2005 and are particularly vulnerable after long-term exposure to heat and humidity.
Despite the recall being the largest in automotive history, Carfax estimates that 6.4 million vehicles still have not had the faulty airbags replaced. Owners of affected vehicles are entitled to free repairs, yet many remain uncorrected, especially in older models where contacting subsequent owners proves challenging.
NHTSA maintains a free online database where vehicle owners can check by entering their VIN to see if their vehicle is affected by this or other recalls. Owners are encouraged to register their vehicles with the NHTSA through the SaferCar app to receive automatic notifications of future recalls.
For those affected by the Takata airbag crisis, contact an authorized dealer or check the NHTSA’s online database to arrange for the necessary repairs. For any other vehicle repair needs, visit Collision Connect to find a list of certified collision repair centers ready to assist you. Prompt action is essential to ensure your safety and maintain your vehicle in top condition.
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