Toyota Issues Recalls Due to Defective Airbags

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Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers discuss Toyota recalls for defective airbags. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Takata airbag recall was the largest safety recall in U.S. history. It was responsible for 16 deaths in the U.S., and at least 24 deaths and 300 injuries worldwide. Toyota recently announced that it is recalling 191,000 cars in the U.S. and Japan due to defective Takata-brand airbags. The design flaw prevents the airbag from working properly in the event of a crash. The models affected include certain 2003 to 2008 Corollas and 2005 to 2008 Matrix models.

The airbag that was installed in the vehicles involved in the recall contained an inflator that was installed during a prior recall. It is possible that the airbag may not unfold under high-temperature conditions, which could cause the internal pressure to rise, said a Toyota spokesperson. If the affected airbag deploys, not only could it damage the airbag, but it could cause the damaged airbag to improperly inflate, which could cause injuries to the vehicle occupant, and potentially result in a car accident.

Toyota did not confirm whether the recalled airbags caused any injuries, but Takata’s reputation took a major hit after news of the exploding Takata airbag came out. In 2018, a defective Takata airbag exploded, killing an Arizona man. Automakers continue to replace Takata airbags in the affected vehicles. In response to this most recent recall, Toyota will contact customers and replace the airbags for free. Customers can enter their vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number on Toyota’s website to see if this, or any other recalls affect their vehicle.

Auto Defects that Result in Recalls

If a vehicle or part of a vehicle is not in compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, or the vehicle has a defective part, an automobile company has a responsibility to issue a voluntary product recall. Defects that warrant a recall include:

  • Airbags that fail to deploy, that deploy when they should not, or that deploy with too much, or not enough force
  • Defective seat belts
  • Brake failure
  • Faulty electrical system that causes fires
  • Power steering failure
  • Tires that have worn treads, which can cause blowouts
  • Defective windshield wipers
  • Seats that fail during use
  • Faulty accelerator controls

Manufacturers have the option of correcting a defective part in several ways. They can either repair the vehicle, replace the vehicle, or offer the customer a full refund, minus a fair amount that reflects depreciation. Specific products, like airbags, can be repaired or replaced. An experienced car accident lawyer can assist you if you are considering filing a product liability claim.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims of Defective Car Parts

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a defective part, you are urged to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will determine who is responsible for the defective part and hold them liable for your injuries. Our skilled and dedicated legal team will secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will not stop fighting for you until justice has been served. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.