Fiat Chrysler is the latest automaker that reports it will stop using Takata airbags, which has been the subject of recall of at least 10,000,000 units in the past few years. The airbags have been tied to causing as many as 11 deaths internationally and 100 injuries in the US.
Fiat Chrysler reported this week that it will stop producing cars with the defective airbags next week. The 2016 Jeep Wrangler will be the last vehicle from the auto manufacturer that will use an ammonium nitrate canister design without a drying agent. These types of airbags are considered dangerous because they can explode with high levels of force and propel shrapnel into passengers.
Fiat Chrysler has already had to conduct several recalls for the defective Takata airbags. It is stating with the suspension of their Takata contract that it no longer wants to be associated with all of the headlines about auto safety issues that these airbags generate.
Other automakers also are alarmed at the recall costs and bad publicity. Last week, federal safety officials warned that many older cars, some built as long as 15 years ago, also could be affected by faulty Takata airbags. Some of these vehicles include 2001-2003 Honda Civic, 2001-2002 Honda Accord and 2003 Honda Pilot.
Our View
Thousands of people are injured by faulty products each year, and it is alarming that so many of these defective airbags appear to be in wide circulation around the world. Anyone who has been injured by a defective product, such as a Takata airbag, should speak to a personal injury attorney specializing in dangerous and defective products. Remember, large corporations have large teams of lawyers and insurance companies that want to pay out as little as possible for these claims.
If you ever have lost a loved one to a defective product, we recommend that you download our free guide, What to Do If You Lost a Loved One in An Accident.
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