Honda Motor Co. recently confirmed and acknowledged that a 
defective airbag – made by Takata Corp. – was responsible for the death of a 13-year-old boy driving a relative’s 2001 Honda Accord Coupe near Pittsburgh – the ninth death worldwide attributed to Takata airbags. According to the Associated Press, the airbag inflated when the vehicle crashed.
Although Takata has expanded recalls for passenger side inflators, including for the 2005-2008 Mazda 6, 2003-2004 Honda CR-V, and 2005-2008 Subaru Legacy and Outback, other affected models involved are: Honda Accords from 2003 to 2007, Civics from 2001 to 2005, Elements from 2003, Odysseys from 2002 to 2003, Pilots from 2003, and Acura MDXs from 2003. The recall now also includes CR-Vs from 2002 to 2004.
Many of the airbag deaths and injuries involved low-speed crashes and all occurred in Honda vehicles. Automakers believe the highest risk for ruptures to occur is in high-humidity areas.
As of November 2014, Takata agreed to pay a $70 million fine for safety violations. Still, Takata could face an additional $130 million penalty because about 15 million vehicles remain unrepaired.
While American divisions of Honda and Acura continue to add vehicles to their recalls – it is crucial that vehicle owners get their vehicles inspected and repaired at their local dealer as soon as possible.
For more information, consumers should visit: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Recalls+&+Defects
If you or a loved one have been hurt because of a defective airbag, please call our office to discuss your rights.
