The Takata air bag defect has led to one of the largest series of automobile recalls in Southern California and United States history, with approximately 63 million inflators recalled. Now, certain General Motors vehicles with Takata airbags are included in this recall.
The General Motors recall
General Motors is recalling approximately six million pickup trucks and SUVs in the U.S. containing potentially dangerous Takata air bags. General Motors petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration four times since 2016 not to recall the vehicles. However, the NHTSA determined that these petitions should be denied as the Takata air bags still run the risk of creating an explosion when deployed, sending shrapnel into the direction of vehicle occupants.
How the defective Takata air bags work
Takata reportedly uses volatile ammonium nitrate in its air bags. When there is an accident this compound creates a small explosion that fills the air bags. However, if subjected to heat and humidity, as they would be in Southern California’s warm climate, the air bags explode with too much pressure, blowing a metal canister to pieces and sending shrapnel in the direction of vehicle occupants.
Seek help if you were harmed by a Takata air bag
As of now, 18 people in the U.S. were killed by defective Takata air bags. If you believe you were harmed by an exploding Takata air bag, you will want to take legal action by contacting The Law Office of Aman N. Shah for further information about your legal rights and options.
