Toyota is recalling 766,300 cars and trucks in the United States for continued risk of shrapnel from passenger-side airbags. Toyota recalled vehicles in April 2013 for the same issue, but has discovered that the supplier, the Takata Corporation, may not have provided a comprehensive list of all of the cars that were potentially affected.
These recalls are because of improper manufacturing of Takata airbags from more than a decade ago. The defects may have begun as early as April, 2000 and were fixed no later than November, 2001. However, the faulty airbags continues to affect automakers. The problem occurs when faulty inflators blast out of the airbags with too much force, sending shrapnellike pieces into the front seat passenger.
The cars recalled by Toyota are 2003-2004 Corollas, Corolla Matrixes, and Tundras, 2002-2004 Sequoias, and 2002-2004 Lexus SC 430 coupes. Toyota does not know of any deaths, injuries, or crashes related to the defective airbags, but Honda, who uses the Takata airbags, cited two deaths in 2009. Honda has recalled a total of 2.8 million cars in five recalls as a result of faulty airbags.
If you have suffered a serious injury in an accident caused by an auto defect, you may be entitled to compensation by the auto manufacturer for your injuries. The attorneys at Lopez McHugh, LLP may be able to assist in such lawsuits. Do not hesitate to contact our office for help and to schedule a free consultation.