Ford Motor Company will file a petition with federal regulators to avoid a potential recall of about 2.5 million vehicles with faulty Takata airbag inflators that the Japanese auto supplier declared as defective. According to a news report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Nissan agreed to recall 515,394 2007-2011 Versa cars after Takata declared 2.7 million vehicles to have potentially defective airbag inflators. Defective Takata airbag lawyers across the country are filing lawsuits on behalf of people who have been injured by these airbags exploding unexpectedly.
Which Ford Vehicles Are In Question?
A spokesman for Ford said the automaker intends to file a petition requesting to continue testing and analyzing the inflators in its vehicles for any defects. NHTSA stated Ford’s petition would seek an exemption from the recall because the automaker believes the issue is “inconsequential.” Ford’s 2.5 million vehicles in question include the 2007-2012 Ranger, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, the 2006-2012 Mercury Milan, and the 2007-2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX.
Ford previously said it covered about 2.2 million vehicles. New testing recently prompted federal regulators to declare the inflators defective in certain Ford, Nissan and Mazda vehicles. Testing data shows the propellant in this inflator is degrading and could cause potential ruptures. A faulty airbag is a threat not only to yourself, but all others on the road as an unexpected airbag rupture can lead to a RI car accident.
What Is The Issue With Takata Airbags?
Takata airbag inflators have sparked an unprecedented recall amounting to tens of millions of vehicles. These airbags have been linked to 17 deaths and more than 180 injuries worldwide. The inflators in these vehicles’ airbags could fail causing them to explode with excessive force and send metal shrapnel flying into the vehicle’s cabin. Vehicle occupants, in many cases, have suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds after being hit and pierced by the shards of metal. If you fall victim to a faulty airbag, be sure to contact a RI automobile defect lawyer, to help you understand your legal rights.
This potentially lethal explosion is apparently triggered by the chemical ammonium nitrate, which is used to trigger the airbag deployment. Ammonium nitrate is commonly used in fertilizers. The airbag inflators could deteriorate particularly when they are exposed to high heat and humidity.
How Do I Know If I Own a Recalled Vehicle?
You can find out if you own a recalled vehicle by visiting NHTSA’s website and typing your vehicle identification number (VIN). If your vehicle is under recall, contact your dealer and schedule a recall right away. If you have been injured by a defective airbag, it is important that you preserve the vehicle so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for evidence of defects, malfunctions and design flaws.
Call d’Oliveira & Associates Today!
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a vehicle defect or a faulty Takata airbag, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, pain and suffering and emotional distress. We are working with some of the most reputed Takata airbag lawyers around the country who can help you obtain maximum compensation for your losses and hold negligent auto part makers accountable. For a free (no-obligation) case evaluation, call us at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.
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Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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