A new, potentially deadly problem has surfaced with Takata airbags, leading to the German automaker BMW to recall more than 4,000 SUVs in the U.S. and Canada. According to an Associated Press news report, the new problem is separate from the airbag inflators rupturing and expelled metal shards into the vehicle compartment causing deaths and serious injuries. This new defect was traced to improper welds, which can be just as dangerous as the shards of metal. This continues to add more dangers to Takata airbags, which has already led to the largest automotive recall in U.S. history, prompting several Takata airbag lawsuits.
What Are the Details of the Latest Recall?
The most recent recall affects BMW X3 and X4 SUVs from the 2015 model year and X5s from the 2014 and 2015 model years. The driver’s front airbag inflators in these vehicles can separate from a plate, shooting out metal and other debris. This may result in death or injury to vehicle occupants, BMW said in the documents. So far, no injuries have been reported. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the problem inflators from this manufacturing lot were not installed in any other vehicles made by BMW or other automakers.
The federal auto safety agency also says the inflators will be tested as a precaution to make sure there are no further problems. BMW says the inflators were not part of any earlier Takata recalls. Takata has apparently traced the problem to incorrect welds at a factory in Mexico. The flaw surfaced after BMW was told of a July 22 crash in Georgia involving a 2014 X5 in which airbag shrapnel caused “unusual damage” to the vehicle’s interior. When the recall begins, dealers will replace the driver’s airbag at no cost, but parts are not yet available.
What Are Potential Injuries That Could Result?
This is a dangerous defect that could potentially result in catastrophic or fatal injuries, much like the Takata airbag inflator recalls, which resulted in 10 deaths in the U.S. and many more injuries here and worldwide. While the recent action by BMW does not involve the defects that spurred the recall of millions of vehicles, it still involves an extremely dangerous auto defect.
If you own one of these vehicles, you will likely receive a recall notice in the mail. If you don’t get the notice, visit NHTSA’s website at safercar.gov and enter your vehicle identification number of VIN to find out your vehicle is part of the recall. If it is, be sure to follow the automaker’s instructions to get your vehicle repaired.
Contact an Experienced Takata Air Bag Recall Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of the defective airbag you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced Takata airbag lawyer, can help you get compensation for medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our law firm is working with some of the more experienced defective airbag lawyers in the country, who can file a lawsuit on your behalf and there are no fees unless you get a settlement or award. Please contact us toll free for a free (no obligation) case evaluation at 1-800-992-6878 or online with a contact form.
Source: wpri.com/2016/09/30/bmw-issues-recall-for-new-takata-air-bag-problem/
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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