Just months after the Takata defective airbags recall affected over two-million vehicle owners worldwide, Toyota, Chrysler, and Honda vehicles are being recalled AGAIN to re-fix airbag units that now may spontaneously deploy while the car is simply running.
The second recall includes Toyota Corollas and Avalon models manufactured from 2002 to 2004. Other models affected by the recall include the Acura MDX, Dodge Viper, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Odyssey, and Pontiac Vibe – all manufactured from 2002 to 2004. A statement released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that the recalled vehicles were all included in the major airbag recall in 2014, but original attempts to remedy the issue were only successful in about 85% of cases.
Repairs for vehicles affected by this second defective airbags recall will include the full and total replacement of the faulty electronic control unit, manufactured by TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., a company based out of Livonia, Michigan. This unit was only partially replaced in vehicles affected by he previous recall, but this new remedy will be available to all affected vehicles by the end of 2015.
The NHTSA is urging all vehicle owners affected by the first recall to at least have the partial unit installed, even if it means having to return to their car dealers for the second replacement. “Even though it’s a temporary solution until the new remedy is available,” NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind said, “…families will be safer if they take the time to learn if their vehicle is covered and follow their manufacturers’ instructions.”
Reports show that about 39 airbags have spontaneously deployed that were originally remedied with the first recall, but fortunately, no deaths or injuries were included in those reports.
It should be stated that while a few cases invloved both defective Takata airbags AND the inadvertent deployment malfunctions, the recalls are not connected. If consumers own or lease one of the 12 millon vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recall, those vehicles should be brought in immediately to prevent possible life threatening injuries. If a vehicle is NOT affected by the Takata recall but IS affected by this second recall, though the risks are different, the urgency is still the same.
New Jersey and Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorneys
The Philadelphia personal injury and products liability attoreys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving defective car parts and other defective products. If you or a loved one have been the victim of any type of defective product, consider calling a personal injury attorney from Messa & Associates toll-free at 877-MessaLaw. You can also submit an inquiry online for a free case evaluation. Messa & Associates has been successful in earning clients considerable and fair compensation for injuries sustained through the negligence of others. Let the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates earn you and your loved ones the compensation you deserve.
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