Takata Airbag recall and all the vehicles that have them.
In yet another boondoggle for consumers, Honda, GM, BMW and other automakers have begun recalling nearly eight million cars because of potentially defective airbags installed between 2002 and 2008 by safety parts manufacturer, Takata. If stored in climates with relatively high humidity, the airbags have the potential to explode with significantly more force in an accident and cause metal within the device to fly out like grenade shrapnel. The faulty bags line the dashboards, steering wheels and door interiors of suspected vehicles – making it a veritable kill-box should there be an accident. To date there are over 30 known injuries and multiple deaths linked to these deadly safety devices.
Like the most recent GM recall, finger pointing and outright denial has been the bulk of Takata’s defense. Rumors and accusations have flown about how much the company knew, when they knew it and how likely it is they covered up the problem. However, in a recent move, Takata admitted, under pressure by lawmakers, watch dog groups and their own consumers, that mishandled propellant installed by their Mexico planet is the likely cause of the problem. Under certain humid conditions, the propellant may become volatile and in the process of deployment, can tear apart the metal inflator housing – making it a miniature explosive sitting only feet from consumers’ faces.
Does This Recall Effect Me?
If you purchased one of the following cars, it is highly recommended that you investigate the recall in detail. Certain brands, such as Honda and Toyota, have felt the brunt of the recall, but this hardly puts the other manufacturers out of the line of fire. Be sure to check both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website and Takata’s own listings to see if your vehicle is listed:
- 2001 – 2007 Honda Accord;
- 2001 – 2005 Honda Civic;
- 2002 – 2006 Honda CR-V;
- 2003 – 2011 Honda Element;
- 2002 – 2004 Honda Odyssey;
- 2003 – 2007 Honda Pilot;
- 2006 Honda Ridgeline;
- 2003 – 2006 Acura MDX;
- 2002 – 2003 Acura TL/CL;
- 2005 Acura RL;
- 2000 – 2005 BMW 3 Series Sedan;
- 2000 – 2006 BMW 3 Series Coupe;
- 2000 – 2005 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon;
- 2000 – 2006 BMW 3 Series Convertible;
- 2001 – 2006 BMW M3 Coupe;
- 2001 – 2006 BMW M3 Convertible;
- 2001 – 2003 Nissan Maxima;
- 2001 – 2004 Nissan Pathfinder;
- 2002 – 2004 Nissan Sentra;
- 2001 – 2004 Infiniti I30/I35;
- 2002 – 2003 Infiniti QXa;
- 2003 – 2005 Infiniti FX35/FX45;
- 2002 – 2004 Lexus SC;
- 2002 – 2005 Toyota Corolla;
- 2003 – 2005 Toyota Corolla Matrix;
- 2002 – 2005 Toyota Sequoia;
- 2003 – 2005 Toyota Tundra
- 2004 Ford Ranger;
- 2005 – 2006 Ford GT;
- 2005 – 2007 Ford Mustang;
- 2003 – 2008 Dodge Ram 1500;
- 2005 – 2008 Dodge Ram 2500;
- 2006 – 2008 Dodge Ram 3500;
- 2006 – 2008 Dodge Ram 4500;
- 2008 Dodge Ram 5500;
- 2005 – 2008 Dodge Durango;
- 2005 – 2008 Dodge Dakota;
- 2005 – 2008 Chrysler 300;
- 2007 – 2008 Chrysler Aspen;
- 2003 – 2005 Pontiac Vibe;
- 2008 – 2013 GMC Acadia
- 2005 Saab 9-2x;
- 2003 – 2001 Mazda 6;
- 2006 – 2007 Mazda Speed 6;
- 2004 – 2008 Mazda RX-8;
- 2004 – 2005 Mazda MPV;
- 2004 Mazda B-Series Truck;
- 2004 – 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer;
- 2006 – 2007 Mitsubishi Raider;
- 2003 – 2005 Subaru Baja;
- 2003 – 2005 Subaru Outback;
- 2003 – 2005 Subaru Legacy;
- 2004 – 2005 Subaru Impreza
If your car has been recalled, do not delay. It is a common practice for people to say, “It can’t happen to me.” Unfortunately, that is true – until it does. Especially for folks and families living in a humid or coastal location, such as Florida or the outlying islands. One of the key issues Takata encountered was water seeping into the airbag housing and mixing with the propellant, making it far too combustible. So, be sure to review the recall lists thoroughly and speak with your local dealership for more information.
