Laxalt Alerts Consumers About Takata Airbag Recall

(Office of the Nevada Attorney General) – Carson City, NV – Today, Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt alerts consumers about a recent Takata airbag recall, and encourages Nevadans to verify whether their vehicles are affected by the recall. Fourteen automakers have recalled 24 million U.S. vehicles to replace a malfunctioning airbag inflator, marking the largest automotive recall in U.S. history.

“Last week, the media reported the 10^th U.S. death linked to the defect,” said Laxalt. “Some owners of a vehicle affected by the Takata recall may not be aware that their vehicle needs to be serviced, and consumer awareness is an important step in preventing injury or fatalities as a result of this defect.”

Takata is a leading brand of automobile airbags and seat belts in the world. (Courtesy: Takata Corp.)

The airbag defect is caused by a chemical in the inflator that can deteriorate after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. The faulty inflators can explode without too much force and shatter a metal canister, propelling pieces of metal through the air during a crash. More than 100 people have been injured by the malfunctioning airbags, and investigators at the scene of the latest accident concluded that the crash was moderate and would not have caused any serious injuries if not for the airbag defect.

While Honda is the most affected brand, the recall also includes models from Acura, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daimler Trucks North America, Daimler Vans USA LLC, Dodge/Ram, Ford, General Motors, Infiniti, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen.

The U.S. Transportation Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has established the website www.safercar.gov/rs/takata for consumers to determine whether their vehicle is affected by the recall and to view any status updates. The airbag repair service can take several months to administer. NHTSA does not recommend that consumers disable airbags while waiting for a remedy. Many automakers have made loaner vehicles available to consumers, upon request. Consumers are encouraged to ask their dealer if this is an option.

The Office of the Attorney General is headed by Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt. The office’s primary role is to serve the citizens of Nevada and to work to make the state a stronger, safer and freer place to live. Visit its website at AG.NV.gov.