The amount of recalls concerning vehicle airbags in the past six months has put 2013 on track to break records. As reported by AOL Autos, the past six months have seen more than double the amount of recalls compared to the same time period in 2012.
In the past 5 months, there have been 15 manufacturer recalls related to airbags, while during the same time period one year ago there were only 10 or less. In 2012, automakers issued a total of 23 recalls affecting airbags, setting an all-time record. However, there have been 15 recalls issued in 2013 so far, putting the year on track to shatter the current record.
Of the most recent recalls, 13 different auto manufacturers have been affected, along with seven different suppliers. The models affected have ranged from cars manufactured 12 years ago to those from the 2013 model year. A recent airbag recall affected 3.4 million Japanese automobiles including Honda, Toyota, Mazda, and Nissan. Recently, BMW issued an airbag recall affecting 42,000 of its 2002-2003 3 Series models.
Airbag defects have caused numerous types of hazardous conditions by virtue of their failures to deploy during a crash, deploying without a cause, and flying shrapnel/debris in the midst of deployment. The reasons behind such harmful events vary widely. However, as airbag systems have become more complex over the years, that complexity gave rise to additional sources of potential failure.
The time between discovery of a potential defect and issuing a recall may span years. During this time, auto manufacturers may delay reporting the dangers, investigating the causes, and testing the vehicles for hazards. During this period, numerous accidents may occur where airbags malfunction, resulting in injuries to drivers and passengers.
Airbags save thousands of lives every year. However, a defective safety device may actually create greater hazards and lead to serious injury or death. Those affected by these hazards can learn more about their rights and potential legal options by calling the New Jersey airbag defect liability lawyersfrom Blume Forte at 973-845-4421. Through a consultation, you can receive insight into the idiosyncrasies of your potential claim.