Internal documents described by the New York Times reveal that officials who work for Takata presented falsified data to their customers—like Honda—who purchased and installed their airbags–those same airbags that are now being recalled for safety concerns linked to several deaths.
Specifically, a report published by the Senate Committee on Science, Commerce, and Transportation demonstrates what investigators called a “pattern of deceit” that continued long after Takata realized that the airbags were causing safety concerns. Additional, mounting evidence that is now coming to light indicates that Takata was responsible for manipulating test data and poor manufacturing processes, in addition to the safety concerns.
Takata Airbag Recall Not Moving Fast Enough
As of now, the Takata airbag recall has led to 14 automakers recalling close to 30 million airbag inflators in 24 million vehicles, yet leaving some of these airbags on the road. Those remaining on the roads have some lawmakers concerned that the recall process needs to be accelerated and forced in order to ensure that the chemical compound causing the problems—ammonium nitrate—no longer serves as a threat to anyone on the road. The highest risk is associated with those exposed to heat and humidity, as it can effectively cause the airbags to explode.
Thus far, Takata has been fined $70 million for failing to promptly disclose the defect. The company has also been barred from using ammonium nitrate in new airbags; however, it has until 2018 to prove that the presence of ammonium nitrate is safe in existing airbags.
Litigation
Some of those who were seriously injured—or had a loved one die—due to a Takata airbag defect have filed personal injury and/or wrongful death lawsuits against the company, alleging damages also linked to the fact that Takata was aware of the defect and still allowed these airbags to enter and be promoted for use on the market. In fact, some of them cite companies such as Honda as well taking affirmative steps to conceal defects prior to victims’ accidents. These complaints cite reports released by The New York Times, which describe Takata employees secretly conducting testing on 50 airbags retrieved from scrap yards after Takata airbags ruptured and sent metal debris flying at a driver. In spite of discovering that the airbags had conditions that could lead to ruptures and realizing that the companies’ engineers needed to prepare for a recall, federal safety regulators were allegedly not alerted to the potential danger and the results were discounted by Takata executives.
Our Attorneys Can Assist You Today
Auto accidents can include a defective safety device that causes death and/or injuries to those involved. The auto and car accident attorneys at Harrell & Nowak have helped many victims in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana obtain financial compensation for their injuries linked to such accidents. If you have been the victim of a vehicle accident like the Takata airbag recall, contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can help you.