Part One –       AIRBAG INJURY CLAIMS (All Vehicle Owners)

Part Two –      History of Takata Airbag Problems

Part Three –    Class Action Case for Certain VW, Audi, Mercedes, GM, Jeep, Dodge &

Chrysler Owners

Part Four –       Information for Whistleblowers (Auto Industry & Takata Insiders)

Part Five –      General Information & Video Links

TAKATA AIRBAG INJURY CLAIMS (Part One)

Takata airbags are suspected in at least 20 fatalities and well over 100 injuries. We believe that airbag injury figure is actually much higher. Many people injured in automobile accidents are simply unaware that their injuries may be the result of a defective airbag! Insurance companies and police agencies normally don’t collect this data so accurate statistics are difficult.

We have signed up many clients who have experienced problems with automobiles equipped with Takata airbags. To date we have spoken with hundreds of car owners. Sadly, some have shared gruesome stories of catastrophic injuries caused either by airbags that didn’t deploy or airbags that exploded so violently that the metal canister holding the airbag turned into a grenade.

Over 65 million cars with Takata airbags have been recalled. So far in 2018, another 3.3 million cars with Takata have been recalled.

With over a billion dollars in claims and fines, Takata folded and filed for bankruptcy protection in 2017. Suing them for injuries or a wrongful death may not net much, especially since the company closed its doors. You can file a claim against them but be prepared to only collect pennies on the dollar.

MahanyLaw and Takata Airbag Injuries

We originally became involved in airbag cases after hearing from VW owners who suddenly found their cars had dropped significantly in value. Between faulty emissions and airbags that may kill you, the resale value of a VW isn’t what it should be.

We and our class action partners filed a novel lawsuit against VW and Audi. Instead of following the herd and fighting over the crumbs left behind by Takata, we are going after the car companies. We say that they knew for years that Takata airbags were defective yet continued to install them. Companies like VW were still installing Takata airbags in 2017 even after years of horror stories!

Why? Profits! Because car companies like VW can make a bigger profit by using cheaper airbags.

Since that time, we have expanded our investigation and lawsuits to General Motors, Fiat Chrysler and Mercedes. (You can read more about our class actions cases in section 3 below)

Now that the class cases are moving forward, we are ready to help people injured by automobiles equipped with Takata airbags.

Despite several national class complaints, class actions are not the best way to seek justice for serious injuries or airbag deaths. In fact, we have always advised those folks to consider a separate lawsuit for their injuries.

Class Actions and Personal Injuries – Not a Good Fit!

For most people with Takata equipped automobiles and trucks, their damages are primarily inconvenience and lower resale value. Your automobile probably has a lower resale value if the airbags have not been replaced and many people are too afraid to drive their vehicles or will drive but not with children on board. While most car companies say their cases are safe, the government has been saying otherwise. (See section five below.)

Thankfully only a small percentage of passengers in Takata airbag equipped cars have been injured or killed. The bad news is that those injuries are often horrific.

Our class action cases and those by lawyers representing the owners of other Takata equipped cars (Honda, Toyota, etc.) are great if your damages are limited to lower resale value or the inconvenience associated with not being able to drive your car.

Suing an auto manufacturer can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions. The car companies have deep pockets, but most car owners do not. It just isn’t economically feasible for individual car owners to sue GM or Ford. Especially if your damages are a few hundred or thousand dollars.

But if you are injured or a loved died because of a defective airbag, the rules are different. If your car was equipped with a defective airbag and you suffered catastrophic injuries, permanent disfigurement or if someone you loved was killed as a result of defective airbags, you have important legal rights.

If we are describing you, call us immediately!

Takata Airbag Injury Claims

If you or someone you love has been killed, disfigured or seriously injured in an accident involving a vehicle containing a recalled Takata airbag and you believe that those injuries were caused of a defect in the airbag, you have legal rights. Contact the Takata airbag injury lawyers at MahanyLaw today.

We can be reached online, by email (*protected email*) or by phone (414) 704-6731.

Can’t a Local Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?

We have nothing against personal injury lawyer. For the normal car accident case, a good personal injury lawyer is probably all you need. Airbag injury cases are not “normal,” however. They are what lawyers call a “products liability” case. In the case of a defective Takata airbag causing injury, your case could involve filing a lawsuit against the other driver or person at fault in the accident, filing a bankruptcy claim against Takata and filing a lawsuit against the auto maker for knowingly using defective parts.

As noted above, airbag injury cases are extremely expensive to prosecute. They often involve expert witnesses and representatives from the car manufacturer, some of whom may not even be in the United States. If you are suffering a catastrophic injury from a defective Takata airbag, contact us immediately.

What Cars are Affected by the Recall? (Cars with Defective Takata Airbags)

 

Make	Model	Years
Acura	TL	2009-2014
Acura	3.2CL	2003
Acura	MDX	2003-2006
Acura	RL	2005-2012
Acura	3.2TL	2002-2003
Acura	ILX	2013-2016
Acura	ILX Hybrid	2013-2014
Acura	TSX	2009-2014
Acura	ZDX	2010-2013
Audi	A3	2006-2013
Audi	A4 Cabriolet	2006-2009
Audi	Q5	2009-2012, 2015
Audi	A5 Cabriolet	2010-2011
Audi	A4 Avant	2005-2008
Audi	A4 Sedan	2005-2008
Audi	A6 Avant	2003-2011
Audi	A6 Sedan	2005-2011
Audi	R8	2017
Audi	RS 4 Cabriolet	2008
Audi	RS 4 Sedan	2007-2008
Audi	S4 Avant	2005-2008
Audi	S4 Cabriolet	2007-2009
Audi	S4 Sedan	2005-2008
Audi	S5 Cabriolet	2010-2012
Audi	S6 Sedan	2007-2011
Audi	TT	2016-2017
BMW	3 Series Sedan	2000-2011
BMW	3 Series Wagon	2000-2012
BMW	3 Series Coupe & Convertible	2002-2013
BMW	M3 Coupe & Convertible	2001-2013
BMW	5 Series	2002-2003
BMW	M5	2002-2003
BMW	X5	2003-2013
BMW	X3	2003-2010
BMW	1 Series Coupe & Convertible	2008-2013
BMW	M3 Sedan	2008-2011
BMW	X6	2008-2014
BMW	X6 Hybrid	2010-2011
BMW	X1	2011-2015
Buick	LaCrosse	2015
Cadillac	XTS	2015
Cadillac	Escalade	2007-2014
Cadillac	Escalade ESV	2007-2014
Cadillac	Escalade EXT	2007-2013
Chevrolet	Silverado HD	2007-2014
Chevrolet	Camaro	2015
Chevrolet	Equinox	2015
Chevrolet	Malibu	2015
Chevrolet	Avalanche	2007-2013
Chevrolet	Silverado LD	2007-2013
Chevrolet	Suburban	2007-2014
Chevrolet	Tahoe	2007-2014
Chrysler	300	2005-2010
Chrysler	Crossfire	2007-2008
Chrysler	Aspen	2007-2009
Daimler	Dodge Sprinter	2007-2009
Daimler	Freightliner Sprinter	2007-2017
Daimler	Mercedes-Benz Sprinter	2010-2017
Daimler	Sterling Bullet	2008-2009
Dodge/Ram	Challenger	2008-2014
Dodge/Ram	Charger	2006-2015
Dodge/Ram	Dakota	2005-2011
Dodge/Ram	Durango	2004-2009
Dodge/Ram	Magnum	2005-2008
Dodge/Ram	Ram 1500/2500/3500 Pickup	2003-2008
Dodge/Ram	Ram 2500 Pickup	2005-2009
Dodge/Ram	Ram 3500 Cab Chassis	2007-2010
Dodge/Ram	Ram 3500 Pickup	2006-2009
Dodge/Ram	Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis	2008-2010
Ferrari	458 Italia	2010-2015
Ferrari	458 Speciale	2014-2015
Ferrari	458 Speciale A	2015
Ferrari	458 Spider	2012-2015
Ferrari	488 GTB	2016-2017
Ferrari	488 Spider	2016-2017
Ferrari	California	2009-2014
Ferrari	California T	2015-2017
Ferrari	F12	2013-2017
Ferrari	F12 TDF	2016-2017
Ferrari	F60	2016
Ferrari	FF	2012-2016
Ferrari	GTC4Lusso	2017
Fisker (Karma)	Fisker Karma	2012
Ford	Ranger	2004-2011
Ford	GT	2005-2006
Ford	Mustang	2005-2014
Ford	Edge	2007-2010
Ford	Fusion	2006-2012
GMC	Sierra HD	2007-2014
GMC	Sierra LD	2007-2013
GMC	Terrain	2015
GMC	Yukon	2007-2014
GMC	Yukon XL	2007-2014
Honda	Accord	2001-2012
Honda	Civic	2001-2011
Honda	Civic NGV	2001-2011
Honda	CR-V	2002-2011, 2016
Honda	Odyssey	2002-2004
Honda	Civic Hybrid	2003-2011
Honda	Element	2003-2011
Honda	Pilot	2003-2015
Honda	Ridgeline	2006-2014
Honda	Fit	2007-2013
Honda	Fit EV	2013-2014
Honda	FCX Clarity	2010-2014
Honda	Insight	2010-2014
Honda	CR-Z	2011-2015
Honda	Crosstour	2010-2015
Infiniti	I30/I35	2001-2004
Infiniti	QX4	2002-2003
Infiniti	FX35/FX45	2003-2008
Infiniti	M35/M45	2006-2010
Jaguar	XF	2009-2015
Jeep	Wrangler	2007-2016
Land Rover	Range Rover	2007-2012
Lexus	SC430	2002-2010
Lexus	ES350	2007-2012
Lexus	GX460	2010-2017
Lexus	IS250/350	2006-2013
Lexus	IS250C/350C	2010-2015
Lexus	IS F	2008-2014
Lexus	LFA	2012
Lincoln	MKX	2007-2010
Lincoln	Zephyr/MKZ	2006-2012
Mazda	6	2003-2011
Mazda	Speed 6	2006-2007
Mazda	RX 8	2004-2011
Mazda	MPV	2004-2006
Mazda	B Series	2004-2009
Mazda	CX 7	2007-2012
Mazda	CX 9	2007-2015
McLaren	570	2016-2017
McLaren	650S	2015-2016
McLaren	675LT	2016
McLaren	MP4-12C	2012-2014
McLaren	P1	2011-2015
Mercedes-Benz	C-Class (excl. C55 AMG)	2005-2014
Mercedes-Benz	SLK Class	2007-2008
Mercedes-Benz	Sprinter	2007-2014
Mercedes-Benz	GL Class	2009-2012
Mercedes-Benz	R Class	2009-2012
Mercedes-Benz	M Class	2009-2011
Mercedes-Benz	E Class	2010-2011
Mercedes-Benz	GLK Class	2010-2015
Mercedes-Benz	SLS AMG	2011-2015
Mercedes-Benz	E Class Cabrio	2011-2017
Mercedes-Benz	E Class Coupe	2010-2017
Mercury	Milan	2006-2011
Mitsubishi	Lancer	2004-2007
Mitsubishi	Lancer Evolution	2004-2006
Mitsubishi	Lancer Sportback	2004
Mitsubishi	Raider	2006-2009
Mitsubishi	i-MiEV	2012-2017
Nissan	Maxima	2001-2003
Nissan	Pathfinder	2002-2004
Nissan	Sentra	2002-2006
Nissan	Versa	2007-2012
Pontiac	Vibe	2003-2010
Saab	9-3	2003-2011
Saab	9-2X	2005-2006
Saab	9-5	2006-2009
Saturn	Astra	2008-2009
Scion	XB	2008-2015
Subaru	Baja	2003-2006
Subaru	Legacy	2003-2014
Subaru	Outback	2003-2014
Subaru	Impreza (incl. WRX/STI)	2004-2011
Subaru	Forester	2009-2013
Subaru	Tribeca	2006-2014
Subaru	WRX/STI	2012-2014
Tesla	Model S	2012-2016
Toyota	Sequoia	2002-2011
Toyota	Corolla	2003-2013
Toyota	Corolla Matrix	2003-2008
Toyota	Tundra	2003-2006
Toyota	RAV4	2004-2005
Toyota	4 Runner	2010-2016
Toyota	Matrix	2009-2013
Toyota	Sienna	2011-2014
Toyota	Yaris Hatch Back	2006-2011
Toyota	Yaris Sedan	2007-2012
Volkswagen	Passat	2006-2010, 2012-2014
Volkswagen	CC	2009-2017
Volkswagen	Jetta SportWagen	2010-2014
Volkswagen	Golf	2010-2014
Volkswagen	Golf R	2013
Volkswagen	EOS	2010-2014
Volkswagen	Tiguan	2015
Volkswagen	GTI	2009-2013

If you or a loved one were killed or injured in one of the above vehicles and you believe the injury was the result of a defective airbag, call us immediately. The time to sue is very limited and depends on where the accident occurred.

Takata Airbag Injury Claim Center

If you or a loved one has died or was disfigured or seriously injured in an accident involving a vehicle containing a recalled Takata airbag and you believe that those injuries were caused by the airbag, you have legal rights. Contact the Takata airbag injury lawyers at MahanyLaw today.

We can be reached online, by email (*protected email*) or by phone (414) 704-6731.

Who Is Responsible for my Airbag Injury? Takata or the Auto Maker?

The answer is both! Collecting from Takata, however, may be difficult because the company is in bankruptcy and out of business. It’s not just airbag injury victims and their families that are suing, the car makers are all seeking hundreds of millions of dollars as well. Everyone is competing for the small pot of money left after the bankruptcy sale.

Claims against Takata include:

• Failure to alert the public about the defective airbags
• Failing to alert the NHTSA and other regulators
• Designing unsafe and dangerous airbags
• Manufacturing and selling defective airbags
• Improper design of the airbag
• Using a notoriously unstable and explosive accelerant in the airbag
• Concealing the problem even after their engineers knew of the dangers

Unlike some lawyers advertising for Takata cases, we are already pursuing several automakers for knowingly using defective airbags in their vehicles. (More on that in Section 3 below).

Claims against the automakers include:

• Failure to alert the public about the defective airbags
• Failing to alert the NHTSA and other regulators
• Using unsafe and dangerous Takata airbags in their automobiles
• Continuing to use dangerous Takata airbags even after learning of the defects
• Concealing the problem even after their engineers knew of the dangers
• Downplaying the dangers to the public
• Failure to produce timely replacements for defective airbags
• Unnecessary delays in replacing the defective airbags
• Breaching their duties to consumers by selling cars with airbags known to cause death and catastrophic injuries

What Kind of Damages Can I Claim as a Result of Takata Airbag Injury?

The amount and types of damages varies somewhat state by state. As a general rule, those injured because of defective Takata airbags can seek damages for:

• Death
• Bodily injury
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Lost Work or ability to work
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Medical bills
• Vehicle damage
• Punitive damages

If you were injured by a defective Takata airbag, contact us today! We can be reached online, by email (*protected email*) or by phone (414) 704-6731.

HISTORY of TAKATA AIRBAG PROBLEMS (Part TWO)

General Information on Takata Airbags, the Recall and Defective Takata Airbag Injuries

This section details the history of Takata’s airbag problems and what is being done to get these dangerous products off the streets.

We urge you to send a link of this page to friends and loved ones. (https://www.mahanyertl.com/2017/takata-airbag-vw-audi-volkswagen-compensation/)

The major automakers and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) have recalled tens of millions of cars equipped with airbags made by Takata. The recall is taking place because Takata airbags found in the front of vehicles can explode. Both driver and front passenger airbags are affected. The explosions can kill both the driver and passengers. Some of the explosions have caused horrific injuries.

Regulators say the airbag inflator is the cause of the problem. The inflator is a metal cartridge loaded with propellant. When activated, the inflator is supposed to detonate and rapidly cause the airbag to inflate. Some airbags have exploded with such force that the metal tube holding the propellant has ruptured causing metal shards to fly through the car’s interior.

Instead of inflating the life-saving airbag, the inflator acts like a hand grenade. Metal shrapnel is sent flying through the car’s interior and often strikes passengers in the face.

Takata airbags use ammonium nitrate as a propellant. This is the same chemical compound often used by bomb makers. If made properly, the system should activate with just enough force to deploy the airbag. Regulators believe, however, that the airbags lack a required drying agent or enough of the drying agent. That defect can cause the airbag inflator to deploy with too much force. Environmental factors such as high heat and humidity can dramatically increase the risk of disaster.

Whether or not you own one of the listed vehicles, we urge you to keep reading. Some recalled models are more likely to explode, and some geographic areas are at greater risk. To date, 20 people are believed to have been killed by defective Takata airbags and dozens more have received grizzly and horrific injuries. Some 65 million cars are believed to be affected by the recall.

In June of 2017, Takata filed bankruptcy. The company has already resolved criminal charges and owes the government $850 million in fines. The company also faces many lawsuits from both automakers, injured victims and the families of people killed by Takata airbags. It is unlikely that the company can pay many of the claims against it, however, we believe the auto manufacturers who used these airbags in new vehicles despite the known risks may be  responsible for damage and injury claims.

Our class action investigation centers on what Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen (VW) knew about the defective airbags and why these companies took so long in recalling vehicles containing these deadly time bombs. We are especially concerned with Audi, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen. These companies continued installing Takata airbags despite years of recalls and knowledge of horrific injuries and death.

Our Takata airbag personal injury / death / products liability claims team are looking at individual cases where defective airbags either failed to deploy or deployed with such force as to cause horrific injuries. Unlike the class case which focuses on specific makes and models, our injury cases can involve any vehicle containing a recalled airbag.

DON’T RISK INJURY OR DEATH – CHECK IF YOUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED

Is Your Car Subject to a Recall? Check the NHTSA Takata recall database.

The Takata Airbag Recall

We are shocked and dismayed by the long delays in both identifying cars for recall and then in the subsequent replacement of the defective Takata airbags. Some companies such as Volkswagen did not even announce the most recent recalls until June 19^th, 2017. More recalls were announced in January 2018! This is despite over a decade of knowledge about the dangers of airbags containing ammonium nitrate… airbags manufactured by Takata.

To put that date in context, the first recall began on November 4, 2008 when Honda recalled 4000 vehicles with Takaya airbags. Several months later, an Oklahoma teen, Ashley Parham, died when the airbag on her 2001 Honda Accord exploded sending metal shards into her face and neck.

Although Takata and Honda denied any liability, both companies settled. That settlement remains sealed, meaning that the companies did not disclose what they paid to avoid trial and negative publicity.

Several months later, a woman in Virginia died when a fender bender caused her airbag to explode. Like Ashley Parham, the woman died when metal shrapnel from the Takata airbag actuator severed arteries in her neck. That case was settled for $43 million.

Even before the first recall in 2008, there is evidence that both car makers and Takata knew that the airbags were defective and could act like grenades.

A full timeline appears in Section five below and is certainly worth reading. It documents how the automakers knew for years that there were problems with Takata airbags yet kept using them in their vehicles. Why? We believe that the car companies were more interested in profits than driver / passenger safety.

It seems for some companies, the cost of an occasional death is less than he cost of replacing airbags on millions of vehicles or using more expensive (but safer) airbag systems. Now the government is forcing car makers to replace Takata airbags but how many people will die or be maimed because of the delay?

While there is evidence that knowledge of the dangerous airbags existed all the way back to 2002, All of the major car companies waited years before recalling vehicles. Many of these same companies quietly continued installing Takata airbags even though millions of other vehicles were being recalled. Volkswagen didn’t announce the most recent recall until June of 2017.

Countless injuries could have been averted and lives saved if the automakers acted immediately.

MAHANY LAW CLASS ACTION CLAIMS INVESTIGATION (Part Three)

Certain Takata Airbag Equipped Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen (VW) Vehicles

(Remember – for airbag injury cases, we will consider anyone suffering fatal or catastrophic injuries no matter what the vehicle make and model of the car as long as the car or trusted is on the government’s recall list. See Section One above.)

MahanyLaw has teamed up with its national class action partners to investigate the response by Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen (VW) to defective Takata Airbags. We are a national boutique firm that helps consumers fight fraud and greed by big multinational companies.

In our opinion, their reaction to the Takata airbag crisis is “a day late and a dollar short.”  We say a “day late” because the companies should have acted long ago. They are a “dollar short” because despite having years of notice, they still do not have parts to fix every vehicle, still sold cars with dangerous airbags and often refuse to help auto owners with expenses involved in the recall.

While some automakers are telling their customers not to drive cars with Takata airbags, these companies have been sending mixed messages about the safety of their vehicles.  Despite very specific warnings from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, some automakers just pay lip service to the recall and the safety risks associated with effective vehicles.

VW has sends mixed messages about what affected vehicle owners should do.

BMW tells customers to avoid driving affected cars. Honda has offered some customers loaner cars. VW and Audi? They tell their customers to suggest customers should follow NHTSA guidance but then won’t offer financial assistance or loaner vehicles.

Mercedes’ website tells customers,

1. “Can I get a loaner vehicle or alternate transportation until the parts are ready?”
2. “This recall was launched as a precautionary measure. We have had no incidents with our vehicles and there is no reason to stop driving your vehicle.”
3. “I’m willing to stay in my car but what is Mercedes-Benz going to do for me given this inconvenience?”
4. “We will attempt to minimize any inconvenience and will inform the vehicle owners when parts are available.”

Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep doesn’t even address the issue except to see that replacement parts are being ordered.

Why is our Class Action Investigation limited to Certain Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen (VW)?

As noted above, there are an estimated 65 million cars subject to recall. As many as 70,000,000 Takata airbags may be affected. Our class is limited to the owners of specified Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen (VW).

This is not a complete list of all vehicles subject to recall.

We are concentrating on these vehicles because of the manufacturers’ delay in issuing recall and the refusal to properly compensate owners of these cars.

Am I In Danger?

YES! If you haven’t replaced your airbag and your car is on the government’s list, you are in danger. Eighteen people have reported been killed because of reportedly defective Takata airbags. There have been dozens of injuries, some of which are horrific.

As bad as those statistics seem, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says that airbags have saved tens of thousands of lives. That means you probably shouldn’t disconnect your airbags while awaiting new parts.

What makes this case so concerning to us is that Takata reportedly knew that the airbags they were supplying to auto manufacturers had a latent safety defect. They knew about the defect for years but remained silent. Takata pleaded guilty in February of 2017 to criminal charges surrounding their concealment of the airbag defects.

The debate now centers on what the auto manufacturers knew about Takata airbags. Our class action investigation centers on the knowledge possessed by Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen (VW). Why they delayed so long in recalling millions of vehicles. And why they have repeatedly failed to properly compensate owners of these cars.

Special Warning for Owners in Certain States

Owners of vehicles with Takata airbags face much higher risk if they drive their vehicles in high heat and high humidity areas. Because scientists believe that the Takata airbag actuator systems in these vehicles lack proper drying agents, high heat and high humidity can cause the propellant in the actuator to degrade. That leads to deadly explosions.

Owners of the listed vehicles in Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Mississippi and similar states face higher risks. The NHSTA has measured the risk owners face by zone. Vehicles primarily kept or driven in Zone A are most at risk while those in Zone C have the least risk.

Don’t think that simply because your vehicle is in Zone B or C means that you are not at risk.

There have been horrific injuries and Takata airbag failures in all zones.

Zone A: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Zone B: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Zone C: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

I Have a Vehicle with Takata Airbag, What Should I do?

First, look at the list of recalled vehicles. We have printed the list in section one above but caution readers to always check your automaker and the NHTSA. The history of the Takata airbag crisis is such that the recall is being constantly expanded. Also, typos may occur. Despite our displeasure with the car companies’ recall process, they have the most up-to-date information on which vehicles require repairs.

If the recall in your vehicle only affects the front passenger airbag, don’t let anyone sit there. Remember, however, that defective Takata airbags can act as grenades. Keeping people out of the front passenger seat is only a partial solution.

If the driver’s airbag or both front airbags are subject to the Takata recall, consider the following:

• Obtain a loaner car from a dealer.
• Don’t drive
• Minimize driving.
• Carpool.
• Use public transportation / taxis / ride sharing services (Lyft, Uber).
• Rent a car.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says this:

“If you feel uncomfortable continuing to drive your vehicle before the recall repair has been performed on your vehicle, you should contact your dealer and ask for a loaner until an interim or a final repair is completed.”

Despite the direct guidance of the NHTSA saying that concerned drivers should seek a loaner car, VW says :

Is a loaner vehicle being provided while Volkswagen waits for parts to become available for the Takata recall?

ANSWER: Volkswagen does not have an alternate transportation program.

We understand that these options are quite expensive. Our position is that Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen (VW) are responsible for the cost of these inconveniences. Both companies are knowingly allowing their customers to drive automobiles that could explode without warning and kill or maim everyone in the vehicle.

IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION. Please contact attorney Brian Mahany at *protected email* With over 70 million cars possibly affected, we cannot take phone calls. (If you were injured by a Takata airbag, see section one above. We will always tale phone calls from those that were injured by a defective airbag or who lost a loved one.)

LINK TO SUBMISSION FORM

Am I Eligible Compensation If My Car Was Sold or Already Repaired?

We believe that even if your car was repaired or sold, you may be eligible for compensation. There is significant inconvenience involved with complying with the recall. The costs and expenses of not driving your vehicle while awaiting parts are even higher.

The value of your car was likely less if it contained Takata airbags.

A court will make the final determination of eligibility.

Injured Because of a Takata Airbag?

NOTE: If you were injured by an exploding Takata airbag, you have special rights. A class action lawsuit is probably not right for you. The period for filing a claim for injuries varies from state to state and in some states, can be quite short.

People injured by exploding or defective Takata airbags should contact us immediately. Please see section one above. Make sure that you indicate on the submission form that you were injured. Also, call us directly. Attorney Brian Mahany can be reached at (414) 704-6731 or by email at *protected email*

Please, with tens of millions of cars subject to recall, we can’t speak to everyone by telephone. Please only call if you were injured by an airbag. Everyone else should use the form or contact us by email. We regret that we simply can’t return your call on non-injury phone inquiries.

The cars we are investigating for a possible class action are as follows:

 

AUDI:

Certain 2009-2012 Q5(expanded 10/01/16)
Certain 2010-2012 A5 Cabriolet (expanded 10/01/16)
Certain 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet
Certain 2005-2015 A3(expanded 10/01/16 and 03/24/17)
Certain 2017 S3 (announced 03/24/17)
Certain 2006-2009 A4 Cabriolet (expanded 10/01/16)
Certain 2008 RS4 Cabriolet
Certain 2007-2009 S4 Cabriolet
Certain 2007-2009 S4 Cabriolet
Certain 2007-2011 S6
Certain 2005-2008 A4 Avant
Certain 2005-2008 S4
Certain 2005-2008 S4 Avant
Certain 2007-2008 RS4
Certain MY 2008 RS4 Cabriolet
Certain 2005-2011 A6
Certain 2007-2009 A4
2016-2017 TT
2017 R8

 

CADILLAC:

2010-2014 Escalade
2010-2014 Escalade ESV
2010-2013 Escalade EXT

 

CHEVROLET:
2010-2013 Avalanche
2010-2014 Silverado HD
2010-2013 Silverado LD
2010-2014 Suburban
2010-2014 Tahoe

 

GMC:
2010-2014 Sierra HD
2010-2013 Sierra LD
2010-2014 Yukon
2010-2014 Yukon XL

 

CHRYSLER:
2010-2015 300

 

DODGE:
2010-2014 Challenger
2010-2015 Charger
2010-2011 Dakota

 

JEEP:

2010-2016 Wrangler

 

MERCEDES:

2005-2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2011-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio
2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
2010-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
2009-2010 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class

 

VW:
2009-2017 Volkswagen CC
2010-2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
2010-2014 Volkswagen Eos
2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf
2010 – 2014 Jetta SportWagen
2013 Volkswagen Golf R
2009-2014 Volkswagen GTI
2010-2014 Volkswagen Passat
2007-2010 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
2007-2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon
2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

 

(Simply because your vehicle is not on our investigation list does not mean it doesn’t have defective Takata airbags! Always check with the manufacturer and the government’s recall site. And remember, if you or a loved one were injured or killed by a defective Takata airbag, we will consider the case no matter who manufactured the car or truck.)

SEEKING TAKATA and AUTOMAKER WHISTLEBLOWERS (Part Four)

(Not an insider? Scroll down to Part Five below for more information on the safety risks of Takata airbags and some informational videos.)

In addition to seeking people suffering from serious personal injuries caused by defective Takata airbags and seeking owners of certain Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen (VW) vehicles for our class action investigations, we are also looking for people who work or worked at any of these automakers or at Takata. In some cases, we may be able to pay you as a confidential, non-testifying consultant.

Most if not all the major auto manufacturers knew or at least suspected problems with Takata airbags well before the vehicles containing these airbags were recalled. We are interested in learning why some manufacturers continued to use dangerous Takata airbags long after most manufacturers were busy securing replacements.

No one likes to report their employer for misconduct but when public safety is involved, it becomes one’s duty. Would you like it if a loved one or family member was killed because of an exploding airbag? Of course not, yet several car companies continue to let customers drive these dangerous vehicles without replacement airbags or loaner vehicles.

Insiders are the best source of information to aid our investigation. Even if you don’t want to be a witness, we can still use your confidential help to determine key witnesses and where to locate key documents.

For more information, contact attorney Brian Mahany at *protected email* Because we receive dozens of inquiries per day, please make sure to note that you are a company “insider” when contacting us. And remember, don’t use your work email or work device to contact us!

Please note that all inquiries are protected by the attorney – client privilege and kept confidential. You have final say about our use of your information.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TAKATA AIRBAGS and RECALL (Part Five)

This section contains important information of general interest to automobile owners / lessees and anyone wanting more information about the Takata airbag crisis. There are several interesting videos attached, including one that shows the explosive potential of a Takata airbag.

• Takata Recall Timeline
• Special Warning for HONDA Owners with Takata Airbags
• What Does the Takata Bankruptcy Mean for Victims / Owners of Takata Airbag Equipped Vehicles?
• Prior Class Action Case Against Toyota, Subaru, Mazda and BMW
• CALL TO ACTION VW and AUDI OWNERS
• YouTube News Footage of Fatal Takata Airbag Incidents

Takata Recall Timeline

2002:

As early as 2002, Takata engineers knew that the defect rate in certain of their airbags were 6 to 8 times the company’s acceptable limits. Despite knowing of the dangers, Reuters reports that the company failed to notify the car makers, regulators or motorists.

2004:

Takata allegedly runs secret tests after an airbag failed in Alabama, spewing shrapnel at the driver. The New York Times revealed the tests in 2014 and said the results “startled” engineers. Instead of reporting the problem to the government, automakers and the public, the company “ordered the lab technicians to delete the testing data from their computers and dispose of the airbag inflaters in the trash.”

2006:

July 6 “Happy Manipulating!!!” A Takata airbag engineer, Bob Schubert, writes an internal email that says, “Happy Manipulating!!!” The email references airbag safety test results. In another email he talks about methods of “dressing” up bad test data. The emails surface during a subsequent personal injury suit years later and are published by the New York Times in 2016.

2008:

Nov. 4 First of Takata airbag recalls begins. Honda recalls 4,000 2001 Accords and Civics (2001 models) after finding that Takata airbag actuators can explode and spray metal shards into the passenger compartment of the car.

2009:

May 27 An 18-year-old Oklahoma teen, Ashley Parham, died just days after her high school graduation. She died after the Takata air bag in her 2001 Honda Accord exploded.

Although settling confidentially with the family, Honda admitted no wrongdoing in the case. In a statement, the company said, “Our deepest condolences to the Parham family for their great loss. In any vehicle accident, it is important that a full investigation be completed before attempting to theorize the exact causes of damage or injuries. It is too early in this process to draw any conclusions.”

Dec. 24 Gurjit Rathore is killed in Virginia when the air bag in a 2001 Accord exploded. The accident was minor. Honda and Takata settled four years later for $3 million.

2010:

Feb. 9 Honda expands Takata related airbag recall.

2011:

April 27 Honda and Acura recall 896,000 cars. The recall was for Takata airbags installed as replacement parts!

Dec. 1 Honda expands recall again.

2013:

April 11 Toyota Motor, Honda, Nissan and Mazda recall a combined total of 3.4 million vehicles with Takata air bags.

May 7 BMW recalls vehicles with Takata airbags.

Sept. 3 Devin Xu dies after the airbag in his Acura exploded in a Los Angeles parking lot. The coroner says the cause of death was “apparent facial trauma due to foreign object inside air bag.”

2014:

June 11 Toyota recalls a total of 2.27 million vehicles with Takata airbags.

June 11 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opens investigation, examining whether high heat, high humidity regions contributes to the risk of Takata airbag explosions. Takata continues to deny any defects.

June 23 – Honda, Nissan and Mazda recall 2.95 million vehicles. Total recall now over 10 million vehicles.

July 16 BMW expands Takata recall.

Oct. 2 Orlando woman dies after her 2001 Accord is in an accident. Police believe she was killed by shrapnel from a Takata airbag actuator.

Oct. 22 NHTSA expands recall.

Oct. 27 The first class action lawsuit is filed. Car owners claim Toyota, Honda and Takata concealed crucial information on air bags.

Nov. 7 New York Times reports Takata ordered technicians to destroy records and test results. Article also says that the company knew of defects for years. Congress demands call a criminal investigation of Takata.

Nov. 13 Takata claims it fixed the propellant in its airbags.

Nov. 13 Honda widens recalls.

Nov. 20 Senate hearing into Takata airbag defects and concealment of defects begins. Takata tells senators that it can’t find the cause of the airbag failures.

2015:

Jan. 18 Another suspected Takata fatality in the U.S.

Jan. 29 35-year-old Texas man killed, cause of death believed to be a Takata airbag that exploded.

Feb. 20 Government imposes fine of $14,000 per day because of Takata’s failure to cooperate in investigation.

May 13 Toyota and Nissan recall more cars. Total recalls now over 31 million cars.

May 19 DOT says that Takata finally acknowledges airbag inflators were faulty. Some trucks now added to the recall. Total recall now approaching 34 million.

May 28 NHTSA adds more cars to the recall lists.

June 4 Reuters says that at least 400,000 replacement airbag actuators will need to be replaced.

June 15 Yet another fatality tied to a Takata airbag, this time in Louisiana.

June 15 Honda expands recalls more models.

June 16 Toyota expands Takata airbag recall, adds 1,365,000 more vehicles.

June 19 Another Takata airbag related fatality. This time in a rental car in Los Angeles.

Oct 6 GM learns that side airbags on certain model Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevy Equinox, Chevy Malibu and the GMC Terrain may be defective. Side mounted airbag failures are especially dangerous in that they can spew shrapnel throughout the entire passenger cabin putting all passengers at risk.

Nov. 3 NHTSA imposes a record penalty against Takata. Government orders Takata to stop manufacturing actuators with defective propellant and orders company to increase the recall.

Dec 23 Another suspected Takata airbag fatality, just two days before Christmas.

2016:

Feb. 12 NHTSA expands its Takata airbag recall list again.

April 7 A 17-year-old Texas girl becomes the latest suspected Takata victim. Like the others, she was killed from shrapnel from an exploding airbag.

April 13 Government now says that there may be 85 million defective Takata airbag systems still not recalled.

May 4 Takata airbag recall now doubles to 40 million airbag inflators to be replaced through 2019. Only 8.2 million have been replaced thus far.

June 2 More cars added to the Takata recall. This time Audi, BMW, General Motors, Jaguar/Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz.

June 14 Volkswagen confirms it is still selling new vehicles that contain Takata’s ammonium nitrate-based propellant in driver and/or passenger frontal airbag inflators without the chemical drying agent.

June 21 Fiat Chrysler and Jeep say they are still selling cars manufactured with defective Takata air bag inflators. All those vehicles now must be recalled in the future.

June 30 NHTSA warns the public not to drive certain cars with Takata airbags.

July 22 Mazda announced additional recalls of vehicles with Takata airbags.

Oct. 20 Another Takata related airbag fatality.

Dec. 9 DOT tells auto companies to step up the pace of fixing recalled vehicles.

2017:

Jan.12 Ford, Lexus and Toyota expand recalls of Takata airbag equipped vehicles.

Feb. 28 Takata pleads guilty to federal criminal charges that it withheld information about its defective airbags. The company is expected to pay $1 billion in fines and restitution. At the time of the guilty plea, the government estimates that it will take until 2020 for automakers to complete the repairs on recalled vehicles.

March 2 Ford, and Lincoln recall more vehicles

May 5 Honda says that some models of vehicles being operated in Hawaii have a 50% chance of an airbag explosion if involved in a crash!

May 19 Toyota, Subaru, BMW, and Mazda agree to pay $553 million to settle class action claims brought by car owners.

June 16 Takata will file for bankruptcy “any day.” No one is surprised at the bankruptcy announcement. Most analysts believe that Michigan based Key Safety Systems will acquire Takata in what is called a “prepackaged bankruptcy.” Key Safety is owned by a Chinese auto supplier, Ningbo Joyson. (Read more about the bankruptcy below.)

June 26 Takata filed for bankruptcy protection. Key Safety Systems says it will change the company’s name once the bankruptcy is complete. The bankruptcy plan contemplates that the buyer will acquire the company free and clear of its liabilities. Lawyers for automobile owners, dealers and injury victims believe that there will not be enough money to satisfy all claims. MahanyLaw and its class partners elect to pursue the automakers directly on behalf of consumers.

July 11 Even after bankruptcy, 2.7 million new recalls are announced. This recall affects certain Ford, Mazda and Nissan vehicles made between 2005 and 2012. The three automakers have not said when replacement parts will be available.

July 12 An 81-year-old Hialeah, Florida man becomes the latest fatality allegedly linked to a faulty Takata airbag. This case is unusual in that the vehicle was parked and the elderly man was apparently working on the inside of the car when the airbag deployed shooting shrapnel which caused him to bleed to death.

July 21 Ford petitions the NHTSA to not recall certain Ford models saying their Takata airbags pose an “inconsequential risk.” Meanwhile, Nissan adds 515,000 more vehicles to its recall list.

July 24 A man died in Australia after the airbag on his 2007 Honda allegedly sent shrapnel into his neck. He becomes the 18^th apparent fatality.

July 28 A 34-year-old Holiday, Florida woman died, allegedly from a defective Takata airbag. If the cause of death is confirmed, she could become the 19^th fatality attributed to the defective airbags.

Aug. 9 Nissan agrees to compensate owners of their vehicles who suffered economic losses and to provide rental cars. Only 30% of Nissans have been repaired thus far.

Aug. 22 Lawsuit alleges that salvage yards are recycling dangerous Takata airbags. Does the used car you bought have a safe airbag? It’s hard to tell!

2018:

USA Today reports that Takata and the NHTSA are recalling another 3.3 million vehicles are being recalled because of defective airbags including Honda, Toyota, Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Jaguar-Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Tesla.

Special Warning for HONDA Owners with Takata Airbags

The NHTSA urges consumers to not drive these vehicles. Period. If you have one of the listed vehicles and the Takata airbags have not been repaired, the government says take them directly to the dealer immediately.

• 2001-2002 Honda Civic
• 2001-2002 Honda Accord
• 2002-2003 Acura TL
• 2002 Honda CR-V
• 2002 Honda Odyssey
• 2003 Acura CL
• 2003 Honda Pilot

Recent testing and crash data suggests that the Takata airbags in these cars are at a high risk of explosion should the airbags deploy. In some cases, there could be a 50% chance that these airbags will rupture!

If you own one of these vehicles, search the Recalls Lookup using your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm that the vehicle has an unaddressed recall and needs a repair. If it does, immediately call your dealer to schedule a free repair. Replacement parts for these vehicles should be in stock and available.

What Does the Takata Bankruptcy Mean for Victims / Owners of Takata Airbag Equipped Vehicles?

Takata’s bankruptcy comes as no surprise to anyone. Billions of dollars of unresolved claims, plummeting stock prices, class action lawsuits and a billion-dollar debt to Uncle Sam all contributed to the demise of Takata.

Notwithstanding that the bankruptcy was been widely anticipated, it is still bad news for car owners and devastating news for the hundreds of people directly impacted by exploding Takata airbags. The company doesn’t have enough money to pay all victims.

By buying the company through a bankruptcy proceeding, Key Safety Systems (or the ultimate buyer) will acquire Takata free of any debt.

One Los Angeles lawyer said, “Takata intends to try to use our bankruptcy laws to escape responsibility for the injured and the families of the dead.”

While we are not happy that the company can’t pay all the victims, not allowing the company to be acquired would mean even less money for victims. Absent the waiver of future liability, no one would buy the company. That could be worse for injury victims and car owners.

Prior Airbag Class Action Cases Against Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda and BMW

As noted above, several automakers have already faced a class action lawsuit and settled. The total amount of the settlement is $553 million. That suit does not cover the loss of vehicle value caused by having a Takata airbag.

The class action also does not cover people directly harmed or killed by an exploding Takata airbag.

Under the settlement terms, automakers will pay:

• Toyota: 9.2 million vehicles; $278,500,000
• BMW: 2.3 million vehicles; $131,000,000
• Subaru: 2.6 million vehicles; $68,262,257
• Mazda: 1.7 million vehicles; $75,805,050

There are on-going claims against Ford and Honda. Nissan just announced their settlement and full details were not available at the time of this update.

Class Action for Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen (VW) Owners

Our class case is for owners of certain Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes and Volkswagen (VW) automobiles. Despite over a decade of problems and countless horrific injuries, we were shocked to learn that these companies. Their refusal to provide loaner cars and pay for all the economic losses of their customers defies reason.

ATTENTION AUDI, CADILLAC, CHRYSLER, DODGE, GMC, JEEP, MERCEDES and VOLKSWAGEN OWNERS

IF YOUR VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIBAG COMPONENTS MANUFACTURED OR SUPPLIED BY TK HOLDINGS (TAKATA) YOUR LIFE MAY BE IN DANGER. YOU MAY ALSO BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION EVEN IF YOU NO LONGER HAVE YOUR VEHICLE

Approximately 45 million vehicles equipped with Takata airbags have been recalled. Regulators believe that defective actuators within the airbag unit may explode killing or seriously injuring occupants of cars equipped with these airbags. The NHTSA has recommended that drivers of many of these vehicles simply park them until repairs can be made.

A link to the current list of recalled vehicles can be found above.

Our class action is to assist vehicle owners who lost value, lost the use of their car or incurred expenses related to the dangerous airbags.

IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO SUBSTANTIAL COMPENSATION. It is absolutely free to participate. Any attorney’s fees awarded are subject to court approval and will be deducted from any settlement or jury award. For more information, please contact attorney Brian Mahany at *protected email*  Unfortunately, with over 42 million cars possibly affected, we cannot accept phone calls.

CLICK for SUBMISSION FORM

Injured Because of a Defective Takata Airbag?

 

Call us immediately. The time to sue may be limited depending on where the accident occurred. It is also important for us to attempt to secure the vehicle and the defective airbag components. See our contact information below:

Takata Airbag Injury Claim Center

If you or a loved one has died or was disfigured or seriously injured in an accident involving a vehicle containing a recalled Takata airbag and you believe that those injuries were caused by the airbag, you have legal rights. Contact the Takata airbag injury lawyers at MahanyLaw today.

We can be reached online, by email (*protected email*) or by phone (414) 704-6731. 

 

TAKATA AIRBAG INJURY VIDEO LINKS

 

 

This post is not intended to be legal advice. It is also not a substitute for checking with the NHTSA to see if your vehicle is covered by a recall. Click here for more information.

MahanyLaw – America’s Takata Airbag Injury Lawyers

 

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