Report: At Least 100,000 Dangerously Defective Airbags Remain Unrepaired In Connecticut
HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At least 100,000 recalled vehicles in Connecticut contain dangerously defective airbags that could blast sharp metal fragments at drivers and passengers upon deployment, resulting in serious injury or death, even in a minor crash.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the ongoing, urgent Takata airbag recall - the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history - affects tens of millions of vehicles from 19 vehicle manufacturers and more than 200 models and model years. At least 16 Americans have been killed, and more than 300 individuals have suffered serious injuries allegedly caused by these defective airbags.
As of January 2020, of the approximately 600,000 airbags on the road in Connecticut that were initially identified as containing these dangerously defective airbags, at least 100,000 - or about 24 percent-- remain unrepaired in around 100,000 vehicles, even after as many as dozens of outreach attempts by vehicle manufacturers.
Connecticut residents should visit AirbagRecall.com as soon as possible to check if their vehicle has a recalled airbag and if they do, they can contact any of their vehicle manufacturer's nearby dealerships to schedule a FREE recall repair.
While the recall affects vehicles made by 19 different vehicle manufacturers, certain 2001-2003 Hondas and Acuras as well as certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks and Mazda B-Series trucks are considered higher risk. NHTSA urges consumers not to drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately. In Connecticut, more than 350 unrepaired airbags fall into the higher risk, 'Do Not Drive' category. The specific 'Do Not Drive' models are listed below:
-- 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
-- Certain 2006 Ford Ranger
-- Certain 2006 Mazda B-Series
The airbag recall repair is absolutely free. Parts for higher risk vehicles are in good supply at area dealerships and many are offering free towing or loaner vehicles to accommodate affected vehicle owners.
Connecticut residents who may be waiting for replacement parts for their vehicle, or who are not affected by the current recall, are also encouraged to call their vehicle manufacturer and confirm that their contact information is up to date, so they receive recall-related updates going forward.
"These airbags are dangerous and potentially deadly," NHTSA Acting Administrator James Owens said. "If your vehicle is under recall, you should contact your dealer for a free repair. It could save your life or the life of someone you love."
Affected vehicle manufacturers are undertaking a variety of outreach efforts to help alert vehicle owners affected by the recall and schedule free, potentially life-saving repairs. Examples of these efforts include:
-- In Connecticut, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ("FCA US"), vehicle
manufacturer of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicles, is contacting
owners of unrepaired vehicles to inform them that their vehicle has an
open urgent airbag safety recall. FCA US communicates the urgency of
having the vehicle repaired as soon as possible, for FREE, at any
authorized dealership through direct mailings, emails, phone calls and
online/social media advertisements. Call your dealer today to schedule
this urgent safety airbag recall repair; ask for FREE alternative
transportation if needed. Visit checktoprotect.org to learn more.
-- Mercedes-Benz USA ("MBUSA") continues to perform outreach to 5,892
owners of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the state of Connecticut involved in
the Takata airbag recall through various means such as phone calls,
emails, digital messaging and online advertising of the recall. Owners
are invited to call 1-877-496-3591 or visit
www.mbusa.com/en/recall/takata-recalls to learn more and locate their
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Many of MBUSA's authorized
dealers offer free Mobile Service to repair vehicles included in the
Takata airbag recall, and will perform the remedy for customer vehicles
at their home or workplace. Additionally, reimbursement for Uber, Lyft,
or taxi fares to and from the dealership is also offered in connection
with the Takata airbag recall repair.
-- General Motors is working to ensure that the 1,960 unrepaired owners
residing in Connecticut are made aware that their vehicle has an open
urgent airbag safety recall. GM continues to communicate to these owners
through a variety of channels: direct mailings, emails, live phone
calls, automated phone calls, text messages and online/social media
advertisements. GM vehicles affected include: 2007-2008 Chevrolet
Silverado HD; 2007-2008 GMC Sierra HD; 2003-2010 Pontiac Vibe; 2008-2009
Saturn Astra; 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X; 2006-2011 Saab 9-3; and 2006-2009
Saab 9-5.
-- Toyota Motor North America continues to contact vehicle owners by mail,
email, and phone. Other initiatives include, repair-a-thon events and
local partnerships in an effort to further awareness.
-- Volkswagen and Audi are working diligently to ensure that the 6,917
unrepaired vehicle owners in Connecticut are made aware that their
vehicle has an open urgent airbag safety recall. Volkswagen and Audi
communicate with vehicle owners consistently utilizing multiple outreach
channels. Volkswagen affected vehicles include: 2009-2017 CC, 2010-2016
Eos, 2010-2014 Golf, 2013 Golf R, 2009-2013 GTI, 2012-2015 Passat,
2006-2010 Passat Sedan, and 2006-2010 Passat Wagon. Audi affected
vehicles include: 2006-2013 A3, 2005-2008 A4 Sedan, 2009-2012 Q5,
2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 S4 Cabriolet, 2010-2012 A5 Cabriolet,
2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet, 2007-2008 RS4 Sedan, 2005-2008 A4 Avant,
2005-2008 S4 Avant, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet,
2007-2009 S4 Cabriolet, 2005-2011 A6 Sedan, 2005-2011 A6 Avant,
2007-2011 S6 Sedan, 2017 R8 Spyder, 2017 R8 Coupe, 2016-2017 TT
Roadster, and 2016-2017 TT Coupe.
-- BMW of North America continues to ensure that the 2,320 unrepaired
inflators belonging to owners residing in Connecticut are made aware
that their vehicle has an open urgent airbag safety recall. BMW
communicates to these owners through a variety of communication
channels. BMW vehicles affected include: 2008-2013 1 Series, 2000-2013 3
Series, 2000-2004 5 Series, 2013-2015 X1 Models, 2007-2010 X3 Models,
2000-2004 & 2007-2013 X5 Models and 2008-2014 X6 Models. Please call a
BMW Dealer to schedule an appointment to address this urgent recall
today.For your convenience, we offer FREE alternate transportation
options. Some dealers also offer complimentary mobile repair service
where a mobile service team is sent to your home or workplace to repair
defective parts. Please inquire when calling for your appointment.
-- Mazda is reaching out to 7,449 vehicle owners in Connecticut through a
variety of communication channels including but not limited to mail,
email, phone calls and online/social media advertisements. These
communications efforts are being employed to help inform vehicle owners
about the Takata airbag inflator recall and urge them to have this FREE
repair completed as soon as possible. For customer convenience, loaner
vehicles and other alternate transportation options are available. Some
Mazda dealers also offer complimentary mobile repair service and can
send a mobile service technician to a customer's home or workplace to
repair defective airbag parts for FREE. Please inquire when scheduling
your FREE repair.
For more information about these and other efforts by affected vehicle manufacturers, please visit:
Audi USA
https://www.audiusa.com/about/takata
---
BMW of North
America
www.bmwusa.com/recall
---
Daimler Trucks
North America
https://alliancetruckparts.com/sterling
---
Daimler Vans USA
https://www.mbvans.com/sprinter/owners-resources/recall
https://www.freightlinersprinterusa.com/freightliner/owners-resources/recall
---
FCA US LLC
www.checktoprotect.org
https://chryslerpr.com/noticias
---
Ferrari North
America, Inc.
https://auto.ferrari.com/en_US/owners/recall-campaign/
---
Ford Motor
Company
http://fordairbaginfo.com/
LincolnAirbagInfo.com
---
General Motors
www.gmtakataairbag.com or 1-866-467-9700
---
American Honda
Motor Company
www.hondaairbaginfo.com
---
Infiniti USA
https://www.infinitiusa.com/takata-airbag-recall.html
---
Jaguar Land
Rover North
America
www.jaguarusa.com/airbagrecall
www.landroverusa.com/airbagrecall
---
Mazda North
American
Operations
https://www.mazdarecallinfo.com/
---
McLaren
Automotive
https://cars.mclaren.com/ownership/america/recall
---
Mercedes-Benz
USA, LLC
www.mbusa.com/recall
---
Mitsubishi
Motors North
America, Inc.
https://www.mitsubishicars.com/recall or (888) 648-7820
---
Nissan North
America, Inc.
https://www.nissanusa.com/takata-airbag-recall.html
---
Subaru of
America, Inc.
https://www.subaru.com/vehicle-recalls/airbags.html
---
Tesla, Inc.
https://www.tesla.com/vin-recall-search
---
Toyota
www.toyota.com/recall
https://www.carmaproject.com/home
https://pressroom.toyota.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=1052
---
Volkswagen Group
of America
https://www.vw.com/owners-recalls/
---
ABOUT AIRBAG RECALL
Airbag Recall is a program supported by community organizations, public interest groups, private companies, elected officials, faith communities and other concerned parties to raise consumer awareness about the ongoing urgent airbag safety recall. Participants are committed to educating individuals about the risks associated with defective airbags, helping affected drivers schedule free repairs and accelerating recall completion rates. To determine if your car has a defective airbag, visit www.AirbagRecall.com and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN). <meta name="Generator"/>
Media Contact:
Lisa Miller
lmiller@gpg.com
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