Report: At Least 200,000 Dangerously Defective Airbags Remain Unrepaired In Massachusetts

BOSTON, Feb. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At least 200,000 recalled vehicles in Massachusetts 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 1.1 million airbags on the road in Massachusetts that were initially identified as containing these dangerously defective airbags, at least 200,000 ? or about 25 percent ? remain unrepaired in around 200,000 vehicles, even after as many as dozens of outreach attempts by vehicle manufacturers.

Massachusetts residents should visit AirbagRecall.com as soon as possible to check if their vehicle has a recalled airbag and if they do, 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 Massachusetts, at least 490 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.

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts, 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 10,719 owners of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the state of Massachusetts 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 3,660 unrepaired owners residing in Massachusetts 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 8,245 unrepaired vehicle owners in Massachusetts 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 10,953 unrepaired inflators belonging to owners residing in Massachusetts 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 12,012 vehicle owners in Massachusetts 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:

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).

Media Contact:
Lisa Miller
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SOURCE Airbag Recall