ARC Automotive Airbag Inflators Defect
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced an ongoing defect investigation and engineering analysis [EA16-003] to examine the safety of passenger and frontal driver airbag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive, Inc. NHTSA is investigating allegations of ruptured inflators involving frontal driver and passenger airbag inflators produced by ARC Automotive. According to NHTSA, the airbag inflators in question have been known to project metal fragments into the occupant compartment.
What is Considered a Faulty Airbag?
An airbag may be deemed defective if it fails to function as intended for safety purposes and causes severe harm to vehicle occupants. For instance, a faulty airbag may deploy with excessive force, deploy at an inappropriate time, fail to deploy, or explode. Common defects include inadequate airbag systems and airbag inflator ruptures, such as in the case of the airbags manufactured by Takata Corporation.
Which Company Had the Largest Airbag Recall in the United States?
In recent years, one of the largest recalls for vehicle airbags is the Takata airbag recall. Approximately 67 million airbags were affected by the recall, and roughly 11 million have yet to be replaced, based on data compiled for 2022. Over 42 million vehicles in the United States are affected by the recall, according to NHTSA. Recalls are prioritized based on the risk they impose on consumers.
The issue in question is the inflator in the Takata airbag. Some cases have reported that the inflator has ignited with a force described as explosive. Metal shards from the airbag may be strewn throughout the interior of the motor vehicle if the inflator housing ruptures in a traffic collision. This may have the potential to cause serious injury or death to those involved.
Manufacturers that use airbags produced by Takata Corporation include Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Chrysler, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Acura, Honda, and others. For millions of vehicles affected by the recall but not subject to a stop-driving order, NHTSA has issued prioritization for the delivery of parts to areas and vehicles with the greatest occurrence of Takata incident reports.
Consolidated Class Action Complaint Against ARC Automotive, Inc.
The unfortunate reality is that airbags may not always function in the way they were intended for safety purposes. Throughout the years, malfunctioning airbags have caused severe injuries and deaths, and a products liability class action lawsuit was recently filed against ARC Automotive, Inc. A Consolidated Class Action Complaint with over 100 plaintiffs from 36 states was filed on June 28, 2023. The complaint alleges that the airbag inflators manufactured by ARC, or ARC Automotive, Inc., are installed in airbag modules manufactured by various airbag module suppliers.
The complaint alleges violations of warranty and state consumer protection laws. Moreover, it is alleged that occupants of the affected vehicles face severe health and safety risks. The close proximity of the defective airbag inflator and the location of vehicle occupants put them at significant risk of serious or even fatal injuries. There have been at least 10 reported incidents involving the faulty airbag inflator in question, two of which have resulted in fatal injuries to vehicle occupants. According to the NHTSA investigation, these include the driver and passenger airbag inflators.
Watch YouTube Video – By: NewsNation – Auto Safety Agency Urges Recall Airbag Inflators
Common Injuries from Faulty Airbags
During a traffic crash, seatbelts are designed to work together with airbags and other safety equipment to protect vehicle occupants from serious injury. When an airbag fails to deploy, it may leave a vehicle occupant susceptible to a violent impact. Similarly, when an airbag explodes, a vehicle occupant may sustain severe or even fatal injuries. In motor vehicle collisions involving defective airbags, some common injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Disfigurement
- Facial injuries
- Head trauma
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
Without clear documentation, it may be challenging to prove that injuries resulted from an incident involving a faulty airbag. As such, it is essential to seek immediate medical treatment. Having proof of the injuries and the effects of the incident can help an attorney prove the severity of the trauma and the resulting losses. It is crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations in California. Most cases are subject to a two-year deadline. Therefore, it is best to retain legal counsel right away to protect your rights.
Products Liability Lawyer in Sacramento
If you believe that you were injured by a malfunctioning airbag, reach out to our legal team at AutoAccident.com today. At our law firm, we are focused on client success and obtaining favorable results, and you can expect us to do the same for you and your case. Our Sacramento products liability lawyers are available to offer free, friendly case advice when you need it. Our legal team is available by phone to discuss your potential case in detail in a free consultation at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
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