Another round of Mazda recalls

On Behalf of O’Malley Tunstall PLLC | Aug 21, 2017 | Products Liability

North Carolina residents might own some of the more than 79,000 Mazdas that the car maker is adding to its Takata airbag recall. This updates a similar one made earlier this year.

Defective Takata airbag inflators have caused several car manufacturers to recall millions of vehicles. The airbags do not contain an important drying agent that prevents the inflator propellant from decaying over time. As a result, long-term exposure to heat and humidity can cause the airbags to inflate too quickly and shoot shrapnel into a vehicle’s passenger cabin.

Earlier this year, Mazda announced that 2007 through 2011 CX-7 and CX-9 SUVs and 2009 through 2011 Mazda 6 sedans were being recalled so dealers could install a temporary fix for the problem. However, the new recall adds 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda 6 models to the list and requires that dealers provide a permanent repair. The recall will cover Mazdas that have already received the temporary fix and those that have never been repaired. Nearly 300,000 vehicles are covered by the recall.

People who have been harmed by an automotive design defect, such as a faulty airbag inflator, may have grounds to file a products liability lawsuit. For example, if a defective airbag injures a driver, the victim may be able to file a complaint against the automaker and the airbag manufacturer seeking compensation for damages. These could include medical expenses, wages lost during recovery, pain and suffering and other amounts. People in this position could learn more about the process by contacting an attorney.

Source: Cars, “Mazda Adds Nearly 80,000 SUVs, Sedans for Takata Fix“, Fred Meier, Aug. 15, 2017