How common are airbag malfunctions?

Unfortunately, airbag malfunctions as a result of design or manufacturing are all too common. Over 3 million vehicles have been recalled since 1997 as a result of airbag malfunctions. And the problems are not limited to only a few vehicle manufacturers. An estimated 50 automobile manufacturers have recalled at least one car model due to defective airbags. GM has recalled 720,000 vehicles for airbag malfunctions. Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford have also had numerous vehicles recalled because of complaints about airbag malfunctions. Even BMW, the premier luxury German automaker, has issued recalls for almost 80,000 of their cars manufactured between 1998 and 1999 because their passenger side airbags could deploy without even being involved in a crash, by simply hitting a pothole that resulted in no damage to the vehicle. Almost 600,000 of the Ford Focuses manufactured between 2000 and 2001 were subject to recall as a result of airbag burns and other defects. There were even reports of airbags in the Focus causing other parts of the car to catch fire. Toyota has announced that it’s recalling 214,000 RAV4 models and 94,000 Highlander and Highlander HV models for side curtain airbag issues. The voluntary recall covers certain 2007 and 2008 models, all of which will need a new Curtain Shield Airbag Sensor. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 1.4 million recalls in 2004 were related to airbag safety problems. In 2003, only about 350,000 recalls were related to airbag problems. NHTSA closely monitors airbag systems and the technology is getting more scrutiny since new regulations mandating smart airbags went into effect. Air bags continue to get more complex. Many of the airbags recall involving wiring problems that could result in the airbags not going off when needed.

Despite all of the innovative ideas to make airbags safer, they still pose a danger in the event they fail to perform in the way manufacturers intended them to, and many vehicles with older technology airbags are still on the road. If you, or a loved one, are injured in Florida as the result of an airbag malfunction, you need the help of an experienced and aggressive defective airbag lawyer in Florida to ensure you receive all the compensation you are entitled to, and all of your rights are protected. Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys would be honored to help you. Please call Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys at 800-257-1822. It could be the most important call you ever make.