Some New Jersey motorists might have cause to be concerned about the safety of their new vehicles. Typically, people worry less about this issue when they purchase a new car, but it has been discovered that at least four automakers are knowingly installing defective air bags into new vehicles.
Volkswagen, Toyota, Fiat Chrysler and Mitsubishi have owned up to using the Takata air bags that have caused at least 10 deaths and 100 injuries in the U.S. The problem with these air bags is that their inflators are lacking a chemical drying agent. Without the drying agent, the air bags become explosive when deployed. This results in metal shards being shot into the driver and passengers.
This is a massive safety concern, and lawmakers are working to pass legislation that will bring harsher consequences to automakers that continue practices like these. Currently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration allows automakers to sell vehicles with these parts as long as the vehicles are recalled by the end of 2018. Auto dealers are not legally required to tell their customers that the car they intend to purchase has a defective part.
These defective auto parts have already been linked with fatal injuries. Industry insiders have noted that most of the air bags that have exploded have been several years old, and thus some are not concerned about the potential for injury with respect to new cars outfitted with the Takata equipment, because they are subject to recall no later than the end of 2018. However, there is always a possibility, and a person who is injured as a result may want to have legal assistance in seeking compensation.
