Mazda Airbag Inflator Injury

Did you get hurt in car accident when your Mazda’s airbags exploded and struck you with metal fragments? Automotive Products Liability Attorney Jason Turchin has handled numerous Defect Airbags cases across Florida, and he can fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (800) 337-7755 to discuss your products liability case.

To find out more about Automotive Defects and how to hold someone liable for damages, click here.

Defective Mazda Airbag Recalls

In October 2018, Mazda notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of two recalls for a range of vehicles that were manufactured in the 2010s.

These recalls notified consumers that when their airbag deploys during an accident, it may result in shrapnel and other sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passenger in select Mazda vehicles.

The recalled vehicles are equipped with Takata airbags. With a nationwide recall of over 42 million vehicles, the defective Takata Airbag recall that began in 2013 was the largest automotive recall in U.S. history. At least 23 people were killed and more than 300 people have been injured after being struck by shrapnel from a Takata airbag explosion.

Findings by NHTSA show that some older Mazdas that are equipped with Takata airbags are now being compromised due to propellant degradation, which happens when the inflator is exposed to absolute humidity and temperature cycling for long periods of time.

Mazda’s investigative report noted that in select vehicles, the frontal airbag inflator housing can rupture due to continual exposure to high levels of absolute humidity. When the airbag housing becomes ruptured, it can cause the airbag to deploy abnormally or unexpectedly. The rupture could ultimately result in metal fragments striking occupants as the airbag deploys, resulting in serious injury or death.

Mazda Defective Airbag Recall

In these two October recalls alone, over 100,000 Mazdas have been recalled due to a defective Takata airbag inflator. The models that were affected include:

• Mazda CX-7 – 2010-2012
• Mazda CX-9 – 2010-2015
• Mazda 6 – 2003-2013
• Mazda RX-8 – 2010-2011
• Mazda MPV – 2004-2006
• Mazda Speed 6 – 2006-2007

The airbag is designed to act as a safety “pillow” to cushion the force of impact when you are involved in an accident. The purpose of an airbag is to protect you from serious injury or death during a crash. The airbag itself should never be the cause of your injuries. When you are struck by sharp metal objects from your airbag, injuries can be serious, and sometimes even result in death.

Injuries reported from accidents involving defective Takata airbags include:

• Severe lacerations
• Cuts
• Eye trauma and injuries
• Stabbing or gunshot wound like injuries
• Head injuries
• Fractures
• Wounds
• Brain Bleeding
• Ruptured or torn arteries
• Death

If you were struck by metal fragments when your Mazda’s airbags deployed, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin today at (800) 337-7755 to see how our experienced team of Florida Automotive Products Liability attorneys can assist you with your claim. It’s always a free consultation!

To read more about your Mazda’s airbag recall, click here and here.