The ongoing recall of Takata Airbags is back in the news again after more vehicles have been added to the recall effort. According to Automotive News, this past Friday, June 10, 2015, the 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger is now being added to the list of recalled vehicles. The Challenger is being recalled to repair the diver’s side airbag, which is manufactured by Takata. The National Highway and Traffic Administration estimates that more than 88,000 Dodge Challenger’s would fall within the range of manufactured vehicles that would need to be brought in for service. Multiple updates have been made to the Takata recall in the past month, and there is an expectation that even more vehicles will be added.
In Orlando today the head of the NHTSA, Mark Rosekind is speaking at UCF (The University of Central Florida) on the potential dangers of Takata airbags. He is expected to encourage anyone affected by the recall to have their airbags replaced. Florida is of particular interest in the airbag recall, as the heat and humidity we experience has been shown as a strong factor in the increased likelihood of the airbags’ failure.
In similar news, a glaring loophole has recently come to light in the recall efforts. Rental agencies may not be required to advise their customers if the vehicle they rent is under the recall announcement. Additionally, some rental agencies have not had their vehicles’ airbags replaced, with the potential of putting those customers in harm’s way, if they are involved in an accident.
This point is particularly important as Orlando is one of the largest tourist destinations in the US and vacation season is currently in full swing. If you believe the vehicle you are about to rent may be part of the recall, we suggest you ask the agency if they’ve checked and verify that the airbag has been replaced, if it indeed falls under the recall. If it hasn’t request a different make and model.
There have already been eight confirmed deaths due to failing Takata airbags, with one of those deaths occurring in Central Florida. There have also been two additional severe injuries attributed to these failing airbags just in the Orlando area.
To stay up-to-date with the airbag recalls, the NHTSA has put together this site detailing any updates and changes to the recall. Additionally, you can look up any recalls on your vehicle through their VIN lookup service. We strongly recommend you do so.