Report: Even After One Fatality, More Than 100,000 Dangerously Defective Airbags Remain Unrepaired I

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 100,000 Oklahoma residents are driving recalled vehicles with dangerously defective airbags that could blast sharp metal fragments at drivers and passengers upon deployment, resulting in serious injury or death, even in a minor crash.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the ongoing, urgent safety airbag recall – the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history – affects tens of millions of vehicles from 19 vehicle manufacturers and more than 200 models and model years. At least 16 Americans – including one from Oklahoma – have been killed, and more than 300 individuals have suffered serious injuries allegedly caused by these defective airbags.

On May 27, 2009, Ashley Parham was driving in Oklahoma when her 2001 Honda Accord bumped into another vehicle in a parking lot causing her defective airbag to explode. Parham died at the scene of the accident due to metal shrapnel from the explosion puncturing an artery in her neck.

As of September 2019, of the approximately 500,000 airbags on the road in Oklahoma that were initially identified as containing these dangerously defective airbags, roughly 100,000 – or about 37 percent — remain unrepaired in around 100,000 vehicles, even after as many as dozens of outreach attempts by vehicle manufacturers.

Oklahoma residents can find out whether their vehicle has a recalled airbag at AirbagRecall.com. If they do, they can contact any of their vehicle manufacturer's nearby dealerships to schedule a free recall repair.

This safety recall is particularly urgent for drivers of older, affected vehicles in Oklahoma because prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity over time makes the defect even worse, increasing the potential for serious injury or death.

While the recall affects vehicles made by 19 different vehicle manufacturers, certain 2001-2003 Hondas and Acuras as well as certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks and Mazda B-Series trucks are considered higher risk. NHTSA urges consumers not to drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately. In Oklahoma, more than 400 unrepaired airbags fall into the higher risk, 'Do Not Drive' category. The specific 'Do Not Drive' models are listed below:   

• 2001-2002 Honda Civic
• 2001-2002 Honda Accord
• 2002-2003 Acura TL
• 2002 Honda CR-V
• 2002 Honda Odyssey
• 2003 Acura CL
• 2003 Honda Pilot
• Certain 2006 Ford Ranger
• Certain 2006 Mazda B-Series

The airbag recall repair is absolutely free. Parts for higher risk vehicles are in good supply at area dealerships and many are offering free towing or loaner vehicles to accommodate affected vehicle owners.

Oklahoma residents who may be waiting for replacement parts for their vehicle, or who are not affected by the current recall, are also encouraged to call their vehicle manufacturer and confirm that their contact information is up to date, so they receive recall-related updates going forward.

"These airbags are dangerous and potentially deadly," NHTSA Acting Administrator James Owens said. "If your vehicle is under recall, you should contact your dealer for a free repair. It could save your life or the life of someone you love." 

Affected vehicle manufacturers are undertaking a variety of outreach efforts to help alert vehicle owners affected by the recall and schedule free, potentially life-saving repairs. Examples of these efforts include:

• In Oklahoma, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ("FCA US"), vehicle manufacturer of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM vehicles, is contacting owners of unrepaired vehicles to inform them that their vehicle has an open urgent airbag safety recall. FCA US communicates the urgency of having the vehicle repaired as soon as possible, for FREE, at any authorized dealership through direct mailings, emails, live phone calls, automated phone calls, and online/social media advertisements. Call your dealer today to schedule this urgent safety airbag recall repair; ask for FREE alternative transportation if needed. Visit checktoprotect.org to learn more.
• General Motors is working to ensure that the 4,900 unrepaired owners residing in Oklahoma are made aware that their vehicle has an open urgent airbag safety recall. GM continues to communicate to these owners through a variety of channels: direct mailings, emails, live phone calls, automated phone calls, text messages and online/social media advertisements. GM vehicles affected include: 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado HD; 2007-2008 GMC Sierra HD; 2003-2010 Pontiac Vibe; 2008-2009 Saturn Astra; 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X; 2006-2011 Saab 9-3; and 2006-2009 Saab 9-5. 
• BMW of North America continues to ensure that the 3,385 unrepaired inflators belonging to owners residing in Oklahoma are made aware that their vehicle has an open urgent airbag safety recall. BMW communicates to these owners through a variety of communication channels. BMW vehicles affected include: 2008-2013 1 Series, 2000-2013 3 Series, 2000-2004 5 Series, 2013-2015 X1 Models, 2007-2010 X3 Models, 2000-2004 & 2007-2013 X5 Models and 2008-2014 X6 Models.  Please call a BMW Dealer to schedule an appointment to schedule this urgent recall today.  For your convenience, loaner vehicles and other alternate transportation options are available. Some dealers also offer complimentary mobile repair service and send a mobile service team to your home or workplace to repair defective parts-FREE.  Please inquire when calling for your appointment.
• Ford is currently conducting door to door canvassing for certain high-risk vehicles.
• Toyota Motor North America continues to contact vehicle owners by mail, email, and phone. Other initiatives include, repair-a-thon events and local partnerships in an effort to further awareness.
• Mazda will begin canvasing door-to-door in October for 2006 Mazda B-Series trucks considered high risk.

For more information about these and other efforts by affected vehicle manufacturers, please visit:

ABOUT AIRBAG RECALL

Airbag Recall is a program supported by community organizations, public interest groups, private companies, elected officials, faith communities and other concerned parties to raise consumer awareness about the ongoing urgent airbag safety recall. Participants are committed to educating individuals about the risks associated with defective airbags, helping affected drivers schedule free repairs and accelerating recall completion rates. To determine if your car has a defective airbag, visit www.AirbagRecall.com and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN).

Media Contact: Lisa Miller, lmiller@gpg.com

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SOURCE Airbag Recall

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