Southern California Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series Drivers Warned by NHTSA
June 11, 2018- Categories: Defective Products
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expressed ‘deep concern’ in a May 2018 press release that some high-risk 2006 Ford Rangers and Mazda B-Series pickup trucks with deficient Takata airbags have not been repaired quickly. These vehicles have been designated as ‘do not drive,’ and the airbags should be immediately replaced. NHTSA has issued another warning to vehicle owners to take their vehicles in for service immediately, to protect their safety and that of their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident related to these safety concerns, please contact a truck accident lawyer for assistance.
NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King stated earlier this month that the agency’s top priority is ensuring public safety on American roads. King implored drivers to remember that these Takata airbags are known to be particularly dangerous as they may improperly inflate in an accident, spraying shrapnel on vehicle occupants. This malfunction can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has been affected by such an incident, it’s essential to consult with a car injury lawyer for legal guidance and support.
NHTSA is asking the public, media and public safety advocates to spread this vital consumer auto safety message to make sure that it is heard by vehicle owners ,especially in these markets:
- New York City
- Chicago, IL
- San Francisco, CA
- Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
- Houston-Galveston, TX
- Washington, DC
- Atlanta, GA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Boston, MA
- Miami, FL
- Phoenix , AZ
- San Diego, CA
- Portland, OR
- Riverside/San Bernardino, CA
- San Antonio, TX
- Austin, TX
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Knoxville, TX
- Wilmington, DE
- Puerto Rico.
Parts of Southern California are on this alert list. Neale & Fhima personal injury attorneys wish to remind our readers to make sure their vehicles are serviced and repaired as soon as possible! These defective airbags contain volatile ammonium nitrate that can break down due to heat, which is common in Southern California. This degradation can cause the chemical to ignite and burn too fast in a crash and cause the metal cannister to explode and injure vehicle passengers. If you or a loved one has been affected by such a situation, it’s important to consult with a car defect lawyer to explore your legal options.
Ford reports that 49% of the 2006 Ford Rangers with the defective airbags have been repaired, while Mazda notes 58% of its affected Mazda B-Series pickups have been fixed. Both auto manufacturers have authorized vehicle dealerships to tow these trucks at no charge, so customers can have the airbags fixed at no cost to them.
Take Action Now
NHTSA implores drivers of these vehicles to do the following today:
- Go to NHTSA.gov today to learn whether your vehicle is under the Takata warranty. You can use your VIN (vehicle identification number) to determine whether your vehicle is under active recall.
- If your car or truck is being recalled for the airbag problem, talk to your dealer by phone today to schedule your repair.
- Sign up now at NHTSA.gov/Alerts to get emails that alert you if your vehicle is affected by a recall.
- Spread the word now – Share this vital public safety information with your family, colleagues and friends.
Hurt By An Airbag Or Other Vehicle Component? Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been hurt by a Takata airbag or another type of component in your vehicle, you could have serious personal injuries. Plus, you may lose time from work, costing you thousands of dollars. Neale & Fhima has many years of experience in product liability lawsuits, such as Takata airbag legal actions. Please contact our Southern California law offices for a complimentary consultation
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights. [ Attorney Bio ]
