If you pay attention to the news, it's likely that you've heard reports of vehicles being recalled for one reason or another. If you've watched the news this year, you've probably seen this story a lot. That's because 2014 has been a record-setting year for auto recalls – with more than 56 million vehicle recalls so far this year. This is roughly more than three times the number of new cars and trucks being bought!

The latest set of recalls comes from several automakers that used defective airbags in their vehicles. The airbags, manufactured by the Japanese company Takata Corporation, have been associated with several injuries and deaths. The problem, according to automakers and safety experts, is that the airbags have a serious malfunction which can cause them to rupture and separate during deployment. When this occurs, the airbags can explode and cause shrapnel to be propelled at drivers and passengers. Close to 8 million vehicles have been recalled for issues involving Takata airbags.

NHTSA Warns Consumers with Airbag Defects

Several deaths and injuries have been linked to defective Takata airbags, but officials have yet to determine the underlying cause. Nevertheless, officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a consumer advisory warning last month regarding the defective airbags. The NHTSA urged consumers with affected vehicles to take them immediately in for repair.

NHTSA officials state that defective Takata airbags pose a serious threat to drivers and passengers and are advising anyone with an affected vehicle to service the car as soon as possible. Affected vehicles include certain models from the following manufacturers:

• Toyota
• Honda
• BMW
• Nissan
• Mazda
• Mitsubishi
• Subaru
• Chrysler
• Ford
• General Motors

The NHTSA advisory – which you can view here – also stated that the agency is investigating whether exposure to high humidity and temperatures may cause or contribute to the airbag defect. They also expressed urgency for vehicle owners in certain climates, including Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Hawaii, and Gulf areas near Texas. You can read the advisory or visit your vehicle manufacturer's website to learn if your car may be affected.

Takata Airbag Lawsuit Attorney in Houston, TX

The Daspit Law Firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of victims who suffer preventable harm. If you have questions about your rights after an accident involving defective products – including defective airbags – contact our legal team to learn how we may be able to help.