Seven different models of Dodge and Ram trucks will ordered for recall by parent company Chrysler LLC due to fears they were installed with faulty airbags produced by Japanese airbag maker Takata. The recall will begin in December and total over 370,000 vehicles in the Chrysler, Dodge/Ram family. While the recall is only currently scheduled for vehicles in Hawaii, Florida, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico it could expand further as the total scope of the recall becomes more clear.
Dodge/Ram vehicles subject to the Takata recall include:
The airbags in question, produced by Takata, are suspected to malfunction when moisture and humidity penetrate the metal canister containing the airbag inflator and cause the chemical explosives to deteriorate and become unstable. When this chemical degradation takes place excessive pressure can accumulate inside the metal enclosure creating a deadly buildup that may rupture the canister and send shards of potentially deadly metal fragments flying into drivers and occupants. The airbags are also able to become so unstable that they may activate when vehicles are involved in relatively minor accidents or fender benders thus raising the possibility for death and injury to drivers and occupants whenever on the road.
Japanese manufacturer Takata is accused of knowing for at least a decade and potentially as far back as 2001 that its Beta model airbags installed in over 14 million vehicles in the U.S. could malfunction under certain situations. A recent NY Times article lays out the timetable of coverup and denial by Takata including the destruction of data gathered by Takata engineers during tests in 2004. Takata’s U.S. team has just come under grand jury investigation in New York and is facing subpoena by the Senate Commerce Committee next week due to what two members of the committee call “credible and shocking” accusations of Takata’s misleading Federal authorities.
The affected vehicles in the recall include the 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 1500, the Ram 2500, Dakota, and Durango produced between 2005-2008, as well as the 2006-2008 Ram 3500, 4500 and the 2008 Ram 5500.
If you, a loved one, or anyone else you know has been hurt in an accident in which a Takata airbag has ruptured or otherwise failed to deploy properly the Cochran Firm’s office in Washington, D.C. may be able to help you receive compensation. We have a team of liability and injury attorneys who are dedicated and working hard to investigate claims of faulty Takata airbags. For a complimentary case review please call 202-682-5800 or fill out a contact form. Our case review is free, confidential, and prompt. Because strict deadlines apply, please contact us at your earliest convenience and protect your rights.
