California’s Hidden Danger: The Ongoing Threat of Defective, Deadly Airbags

Hundreds of thousands of Californians are unknowingly driving with a ticking time bomb in their cars: defective airbags that have already caused deadly tragedies across the nation.

The Takata airbag recall, the largest and most complex automotive safety recall in U.S. history, continues to pose a significant threat to drivers, especially those in California, according to a report from CARFAX, which provides vehicle history information. Despite nearly a decade of efforts to replace these defective airbags, more than 6.4 million vehicles in the United States still have those airbags, including 739,000 vehicles in our state, remain equipped with this potentially deadly equipment.

The defective airbags have already caused 28 deaths and over 400 injuries nationwide, including four fatalities in California. For residents of the Golden State, addressing this issue is not just a matter of compliance but a matter of life and death.

“Defective products like Takata airbags are a stark reminder that consumer safety must always come first,” said Matt Clark, managing partner at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “Every driver has the right to trust that their vehicle will protect them in an accident — not put their lives at greater risk. Taking action to address recalls isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting yourself and your loved ones from preventable tragedies.”

What Are Takata Airbags and Why Are They Dangerous?

Takata airbags were installed in tens of millions of vehicles manufactured between 2000 and 2015 by 19 automakers, including Honda, Toyota, Ford, and BMW. The defect lies in the airbag inflators, which use ammonium nitrate as a propellant. Over time, exposure to heat and humidity causes the chemical to degrade, leading to an explosive deployment during a crash. Instead of protecting passengers, these airbags can rupture and send metal shrapnel into the cabin, turning a safety device into a deadly hazard.

California has the highest number of vehicles with unfixed Takata airbags in the nation. According to CARFAX data:

• Over 700,000 vehicles in California still have defective airbags.
• More than 200,000 vehicles are located in Los Angeles County alone.
• Other hotspots include Riverside County (90,000 vehicles) and Sacramento County (60,000 vehicles).

These numbers are particularly alarming given California’s designation as a “Zone A” state by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This classification indicates areas with high heat and humidity — conditions that accelerate the degradation of ammonium nitrate and increase the likelihood of airbag explosions.

Despite extensive outreach efforts by automakers, government agencies, and organizations like Carfax and the National Safety Council, several barriers persist:

1. Lack of Awareness: Many vehicle owners are unaware their cars are subject to recalls. Letters sent to registered owners often go unread or fail to reach second-hand buyers.
2. Recall Fatigue: With over 67 million airbags recalled nationwide, some drivers may feel overwhelmed or dismissive about the urgency.
3. Used Car Sales: While it is illegal for dealers to sell new cars with open recalls, no federal law requires used car dealerships to disclose or repair recalls before selling vehicles.

California agencies are ramping up efforts to address this ongoing safety risk. The “Check To Protect” campaign supported by organizations like the Office of Traffic Safety and AAA Southern California, provides free tools for vehicle owners to check their recall status using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at CheckToProtect.org. The California DMV now issues notices to registered owners of vehicles with open recalls. And automakers continue offering free repairs at dealerships for affected vehicles. Some even provide free towing or loaner cars for high-risk models under “Do Not Drive” warnings.

Certain older models are considered especially dangerous due to their high likelihood of airbag failure. Owners of these vehicles are urged not to drive them until repairs are completed. These include:

• 2001-2003 Honda Civics and Accords
• 2005-2010 Dodge Chargers and Chrysler 300s
• 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series

What Californians Can Do Today

If you own a vehicle or suspect yours might be affected by the Takata airbag recall, here’s what you can do immediately:

1. Check Your VIN: Visit CheckToProtect.org or NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if your car is part of an open recall.
2. Schedule Repairs: Contact your local dealership as soon as possible to schedule a free repair. Automakers are covering all costs associated with replacing defective airbags.
3. Spread Awareness: Inform friends, family members, and neighbors about the recall—especially if they own older vehicles or frequently purchase used cars.
4. Avoid Driving High-Risk Vehicles: If your car is under a “Do Not Drive” warning, arrange for towing services provided by automakers rather than risking your safety.

The Takata airbag crisis highlights broader issues within California’s automotive safety landscape. With no federal law requiring used car dealerships to address recalls before selling vehicles, many Californians unknowingly purchase cars with unresolved safety issues. Lower-income communities often face greater challenges in addressing recalls due to limited access to information or transportation alternatives during repairs. And while California has made strides in notifying drivers about recalls through DMV notices, stronger regulations may be needed to ensure compliance among used car sellers.

The Takata airbag recall may feel like old news to some Californians, but its dangers remain as real as ever — especially for the more than 700,000 drivers still at risk across the state. By taking immediate action to check recall statuses and schedule repairs, residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from preventable tragedies.

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.

Matthew C. Clark – Chain | Cohn | Clark, 1731 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301— is responsible for this legal advertisement.