Automakers Recall Vehicles with Defective Airbag Systems

Automakers Recall Vehicles with Defective Airbag Systems

Several automotive recalls are underway due to various defects that keep seatbelts and airbags from working during car accidents. Audi’s recall covers more than 139,000 sedans with potentially defective airbag sensors. Kia is recalling more than 507,000 vehicles with airbag control units that can short-circuit. The airbag control unit deploys the seatbelt pretensioners (which tighten seatbelts) and airbags during a collision. Hyundai is issuing a recall for 580,000 vehicles that are experiencing similar problems with airbag control units.

What to Know About the Kia Recall

Kia is recalling 2010 to 2013 Forte, 2011 to 2013 Optima and 2011 to 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. The airbag control units in these vehicles may experience “electronic overstress” during frontal collisions. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigators are aware of two frontal crashes involving 2012 Kia Forte and 2013 Kia Forte vehicles where the airbags failed to deploy.

What to Know About the Hyundai Recall

Hyundai, the parent company of Kia, is recalling multiple vehicle models with potentially defective airbag control units. The automaker is recalling 580,000 2011 to 2013 Sonata and 2012 to 2013 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. NHTSA is investigating four crashes involving 2011 model-year Hyundai Sonata vehicles where the airbags failed to deploy. Investigators are focusing on the airbag control unit, which is manufactured by German auto supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

What to Know About the Audi Recall

Audi is recalling 139,000 sedans because the passenger occupant detection system can lose its effectiveness. The passenger occupant detection system is responsible for detecting front seat passengers and deploying the airbags during collisions. According to NHTSA, the sensors used in the occupant detection system can become worn over time. If this component fails, it may not detect a front seat passenger. Front seat passengers riding in these vehicles are at a much higher risk of dying or suffering serious injuries during collisions because the airbags may not deploy. Vehicles affected by the recall include 2012 to 2018 model-year Audi A7 sedans and 2012 to 2018 model-year Audi A6 sedans. Audi is also recalling 2013 to 2018 S6 and S7 sedans as well as 2014 to 2017 RS7 sedans.

What If I’m Harmed by A Defective Motor Vehicle?

You should speak with an attorney if you suspect a motor vehicle defect harmed you or a loved one. It may be possible to recover compensation that could help pay for costs associated with catastrophic injuries or a loss. Golden State Lawyers is a San Jose personal injury law firm with experience handling product liability cases. You can schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys to determine whether it would be possible to file a product liability lawsuit.