LANSING, Mich. (Michigan) – Over a decade ago, the automotive industry was rocked by the revelation of potentially deadly Takata airbags. However, a startling fact has emerged: more than six million vehicles in the U.S. still harbor these perilous devices, as revealed by Carfax’s vehicle history data.

Airbag issues haven’t been fixed by millions.

What’s even more alarming is that a significant portion of these vehicles resides in states prone to the most hazardous outcomes.

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These airbags, once present across various car brands including Ford, Nissan, and Toyota, have led to recalls of 19 models. The repercussions of this oversight have been dire, with 27 fatalities and over 400 injuries reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The issue arises from extended exposure to heat and humidity, conditions that can trigger Takata airbag inflators to deploy with catastrophic force.

Conditions can make airbag deployment dangerous and even fatal.

The danger lies in the excessive force exerted during deployment, which can propel metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin, resembling shrapnel and posing a severe threat to occupants.

States characterized by high temperatures and humidity, aptly labeled as “Zone Z” by the NHTSA, are at the greatest risk. These include Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas.

Michiganders need to check their vehicles for recalls.

Despite the concerted efforts of various stakeholders, including vehicle manufacturers, governmental bodies, and advocacy groups, the presence of these hazardous airbags on US roads persists including in Michigan which has between 100,001 and 200,000 unfixed Takata airbag recalls still outstanding.

Takata, now bankrupt, supplied more than 100 million defective airbag inflators to various automakers, resulting in widespread recalls. In response to the ongoing threat, automakers such as Toyota and Nissan have issued urgent advisories against driving vehicles still equipped with Takata airbags.

Faisal Hasan, Carfax’s general manager for data, stresses the importance of action, noting that recall fatigue should not deter consumers from prioritizing their safety. Replacing a faulty airbag is a quick and cost-free measure that could potentially save lives.

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To determine if your vehicle is subject to any recalls, including Takata airbags, you can visit the NHTSA’s website and enter your vehicle’s details.