The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that Takata is set to recall an additional 35 to 40 million vehicles over defective airbag inflators that have been responsible for 10 deaths and more than 100 injuries. Takata’s defective airbags explode with such force during car accidents that shrapnel shoots at high speeds into drivers and passengers. Prior accident reports claim the victims of Takata’s airbags appear to have been shot or stabbed.

As of May 2016, NHTSA officials claim only 8.1 million airbags have been repaired. With more than 60 million vehicles affected by the recall, many motorists are still driving with potentially deadly airbags. Fortunately, there are ways to check if your vehicle has been included in the recall.

How to Check Recall Notices Through NHTSA’s Website

Although auto manufacturers are required to notify vehicle owners of recalls, the information may not always reach consumers.

The NHTSA operates www.safercar.gov, a website that allows consumers to receive up-to-date recall notices. In addition, the NHTSA also operates an app that will alert users to recalls (available on Android and iOS).  Users can visit the NHTSA’s website (or use the app) and enter their vehicle identification numbers (also known as VINs). The NHTSA’s search engine will display recalls that are incomplete on vehicles.

Vehicles with defects can be repaired at local dealerships free of charge. For example, Toyota owners would go to Toyota dealerships to fix defects. If the NHTSA’s website lists your vehicle as recalled, do not wait to receive repairs. Failing to fix defects can lead to death and catastrophic injuries.

The Wyoming and Colorado personal injury attorneys at Metier Law Firm can hold negligent automotive manufacturers accountable when people are injured by defective parts.