Texan sues Honda, Takata over airbag

A Texas woman is suing American Honda and the US subsidiary of Takata, claiming she was badly injured when the airbag in her car exploded in a low-speed accident. The lawsuit, for at least NZ$1.39 million, claims Takata has known for more than two decades that ammonium nitrate is “dangerous and unstable” but continued to use it as a propellant in their airbags because of its low cost, Automotive News reports. The plaintiff, Serena Martinez, says the ammonium nitrate in the airbag in her Honda detonated in the accident, causing the bag’s inflator to disintegrate and hit her with shrapnel. Martinez was struck in her chest and arms by the shrapnel, the suit says. The inflators have been linked to at least 16 deaths, mainly in the US, and more than 150 injuries. “Because of their decision to use a propellant known for its dangerous properties, Takata airbags are killing and maiming drivers and passengers across the country involved in otherwise minor and survivable accidents,” the lawsuit says. Officials from Honda and Takata were not immediately available for comment. Carmakers worldwide are involved in the automotive industry’s largest recall in history due to the Takata airbags. The recall was expanded earlier this year, after pressure from US regulators led Takata to declare more of its airbags as defective. US regulators have also ordered Takata to recall all airbags containing ammonium nitrate without a drying agent by 2019, a move being fought by several marques who claim it is unnecessary.