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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Duchess of Stratosphear on August 12, 2017, 06:44:12 AM

Title: Class Action Lawsuit/Takata Airbags
Post by: Duchess of Stratosphear on August 12, 2017, 06:44:12 AM
Hey y'all,

I drive a 2008 Impreza and a few months ago I got a recall notice saying that the passenger airbag needed to be replaced but that the parts were not available. They said they'd notify me when the parts were available, but I haven't heard anything, so I am following up with my local dealership. I don't have passengers in my car often, but sometimes you need to give a friend a ride, so I definitely want to get this fixed. 

My real question is about the class action lawsuit notice I received in the mail yesterday. Has anybody else gotten this? It looks like I might be eligible for some kind of payment because my VIN has been recalled, but I don't have a lot of experience with class action lawsuits. Is there anything I should be aware of before I submit a claim?

Thanks for letting me pick the collective brain once again.
Title: Re: Class Action Lawsuit/Takata Airbags
Post by: tralfamadorian on August 12, 2017, 08:02:48 AM
I also received one of these postcards and would like to hear anything the hive mind can contribute.
Title: Re: Class Action Lawsuit/Takata Airbags
Post by: Paul der Krake on August 12, 2017, 09:39:09 AM
This is a huge recall that's going to take years to finalize. It's tens of millions of vehicles.

They are prioritizing people who live in hot and humid climates, where the fault is more likely to develop. Nothing to do but sit tight and wait until it's your turn.
Title: Re: Class Action Lawsuit/Takata Airbags
Post by: Duchess of Stratosphear on August 13, 2017, 07:03:35 AM
Should I go ahead and submit a claim in the lawsuit though?
Title: Re: Class Action Lawsuit/Takata Airbags
Post by: Trifle on August 13, 2017, 07:39:02 AM
I got the postcard too, and I'm going to submit a claim.  No big payoff (looks like replacement of the airbag, rental car fees and possibly some small extra $?).  No harm in it as far as I can tell.  I've made class actions a small hobby over the years, applying whenever I'm eligible.  I've gotten a few nice things.  My best was a class action against an auto insurer some years back.  I got $900 for just an hour or two of work.   
Title: Re: Class Action Lawsuit/Takata Airbags
Post by: FinallyAwake on August 13, 2017, 07:52:35 AM
This is a huge recall that's going to take years to finalize. It's tens of millions of vehicles.

They are prioritizing people who live in hot and humid climates, where the fault is more likely to develop. Nothing to do but sit tight and wait until it's your turn.

This. 

I JUST got my airbag fixed....over 1 year after the initial notice that I would be included in the recall.

I haven't seen anything about a class action lawsuit.  But Takata just filed bankruptcy didn't they?  And I think the only part they are producing now is the recall parts.  Can't imagine there would be much money left to satisfy a huge lawsuit.



Title: Re: Class Action Lawsuit/Takata Airbags
Post by: Paul der Krake on August 13, 2017, 09:37:13 AM
Yeah, unless you were one of the few people injured, there isn't much money to be gained here. Like I said, we're talking about tens of millions of vehicles. You may get enough for a burrito or two.

I'm much more interested in getting my Corolla fixed than a measly Mexican dinner, but that's going to take a while.