MONTGOMERY — More than 200,000 Alabama residents are driving recalled vehicles with dangerously defective airbags that could blast sharp metal fragments at drivers and passengers upon deployment, resulting in serious injury or death, even in a minor crash.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration (NHTSA), the ongoing, urgent Takata airbag safety recall — the largest and most complex recall in U.S. history – affects tens of millions of vehicles from 19 vehicle manufacturers and more than 200 models and model years.

At least 16 Americans have been killed, and more than 300 individuals have suffered serious injuries allegedly caused by these defective airbags.

As of August, of the about 700,000 airbags on the road in Alabama that were initially identified as containing these dangerously defective inflators, roughly 200,000 — or about 35 percent— remain unrepaired in around 200,000 vehicles, even after as many as dozens of outreach attempts by vehicle manufacturers.

This safety recall is particularly urgent for drivers of older, affected vehicles in Alabama —because prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity over time makes the defect even worse, increasing the potential for serious injury or death.

While the recall affects vehicles made by 19 different vehicle manufacturers, certain 2001-2003 Hondas and Acuras, as well as certain 2006 Ford Ranger trucks and Mazda B-Series trucks, are considered higher risk. NHTSA urges consumers not to drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately. The specific ‘Do Not Drive’ models are listed below:

• 2001-2002 Honda Civic;
• 2001-2002 Honda Accord;
• 2002-2003 Acura TL;
• 2002 Honda CR-V;
• 2002 Honda Odyssey;
• 2003 Acura CL;
• 2003 Honda Pilot;
• Certain 2006 Ford Ranger; and
• Certain 2006 Mazda B-Series.

In Alabama, more than 600 unrepaired airbags fall into the higher risk, ‘Do Not Drive’ category.

Alabama residents can find out whether their vehicle has a recalled airbag at AirbagRecall.com.

If they do, they can contact any of their vehicle manufacturer’s nearby dealerships to schedule a free recall repair.

The recall repair is absolutely free. Parts for higher-risk vehicles are in good supply at area dealerships and many are offering free towing or loaner vehicles to accommodate affected vehicle owners.

Alabama residents who may be waiting for replacement parts for their vehicle, or who are not affected by the current recall, are also encouraged to call their vehicle manufacturer and confirm that their contact information is up to date, so they receive recall-related updates going forward.

“These airbags are dangerous and potentially deadly,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi

R. King. “If your vehicle is under recall, I can’t stress how urgent it is to immediately take it to

your dealer for a free repair. It could save your life or the life of someone you love.”