Mazda Among 4 Automakers That Will Settle Takata Airbag Lawsuits

Mazda is among a group of four automakers that have reached an agreement to resolve multi-district litigation related to Takata airbags-and-seat-belts. The group also includes BMW, Subaru, and Toyota.

One of the goals of the agreement is to boost the recall completion rates for Takata airbag inflators, which need to be replaced by 2019. Only 22% of 70 million inflators have been replaced so far, with some automakers closer to a 2% completion rate.

The agreements will cost the automakers about $553 million, with $76 million from Mazda. An administrator will be appointed to:

1. Oversee the program to increase the recall repair rate
2. Determine who is eligible for out-of-pocket repair claims
3. Determine the reimbursable costs and how much eligible owners will receive

Additionally, a rental car program will be setup:

"The agreements also create a rental car loaner program, separate from any existing programs. Under the settlement terms, the four automakers will make rental or loaner cars available to customers upon request. The rental car program will begin 30 days after preliminary approval of the agreements for any customer who hasn't received replacement parts within 30 days."

The details still need to be finalized in court.

Want to Learn More?

Which Mazda Vehicles Have Dangerous Takata Airbags?

Parts supplier, Takata, manufactured defective, shrapnel-hurling airbag inflators that need to be recalled. The issue affects 34 million+ vehicles spread out across 24 brands, making it one of the largest (and most dangerous) recalls in aut