Side/window Air Bag problems of the 2000 Mazda MPV

Approximately six blocks from his home, the owner of a 2000 Mazda Mpv minivan was in the left turn lane of a highway waiting to turn left. While stopped and with no impact, the side airbags spontaneously deployed from both sides of the vehicle striking the driver. There were two children seated in the rear. As represented in the attached photographs, there is no body damage to the vehicle. This airbag deployment caused severe injuries to the driver and necessitated his transport via air ambulance to a level one trauma center. These injuries necessitated surgery to repair a lacerated spleen and ultimately resulted in $88,537. 00 in medical bills. The claim was presented to Mazda, however north carolina¿s statute of repose would have likely prevented a successful suit. Mazda, however, did condition a confidential settlement offer to the driver of the vehicle on the destruction of the vehicle. Plaintiff requested that proper notification be made to NHTSA and no reassurance was given that such report was made. In light of the injuries to the driver and the demand made by Mazda to destroy the vehicle, the driver, by counsel, considers notification to NHTSA appropriate. Claimant will not engage in spoliation of the vehicle until NHTSA determines if examination or investigation is necessary. The vehicle is available for inspection and will be until notification from NHTSA is received by the undersigned.

I got into my car and place my seat belts on. I shifted the car in reverse gear and started reversing for 3 seconds and without any impact or collision to the car, the side airbags deployed and exploded on my whole left chest wall, arm and shoulder throwing me to the right. I was in shock and didn't realized what happen. I sought medical attention 3 times at the hospital and went to make a complaint to the Mazda dealer where I purchase the car at and check a car fax report on the history of the car. There are no reported accidents on the car or airbag recall letters sent to me or on the recall list. The dealer wouldn't do anything about it and I was dissatisfied and then I called the corporate manufacturers and they would not do anything about it either because even though it's a takata airbag that particular takata airbag is not on their recall list.

While travling at about 50 mph and while making a u-turn consumer was hit on the side of vehicle. Vehicle was equipped with side air bags, but they did not deploy. Contacted dealer.

Driver's airbag failed to deploy in crash.