Airbag Malfunction Lawsuit May Address Explosions, Failure to Deploy

Takata airbag systems, which are installed in a wide range of vehicles, have been connected with a number of dangerous defects leading to serious consumer injuries.

Takata updated its recall just this year, on January 8, expanding the list to include another 3.3 million new vehicles that have been affected by defective airbags.

Dozens of different makes and models have been affected by these defective Takata airbags. Nearly 180 makes and models have been affected so far, from at least 19 different automakers—see the full list here.

Takata Airbag Defects

The Takata airbag system has a particularly dangerous defect that over time causes the device to degrade and potentially explode. This explosive defect affects the airbag’s inflator component, which has a metal cartridge loaded with propellant.

These are devices designed to inflate very quickly in order to perform their designed function. Unfortunately, the defect causes the airbags to inflate with much more force than they should, which can lead to explosions so strong that the metal cartridge inside ruptures. An airbag explosion can cause metal shrapnel to fling through the air, which could hit anyone in the car. At least 20 fatalities and dozens more injuries have been linked with these Takata airbag defects.

This defect can be made even worse in high heat and humidity, which may cause the propellant to degrade even more.

Consumers have also reported Takata airbags that some fail to deploy when they should, which can also be life-threatening. Airbags failing to deploy, especially during a serious accident, can cause injuries to be even worse than they otherwise would have been, or even lead to fatalities.

Takata Airbag Recall

The Takata airbag recall adds another 3.3 million makes and models with defective devices to the previous 34 million already recalled. According to reports, some automakers have both failed to inform customers about the airbag defect and failed to assist vehicle owners with the recall.

Filing an Airbag Malfunction Lawsuit

More and more consumers who own vehicles affected by the recall are choosing to file an airbag malfunction lawsuit against the vehicle manufacturer and Takata. Lawsuits claim that car manufacturers were aware about the Takata exploding airbag defect for a significant period of time before issuing a recall or warning consumers about the risk. Takata has been hit with so many lawsuits and fines that some suspect the company has filed for bankruptcy.

While filing an airbag malfunction lawsuit over either the exploding airbag defect or an airbag’s failure to deploy cannot take away any pain and suffering caused in an accident, or any property damage done to your car, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and repair work.

Were You Affected by the Takata Airbag Defect?

The Takata airbag recall affects over 37 million vehicles sold or leased under dozens of different brands, including:

• Acura
• Audi
• BMW
• Cadillac
• Chevrolet
• Chrysler
• Daimler
• Sprinter
• Sterling Bullet
• Ferrari
• Dodge/Ram
• Fisker
• Ford
• GMC
• Honda
• Infiniti
• Jaguar
• Jeep
• Land Rover
• Lexus
• Lincoln
• Mazda
• McLaren
• Mercedes-Benz
• Mercury
• Mitsubishi
• Nissan
• Pontiac
• Saab
• Saturn
• Scion
• Subaru
• Tesla
• Toyota
• Volkswagen

If you have owned or leased a vehicle under any of the brands above, you may qualify to file your own airbag lawsuit or Takata class action lawsuit.
You can find a full list of makes, models and model years on our Defective Airbag Recall Investigation Page.

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