What Is the Takata Airbag Defect?

Hundreds of drivers and passengers have reportedly suffered from Takata airbag injuries due to a defect that made them explode unexpectedly. Unfortunately, the faulty airbags have not only caused injuries but at least 26 fatalities.

More than 60 million cars with faulty Takata airbags have been recalled to date by 19 different automakers. Many of these manufacturers have also faced class action lawsuits — and paid out substantial settlements to resolve allegations that they failed to warn consumers about the hazardous airbags. 

The Takata Airbag Recall

The problem with the Takata airbags — giving rise to the largest auto recall in history — stems from a defect concerning the inflator.

Specifically, an airbag inflator is packed inside a metal cartridge and is meant to activate when triggered by a sensor during a car crash. Once the signal is sent to the inflator, a charge ignites the propellant, inflating the airbag. 

However, the problem with the Takata airbags is that they were made with an ammonium-nitrate based propellant without the use of a chemical drying agent. Over time, when these airbags are affected by heat, humidity, and moisture, the chemical may deteriorate. This can result in the airbag exploding violently, sending the metal fragments of the inflator throughout the vehicle and into the occupants.         

Consumers have complained the Takata airbags in the affected vehicles can deploy without warning when their car is driving at a low speed or during minor accidents.    

Can Airbags Cause Injuries?

Although airbags are supposed to protect vehicle occupants in the event of an accident, the faulty Takata airbags may actually cause harm.

When a defective Takata airbag ruptures, the shrapnel can go flying into the drivers and occupants in the car, causing airbag injuries to the face, neck, arms, hands, head, chest, and other body parts. Other airbag injuries can include lacerations, nerve damage, torn arteries, skull injuries, spinal damage, vision loss, and fatality. 

What Is Being Done About the Takata Airbag Issue?

In addition to the NHTSA’s alert to consumers concerning the Takata airbag recall, individual manufacturers of affected vehicles have provided their own recall notices to vehicle owners — authorized dealerships should replace the recalled Takata airbags in an affected vehicle at no charge.

Manufacturers of the vehicles subject to the recall have sent consumers various communications concerning vehicle repairs. For example, Ford has alerted consumers that parts are available for the replacement and it will no longer be equipping its vehicles with Takata airbags containing ammonium nitrate. Toyota has also assured vehicle owners it has an adequate supply of replacement inflators to replace the faulty Takata airbags.

There have been a number of class action lawsuits filed against various vehicle manufacturers surrounding allegations regarding the faulty airbags.

Honda agreed to a $96.5 million settlement with 46 states, Washington D.C., and three U.S. territories; the automaker also entered into a $5 million settlement with Arizona. In 2018, Ford agreed to pay out $300 million in a class action lawsuit. 

Additionally, Takata reached a $650 million settlement with 44 states and the District of Columbia in 2018 to resolve consumer protection claims.

Victims who have suffered injuries or lost a loved one due to a faulty Takata airbag may also be entitled to file a lawsuit to recover their damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure you receive the maximum compensation to which you’re entitled.