Exploding Airbag Defect Causes Serious Problems, Injuries

A major exploding airbag defect linked with the Takata airbag system has reportedly led to serious injuries and damages for consumers.

A number of automakers have used the Takata airbag system in some of their models, thus exposing consumers to the exploding airbag defect. Models from Mercedes Benz, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep have been recalled because of this risk. A full list of vehicles affected by the Takata exploding airbag recall can be found on our defective airbag investigation page.

One such car owner, Stephanie E., was reportedly injured back in 2013 by an exploding airbag from Takata during a car crash, according to an AP report in U.S. News. The vehicle involved was Stephanie’s 2002 Honda Civic.

During the crash, the Takata airbag inflator exploded, nearly causing her to lose her right eye as metal fragments blasted through the car and into her face. Her injuries were extensive, and have required four surgeries to fix her eye, though she still has some vision problems, migraines, and is unable to close her eyelid all the way.

Stephanie is far from the only vehicle owner to have been injured by the exploding airbag defect. So far, nineteen people around the world — thirteen in the U.S. — have been killed due to the exploding airbag defect. More than a hundred have been injured.

Since the reports of exploding airbag-related injuries have grown, the Takata exploding airbag has been recalled due to the serious risk by the airbag manufacturer and automakers alike.

Despite the widespread recall encompassing over a dozen automakers, many consumers may still not know about the recall, its severity, or that their vehicle may be eligible to undergo free repairs under the terms of the recall. So far, only a fraction of the recalled Takata airbag systems have actually been replaced, meaning that thousands of people may still face the risk presented by this defect.

In that vein, Stephanie has made it her mission to inform other car owners with Takata systems about the danger of an exploding airbag. Stephanie is urging those whose vehicles have been affected by the recall but still have the defective system to go in for a free repair. “I feel like there needs to be a real sense of urgency on the part of anyone driving these cars,” she said. “I don’t want them to have to go through what I went through.”

Takata Exploding Airbag Defect

The Takata airbag defect is simple but potentially deadly. These airbags are made with ammonium nitrate, and instead of expanding in the event of a crash are actually capable of exploding.

The airbag’s inflator component has a metal cartridge that is loaded with propellant. The sheer force involved in the defective airbags can cause the metal cartridge inside to explode, flinging metal shrapnel through the car.

Joining a Takata Exploding Airbag Investigation

A growing number of consumers who own vehicles involved in the recall have filed lawsuits against their car’s manufacturer and Takata itself, the airbag manufacturer. 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 of the risk.

Filing a lawsuit over the exploding airbag defect cannot take away any pain and suffering it caused, or any property damage done to your car, but 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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