Airbag Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Airbag Recall Lawsuit Overview

Airbag lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers like Takata, Astellas Pharma, and major automakers due to defective airbag systems that have caused serious injuries and deaths.

These lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to adequately warn about safety risks and concealed defects from consumers and regulators.

At least 25 people have been killed and hundreds more injured by exploding Takata airbags, which contain ammonium nitrate that can deteriorate and cause unintended detonation.

In 2024, the NHTSA continues to oversee one of the largest automotive recalls in history, affecting over 50 million airbags worldwide [1].

What are Takata Airbag Personal Injury Lawsuits Alleging?

Evidence against Takata has reached a tipping point now that the cause of the defects has been revealed.

As more victims make the connection between their injuries and the airbags in their cars, they’re filing lawsuits to hold Takata responsible for the following defective products:

• Fraudulently concealing the airbag inflator defect.
• Failing to notify the public of the full and complete nature of the defect.
• Not fully investigating and disclosing, and in fact downplaying, the prevalence of the problem.
• Producing airbag systems containing an inherent, unreasonable, and dangerous defect.
• Breaching its duty to consumers by negligently designing, manufacturing, testing, and selling unreasonably unsafe airbag systems.
• Concealing the defective and dangerous condition of its airbags from vehicle owners, safety regulators, and the general public.

The plaintiffs claim that, as a result of Takata’s negligence, they suffered injuries that could have been prevented.

Had they known about the airbag defect, plaintiffs say, they would not have continued driving their vehicle without having repairs performed.

Lending even more validity to these cases, the state of Hawaii and the Virgin Islands (a U.S. territory) have sued Takata and Honda over their failure to warn residents of fatally defective Takata airbags.

Latest Airbag Recall Lawsuit 2025 Updates

March 2025 – A class action lawsuit was filed against Ford Motor Co. over the Ford Maverick airbag recall, alleging that Ford’s repair doesn’t actually fix the problem.

The lawsuit seeks to include approximately 65,000 Ford Maverick pickups covered by the recall as well as other vehicles “equipped with the same Safety Canopy side curtain airbags.”

The case is John Solak v. Ford Motor Company, 2:2023cv10064, in Michigan Eastern District Court.

February 2025 – Toyota and Honda have recalled more than 6 million cars worldwide for issues that may cause their airbags to malfunction.

Toyota’s recall affects about 3.4 million cars due to airbags not inflating during crashes, while Honda’s recall affects about 2.7 million vehicles equipped with Takata airbags that may inflate without warning.

January 2025 – Kia recalled more than 410,000 vehicles due to an issue that may prevent airbags from inflating during a crash.

The NHTSA stated that “The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit,” resulting in “deactivated airbags that will not deploy in a crash.”

January 2025 – Nissan Motor North America recalled 307,962 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles to replace Takata front passenger airbags that were previously fitted with temporary replacement airbags in 2015.

December 2024 – Subaru of America, Inc. recalled over 500,000 vehicles equipped with defective Takata airbag inflators that can explode without warning. These vehicles were previously recalled in 2015 for the same issue, but the replacement inflators used were also defective.

February 2020 – General Motors recalled 2007-2008 Chevy Silverado 2500s & 3500s, and GMC Sierra 2500s and 3500s, to replace passenger front Takata airbags that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls.

FDA Reports and Statistics

While the NHTSA (not FDA) regulates automobile safety, key statistics about defective airbags include:

• Over 50 million Takata airbags have been recalled worldwide, affecting nearly 20 automakers.
• At least 25 deaths and hundreds of injuries have been linked to the defective inflators.
• Approximately 15-20% of vehicles with recalled airbags remain unrepaired.
• High-humidity areas like Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico show higher rates of airbag deterioration and failure.
• The NHTSA has prioritized recalls in three zones based on risk factors, with Zone A (hot, humid regions) being highest priority.

Airbag Injuries & Side Effects

Defective airbags can cause severe, life-threatening injuries when they deploy improperly or explode, sending metal fragments throughout the vehicle cabin.

• Facial Injuries: Severe lacerations, fractures, burns, and permanent vision loss from shrapnel.
• Chest Injuries: Rib fractures, bruising, collapsed lungs, and other internal trauma.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions and severe TBIs from the force of explosion or shrapnel.
• Organ Damage: Internal bleeding and organ tears from metal fragments penetrating the body.
• Burns: Chemical and thermal burns from the explosive deployment of defective airbags.

According to early post-market data, airbag deployment is basically a controlled explosion that uses the same type of technology found in military munitions. Takata airbag flaws can result in excessive pressure that releases the airbag too fast or even fragments the metal canister.- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Do You Qualify for an Airbag Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an airbag lawsuit if:

• Your vehicle is equipped with a Takata airbag or other recalled airbag system.
• The airbag deployed aggressively or the inflator canister fragmented.
• You or your passengers suffered injuries such as cuts, burns, bruises, or more serious trauma.
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
• You can provide documentation linking your injuries to the airbag deployment.

Important: It does not matter how the accident happened. If your airbag malfunctioned, and you were seriously harmed as a result, you could be entitled to compensation.

Evidence Required for an Airbag Lawsuit

• Medical Records: Documentation of injuries sustained and treatments received.
• Vehicle Information: VIN number, proof of ownership, and repair records.
• Accident Reports: Police reports or other documentation of the incident.
• Photographic Evidence: Pictures of injuries, vehicle damage, and the deployed airbag.

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical Expenses: Including hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work due to injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: For physical pain and emotional distress.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where manufacturers showed gross negligence.

Airbag Recall Information

The Takata airbag recall is one of the largest and most complex recalls in U.S. history, affecting vehicles made by 19 different automakers.

Major recalls include:

• Takata Airbags: Affecting over 50 million airbags in the U.S. across multiple manufacturers
• Ford Maverick: Approximately 65,000 pickups recalled for side curtain airbag issues
• Kia: Over 410,000 vehicles recalled for airbag control unit defects
• Toyota/Honda: Combined 6 million vehicles recalled worldwide for various airbag malfunctions
• Subaru: Over 500,000 vehicles recalled for defective replacement inflators, including:
  • 2009–2013 Subaru Forester
  • 2003–2006 Subaru Baja
  • 2004–2011 Subaru Impreza
  • 2004–2014 Subaru WRX (including STI)
  • 2003–2014 Subaru Legacy
  • 2003–2014 Subaru Outback
  • 2005–2006 Saab 9-2X
• Nissan/Infiniti: Nearly 308,000 vehicles recalled to replace temporary Takata airbag fixes, including:
  • 2001 to 2003 Nissan Maxima
  • 2002 to 2006 Nissan Sentra
  • 2002 to 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2007 to 2011 Nissan Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback
  • 2001 to 2004 Infiniti I30 and I35
  • 2002 to 2003 Infiniti QX4
  • 2003 to 2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45
  • 2006 to 2010 Infiniti M35 and M45
• General Motors: Recalled various models including 554 Pontiac Vibes from model years 2003 and 2004
• BMW: Multiple models recalled, with BMW announcing it was unable to meet the deadline for supplying replacement parts

To check if your vehicle is affected by a recall, visit the NHTSA’s website at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN.

Takata Airbag Recall Timeline

The Takata airbag recall is one of the largest and most impactful safety recalls in automotive history, affecting millions of vehicles worldwide.

The following is a detailed timeline of key events, highlighting the scale of the crisis and its devastating consequences:

May 2015

• The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) orders Takata to recall faulty airbags.
• Automakers Affected: BMW, Chrysler, General Motors, Mazda, Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Daimler Trucks, and Nissan.
• Vehicles Impacted: Approximately 36 million.
• Reported Injuries: At least 6 cases linked to the defective airbags.

January 2016

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announces a recall of approximately 5 million vehicles.
• Automakers Affected: Audi, BMW, Daimler Vans, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Saab, and Volkswagen.
• Reported Deaths: 9 fatalities in the U.S., 10 worldwide.

February 2016

• Takata expands its recall to include additional manufacturers and models:
  • BMW
  • Daimler Vans and Sprinter Vans (labeled as Mercedes-Benz, Dodge, and Freightliner)
  • Ford
  • Honda (including Acura)
  • Mazda
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Volkswagen

Statute of Limitations for Airbag Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing an airbag lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-6 years from the date of injury.

Some states follow the “discovery rule,” which means the clock starts ticking when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that your injury was caused by a defective airbag.

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe. Waiting too long could result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Related Articles

• Defective GM Airbags & Ignition Switch Lawsuit
• Average Settlement for Airbags Not Deploying
• Subaru Recall Lawsuit

FAQs

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We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.

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Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for airbag-related injuries. Contact our experienced product liability team today.

References:

1. https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/takata-recall-spotlight