Airbag Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

The Takata Corp. has recalled millions of defective airbag inflators that can explode without warning, shooting metal debris at drivers and passengers inside the cabin. The problem has been linked to dozens of deaths and hundreds of serious injuries worldwide.
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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
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If you or a loved one experienced severe injuries following a defective airbag deployment, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

You could be eligible for financial restitution through an airbag litigation claim, and our attorneys are equipped to provide assistance. For a No-Cost Case Review, please click the button below or contact us anytime, 24/7, by calling (866) 588-0600.

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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 2025Nissan 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 2024Subaru 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 2020General 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.

Personal Injury

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.

Legal Options

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:

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

Class Action

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.

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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.

Class Action Lawsuit

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FAQs

1. How much are airbag lawsuit settlements worth?

Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity and case circumstances. Economic loss claims often result in payments of a few hundred dollars, while injury claims can range from $10,000 to several million dollars for severe cases involving permanent disability or death.

2. How do I know if my vehicle has a defective airbag?

Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or contact your vehicle manufacturer with your VIN to see if your vehicle is included in any airbag recalls.

3. What should I do if I’ve been injured by a defective airbag?

Seek immediate medical attention, report the incident to both the vehicle manufacturer and NHTSA, preserve evidence (including photos of injuries and the vehicle), and consult with an experienced attorney.

4. How long does an airbag lawsuit take?

The timeline varies, but most cases take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on complexity and whether they settle or go to trial. Class action settlements typically begin payments a few months after court approval.

5. Can I join an existing class action lawsuit?

Yes, if you meet the criteria for the class. However, for serious injuries, an individual lawsuit may provide better compensation. An attorney can advise which approach is best for your situation.

6. Will my settlement be taxed?

Personal injury settlements are generally not taxable under federal law, as they compensate for physical harm. However, portions covering lost wages or punitive damages may be subject to taxation.

7. What makes Takata airbags dangerous?

Takata airbags use ammonium nitrate as a propellant, which can deteriorate over time, especially in hot, humid conditions. This deterioration can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments throughout the vehicle.

8. Are all recalled airbags equally dangerous?

No. The NHTSA has established priority groups based on risk factors like age, geographic location, and position in the vehicle. Older airbags in hot, humid regions pose the highest risk.

9. What if I can’t afford to fix my recalled airbag?

Recall repairs are free of charge. Contact your vehicle manufacturer or local dealership to schedule the repair. Some manufacturers also offer loaner vehicles while repairs are being made.

10. Can I file a lawsuit if my airbag didn’t deploy when it should have?

Yes. Failure to deploy when needed is another type of airbag defect that can lead to serious injuries. These cases require proving that the airbag should have deployed based on the crash circumstances.

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Have you or a loved one been unreasonably injured by a dangerous or defective consumer product?

Get Your Free Airbag Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in airbag recall lawsuits.

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

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

  • Free, confidential case evaluations
  • No upfront costs or fees
  • Payment only if we win your case

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

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