Ford Airbag Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Ford Airbag Lawsuit Overview

Ford airbag lawsuits target defective frontal driver and passenger airbag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive Inc. (41 million units) and Delphi Automotive Systems LLC (11 million units) from 2000 to January 2018, installed in Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln vehicles, among others.

The primary allegations involve inflators that rupture due to manufacturing defects, such as weld slag clogging gas vents, causing over-pressurization, and propelling metal shrapnel into the vehicle cabin, leading to severe injuries or death.

What Caused the Airbag Failures?

The NHTSA says a weld slag is the likely culprit behind the airbag ruptures. When the weld slag gets dislodged, it can block the inflator’s exit orifice when the airbag deploys, causing the inflator to rupture due to over-pressurization.

This has the potential to shoot metal debris from the inflator into the vehicle’s cabin at high speed, causing severe injuries or death to the driver and/or passengers.

Latest Ford Airbag Lawsuit Updates

• February 27, 2024 – An investigation by the Detroit Free Press reveals that Ford’s Takata airbag recall repairs may have left thousands of vehicles—and their drivers—at continued risk [1].
• February 10, 2023 – According to Milberg, Ford faces a class action lawsuit over defective airbags in its Maverick trucks, with reports of airbags failing to deploy during collisions.
• June 7, 2022 – A Texas woman filed a $1 million lawsuit against Ford and others after suffering injuries from a faulty Takata airbag, underscoring the dangers of defective airbag inflators.

Related Article: Malfunctioned Airbags Recall Lawsuit Update

NHTSA Reports and Statistics

The NHTSA reports seven confirmed U.S. injuries and one U.S. death (Marlene Beaudoin, 2021, 2015 Chevrolet Traverse, Michigan) linked to defective ARC Automotive Inc. (41 million units) and Delphi Automotive Systems LLC (11 million units) frontal airbag inflators, manufactured from 2000 to January 2018, installed in Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, and other vehicles.

Two additional incidents occurred abroad: one fatal in Canada (2009, Hyundai Elantra) and one non-fatal in Turkey (2015, Volkswagen Golf), totaling nine known ruptures [2].

Ford Airbag Injuries & Side Effects

The defective airbag inflators can rupture due to over-pressurization, sending metal debris into the vehicle cabin at high speeds, causing potentially fatal injuries.

• Facial Trauma: Lacerations, fractures, and other severe facial injuries from metal fragments.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injury, concussion, and other head trauma.
• Leg Injuries: Deep cuts and penetrating wounds from inflator fragments.
• Death: Fatal injuries resulting from high-velocity metal debris.

Airbag Injury Timeline

• January 2009: A driver in Ohio was severely injured after the airbag inflator ruptured on his 2002 Chrysler Town and Country minivan.
• April 2014: A driver in New Mexico suffered injuries to his face and legs after his driver’s side airbag inflator ruptured in his 2004 Kia Optima.
• September 2017: A Pennsylvania driver sustained injuries to the head and face after the driver’s side airbag inflator ruptured in his 2010 Chevrolet Malibu.
• August 2021: A Michigan driver was killed after the driver’s side airbag inflator ruptured in a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse.
• October 2021: A driver-side airbag inflator in a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse ruptured in Kentucky, resulting in facial injuries to the driver.
• December 2021: A California passenger and driver were both injured after the passenger-side airbag inflator ruptured in a 2016 Audi A3 e-Tron.
• March 2023: The airbag inflator on the driver’s side in a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse ruptured in Michigan, causing the driver facial injuries.

Do You Qualify for a Ford Airbag Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Ford airbag lawsuit if:

• You owned or operated a Ford vehicle manufactured between 2001 and 2018.
• Your vehicle was equipped with airbag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive or Delphi Automotive Systems.
• You or a passenger suffered injuries when an airbag deployed and the inflator ruptured.
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the airbag deployment.

Evidence Required for a Ford Airbag Lawsuit

To successfully pursue a Ford airbag lawsuit, you’ll need to gather:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatments.
• Vehicle ownership or lease documentation.
• Proof that your vehicle was equipped with a potentially defective airbag inflator.
• Accident reports or documentation of the airbag deployment incident.
• Photographs of injuries and vehicle damage, if available.

Damages You Can Recover

Compensation in Ford airbag lawsuits may include:

• Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering related to your injuries.
• Costs associated with vehicle repairs or replacement.
• Punitive damages, in cases of extreme negligence.

Ford Settles Takata Airbag Lawsuits for Nearly $300 Million

In July 2018, Ford agreed to a so-called “economic loss settlement” of $299.1 million covering at least 6 million vehicles that were equipped with potentially faulty Takata airbag inflators, according to Reuters [3].

The settlement covers economic damages associated with the defective inflators, including claims that vehicles were inaccurately marketed to be safe, buyers had overpaid for cars with defective airbags and were forced to pay out of pocket costs to deal with recalls.

Additionally, the settlement covered out-of-pocket costs, including lost wages and child care costs, to get vehicles repaired.

Per details of the settlement, Ford also provided free rental or loaner vehicles to owners of recalled vehicles who were awaiting repairs when parts were not available.

Ford Airbag Recall Information

Ford reached a $299.1 million settlement in 2018 as part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL) with 19 automakers to address economic losses from Takata airbag recalls, covering approximately 6.7 million Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln vehicles (2000–2019) with defective phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate inflators, linked to 24 U.S. deaths and 400+ injuries across manufacturers, per the NHTSA.

Ford’s recalls include 782,384 vehicles in 2019 (e.g., 2010 Edge, 2010–2014 Mustang) and high-risk 2006 Rangers, with ongoing “Do Not Drive” warnings.

Separately, the situation with ARC Automotive Inc. (41 million inflators) and Delphi Automotive Systems LLC (11 million inflators), manufactured from 2000 to January 2018, remains unresolved.

Which Vehicles Were the Defective Airbags Installed In?

The potentially defective airbag inflators were installed in vehicles at the following manufacturers:

• Ford Motor Company
• BMW of North America, LLC
• Stellantis Automotive
• General Motors LLC
• Hyundai Motor America, Inc.
• Kia America, Inc.
• Maserati North America, Inc.
• Mercedes-Benz USA LLC
• Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
• Tesla Inc.
• Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
• Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Statute of Limitations for Ford Airbag Lawsuits

The time frame for filing a Ford airbag lawsuit varies by state, generally ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of injury.

Because of these varying deadlines, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible after an injury to ensure your legal rights are protected.

Related Articles:

• Mitsubishi Montero Recall Lawsuit Update
• Honda Recall Lawsuit
• Volkswagen Beetle Litigation

FAQs

1. What Is the Current Status of the Ford Airbag Lawsuit?

The Ford airbag lawsuit is ongoing, with legal proceedings continuing as affected consumers seek compensation for faulty airbags. ARC Automotive has denied NHTSA’s recall request, complicating the legal landscape for affected Ford owners.

2. Which Ford Models Are Affected by the Airbag Lawsuit?

The Ford models that are affected by the airbag lawsuit are those equipped with ARC Automotive, Delphi Automotive Systems, or Takata airbags manufactured between 2001 and 2018, which may pose a safety risk due to potentially defective inflators.

3. What Compensation Can Plaintiffs Expect in the Ford Airbag Lawsuit?

Compensation plaintiffs can expect in the Ford airbag lawsuit may include coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages depending on the severity of injuries and circumstances of the case.

4. How Do I Know If My Ford Vehicle Has a Recalled Airbag?

You can determine if your Ford vehicle has a recalled airbag by checking your VIN number on the NHTSA’s recall website, contacting your local Ford dealership, or calling Ford’s customer service line to inquire about your specific vehicle.

5. How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Ford Airbag Lawsuit?

The time to resolve a Ford airbag lawsuit varies widely depending on case complexity, injury severity, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Resolution can take anywhere from several months to several years.

6. Can I Still Drive My Ford If It Has a Recalled Airbag?

NHTSA generally recommends not driving vehicles with certain recalled airbags, particularly Takata inflators. Contact your Ford dealership immediately to determine the safety risk and available repair options for your specific vehicle.

7. Will Ford Pay for a Rental Car While My Vehicle Is Being Repaired?

According to the Takata airbag settlement, Ford agreed to provide free rental or loaner vehicles to owners of recalled vehicles who were awaiting repairs when parts were not available. Contact your dealer to confirm current policies.

8. What Should I Do If I’m Injured by a Ford Airbag?

If injured by a Ford airbag, seek immediate medical attention, document your injuries, report the incident to both Ford and NHTSA, preserve all evidence including the vehicle if possible, and contact an experienced product liability attorney.

9. How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Attorney for a Ford Airbag Lawsuit?

Most product liability attorneys, including those at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and you only pay legal fees if you receive compensation through a settlement or court award.

10. Can Family Members File a Lawsuit If Someone Died from a Ford Airbag Injury?

Yes, family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one died due to injuries from a defective Ford airbag. These claims can seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Ford Airbag Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Ford airbag injuries, with statutes of limitations varying by state but typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury.

Don’t delay in seeking legal representation if you or a loved one has been injured.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees to begin your case
• Payment only if we win your case through settlement or trial
• Experienced product liability attorneys with a proven track record

References:

1. https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2024/02/25/ford-flawed-takata-air-bag-repairs/72537303007/
2. https://trulaw.com/arc-airbag-lawsuit-exploding-airbag-inflators/
3.  https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ford-motor-takata/ford-agrees-to-299-1-million-u-s-takata-air-bag-settlement-idUSKBN1K62JX