Hyundai Airbag Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Hyundai Airbag Lawsuit Overview

The Hyundai airbag lawsuits focus on defective airbag inflators made by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive that can explode and hurl shrapnel, causing serious injuries or death. 

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is attempting to force a recall of 52 million air bag inflators installed in Hyundai vehicles and models made by 11 other manufacturers.

At least 7 injuries and 2 deaths in the U.S. and Canada have been linked to these allegedly faulty airbag inflators.

Latest Hyundai Airbag Lawsuit Updates

• September 5, 2023 – NHTSA announced it had decided that airbag inflators made by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive are defective, according to Associated Press [1]. The agency scheduled a public hearing for October 5, which would be the final step before seeking a court-ordered recall.
• May 2023 – NHTSA asked ARC to issue a formal recall on the inflators, but the company refused, maintaining that no safety defect exists [2].
• March 22, 2023 – A driver-side airbag inflator in a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse ruptured in Michigan, marking the most recent reported rupture at that time [3].

NHTSA Reports and Statistics

According to the NHTSA investigation:

• At least 7 injuries and 2 deaths in the U.S. and Canada have been linked to allegedly faulty airbag inflators.
• At least 25 million of the 284 million vehicles on U.S. roads are believed to contain these defective inflators.
• 52 million air bag inflators installed in vehicles from 12 manufacturers are at risk.
• Inflators manufactured before 2018 are affected.

Hyundai Airbag Injuries & Side Effects

Defective airbag inflators can cause serious injuries when they explode during deployment:

• Metal Fragments: Shrapnel can be forcefully ejected into the passenger compartment
• Facial Injuries: Lacerations and penetrating wounds from metal fragments
• Chest Trauma: Impact injuries from exploding components
• Death: Fatal injuries from metal fragments have been reported

Do You Qualify for a Hyundai Airbag Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Hyundai Airbag lawsuit if:

• Your Hyundai vehicle contains an airbag inflator made by ARC Automotive or Delphi Automotive.
• You experienced serious injuries due to an exploding airbag.
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the defective airbag.

Evidence Required for a Hyundai Airbag Lawsuit

• Medical records documenting injuries caused by the airbag
• Proof that your vehicle contained the defective airbag inflator
• Documentation of the accident and airbag deployment

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Statute of Limitations for Hyundai Airbag Lawsuits

Time limitations for filing a Hyundai airbag lawsuit vary by state. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations.

Related Articles:

• Malfunctioned Airbags Recall Lawsuit Update
• Ferrari Airbag Recall Lawsuit

FAQs

1. Who can file a claim in the Hyundai Airbag lawsuit?

Individuals who were injured in a car accident due to the failure of their Hyundai vehicle’s airbags, or the family members of those who died as a result of airbag malfunctions, may be eligible to file a claim.

2. What compensation might plaintiffs receive in the Hyundai Airbag lawsuit?

Plaintiffs may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related damages due to injuries caused by defective airbags.

3. Which Hyundai models are affected by the airbag defect?

The affected models may include specific years of Hyundai vehicles such as the Elantra, Sonata, and Santa Fe, among others. Check recall notices or contact Hyundai to confirm if your vehicle is impacted.

4. Has Hyundai issued any recalls for vehicles due to airbag defects?

Yes, Hyundai has issued recalls for several models due to defective airbags, particularly related to a faulty airbag control unit that could prevent proper airbag deployment during accidents.

5. What’s the problem with the airbag inflators?

An NHTSA investigation revealed that byproducts from welding during manufacturing can clog a vent inside the inflator canister designed to let gas escape to fill airbags during a crash. In faulty inflators, pressure can build to the point where the canister is blown apart.

6. Which vehicles are installed with defective airbag inflators?

A comprehensive list has not been released, but vehicles from Hyundai, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Kia may contain the defective inflators.

7. Why haven’t manufacturers recalled the airbags?

ARC has refused to issue a recall, claiming no safety defect exists and that the NHTSA’s demand is based on a hypothesis rather than technical conclusions. The company also maintains that the federal motor vehicle safety act “does not require vehicles and equipment to never experience a failure in the field.”

See all related product liability lawsuits we’ve covered. 

Get a Free Hyundai Airbag Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by defective Hyundai airbags. The statute of limitations varies by state, giving you only a limited window to file your claim.

The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

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

References

1. https://apnews.com/article/air-bag-inflator-explode-shrapnel-arc-nhtsa-503a2d52dce79bdc20825abe14598688
2. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/12/1175984778/tennessee-company-refuses-recall-air-bags
3. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-19441.pdf?1693945098