Mercedes Airbag Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Mercedes Airbag Lawsuit Overview

The Mercedes airbag lawsuits involve allegations that certain vehicles contain defective airbag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive Systems. These inflators can explode with excessive force during deployment, potentially sending metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin and causing serious injuries or death. The NHTSA has identified approximately 52 million of these potentially defective airbag inflators across multiple vehicle brands, including Mercedes-Benz. At least 7 people have been injured and 1 killed in the U.S., with an additional death in Canada, linked to these faulty airbag inflators.

The agency has been investigating ARC inflators since 2015. The most recent incident involving a rupture occurred in Michigan in March 2023, when the driver of a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse experienced severe injuries to the face.

Latest Mercedes Airbag Lawsuit Updates

March 7, 2025 – Legal experts from Adamson Ahdoot note that Mercedes-Benz is among several automakers facing lawsuits and recalls over defective airbags that have failed or exploded unexpectedly, posing serious safety risks [1].July 11, 2024 – Mercedes-Benz India was fined by the Supreme Court after airbags failed to deploy during a crash, a decision reinforcing global scrutiny over the automaker’s airbag safety measures.October 5

, 2023 – The NHTSA scheduled a public meeting to decide whether to move forward with a recommendation to issue a formal recall on the airbags, which were manufactured by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive Systems, according to a letter issued by the agency on September 5.

May 18, 2023 – A recent lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania accuses Mercedes-Benz of liability in a fatal crash where airbags allegedly failed to deploy, resulting in a wrongful death claim against the automaker.

September 2, 2022 – Australian regulators fined Mercedes-Benz $12.5 million for failing to properly notify consumers about deadly Takata airbag defects, adding to global legal pressure on the automaker. 

The ARC / Delphi airbag inflator controversy comes on the heels of the NHTSA’s investigation of inflators made by the Japanese Takata Corporation, which were found to explode without warning, even when the airbags were not deployed in a crash.

NHTSA Reports and Statistics

NHTSA jurisdiction key statistics regarding these defective airbags:

• 52 million total airbag inflators identified as potentially defective
• 41 million manufactured by ARC Automotive11 million produced by Delphi using a design licensed by ARC
• At least 7 injury incidents and 1 fatality linked to these defective inflators
• Affects vehicles from model years 2000 to 2018
• Airbag inflators were manufactured in China, Mexico, and Knoxville, Tennessee
• At least 12 automakers used these potentially defective airbag inflators

Mercedes Airbag Injuries & Side Effects

Defective Mercedes airbags can cause a range of serious injuries when they malfunction during deployment.

• Metal Fragment Injuries: Shrapnel can cause lacerations, puncture wounds, and eye injuries
• Explosion Trauma: Burns, concussions, and hearing damage from the explosive force
• Facial Injuries: Broken bones, dental damage, and permanent disfigurement
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage from metal fragments penetrating the body
• Fatal Injuries: In severe cases, the injuries can be life-threatening or fatal

The airbags were manufactured in China, Mexico, and Knoxville, Tennessee, and were used by at least 12 automakers in models from 2000 to 2018: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Maserati, Porsche, Stellantis, Tesla, Toyota and Volkswagen.

Do You Qualify for a Mercedes Airbag Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Mercedes Airbag lawsuit if:

• You own or were a passenger in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle manufactured between 2000 and 2018
• You experienced injuries due to a malfunctioning airbag that deployed improperly or exploded
• Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the defective airbag
• The incident occurred within the statute of limitations for your state

Evidence Required for a Mercedes Airbag Lawsuit

To successfully pursue a Mercedes airbag lawsuit, you will need to provide:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatments
• Vehicle ownership or proof that you were a passenger in the affected Mercedes
• Vehicle maintenance records showing the airbag was never replaced or tampered with
• Photos of injuries and/or vehicle damage if available
• Police or accident reports if the incident occurred during a collision

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of defective Mercedes airbags may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
• Wrongful death damages (for families of deceased victims)

Mercedes Airbag Recall Information

As of April 2025, Mercedes-Benz has not issued a comprehensive recall for all vehicles with ARC/Delphi airbag inflators, though the NHTSA is seeking to recall approximately 51 million of these inflators across multiple manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz. The airbags in question were installed in vehicles from model years 2000 through early 2018.The NHTSA investigation revealed that ARC’s manufacturing process could leave welding debris, known as ‘weld slag,’ inside the inflator, which could clog the vent and cause an explosion violent enough to eject metal debris at high speed into the vehicle’s cabin.

Statute of Limitations for Mercedes Airbag Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Mercedes airbag lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-6 years from the date of injury. Some states may also recognize a “discovery rule,” which starts the clock when you discovered or should have reasonably discovered that your injury was caused by a defective airbag.It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an incident to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe for your state.Related Articles:

• Pontiac Vibe Recall Defective Airbag Lawsuit
• VW Atlas Lawsuit Update
• BMW Mini Cooper Recall Lawsuit

FAQs

1. How can I find out if my Mercedes vehicle is affected by the airbag recall?

You can find out if your Mercedes vehicle is affected by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Mercedes-Benz website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Your local Mercedes dealership can also provide this information.

2. What should I do if my Mercedes is part of the airbag recall?

If your Mercedes is part of the airbag recall, you should contact your local dealership immediately to schedule a free repair. The dealership will replace the defective airbag with a safe, updated version to ensure your safety.

3. What legal actions have been taken against Mercedes-Benz related to defective airbags?

Legal actions against Mercedes-Benz may include class action lawsuits or individual claims filed by owners or passengers who were injured by defective airbags. These lawsuits typically allege negligence in manufacturing, failure to warn, or inadequate safety testing.

4. What compensation might be available in a Mercedes airbag lawsuit?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages if it is proven that Mercedes-Benz acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.

5. How long does a Mercedes airbag lawsuit typically take?

The timeline for a Mercedes airbag lawsuit can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Generally, these cases can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve.

6. Can I still drive my Mercedes if it has a recalled airbag?

The NHTSA generally advises against driving vehicles with recalled airbags until they have been repaired. If you must drive, contact your dealership as they may provide a loaner vehicle while yours is being repaired.

7. Do I need an attorney to file a Mercedes airbag lawsuit?

While it’s technically possible to file a claim without an attorney, these cases involve complex product liability law. An experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.

8. How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a Mercedes airbag lawsuit?

Most product liability attorneys, including those at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and the attorney only gets paid if they win your case.

9. What if my airbag hasn’t malfunctioned but I’m worried about safety?

If your vehicle is part of a recall, you should have the airbag replaced immediately at no cost. If you’re concerned but your vehicle hasn’t been recalled, contact Mercedes-Benz customer service or the NHTSA for guidance.

10. Is the Mercedes airbag defect similar to the Takata airbag recall?

While both involve defective airbag inflators that can explode with excessive force, they have different causes. The Takata defect involved ammonium nitrate deteriorating over time, while the ARC/Delphi defect involves manufacturing issues that can cause “weld slag” to block the inflator.See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by defective Mercedes airbags. Most states have statutes of limitations ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury, and once this deadline passes, you may lose your right to compensation forever.At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our services
• Payment only if we win your case or secure a settlement
• Nationwide representation with attorneys experienced in automotive product liability cases

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek justice for your injuries. Contact our experienced team today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Get a Free Mercedes Airbag Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Products Liability Litigation Group atSchmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Mercedes Airbag Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and are currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.If you or a loved one was injured by an exploding Mercedes airbag, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.Reference:[1] https://aa.law/blog/drivers-vs-mercedes-benz-airbags-recall/