Porsche Airbag Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Porsche Faces Recall of Over 18,000 Vehicles for Airbag and Rear Camera Defects

In April 2025, Porsche Cars North America announced two significant recalls affecting more than 18,000 of its vehicles due to safety system malfunctions [2.].

The action impacts 9,735 units of the 2022–2023 Porsche Taycan, and 8,571 units of the 2024–2025 Porsche Macan EV.

For the Taycan models, a manufacturing issue with the occupant classification system may result in the front passenger airbag being disabled, even when a passenger is present.

This could lead to increased injury risk in the event of a collision, sparking public concern and potential legal scrutiny in what is now being referred to as the Porsche Airbag Lawsuit by affected consumers.

The Macan recall involves faulty rearview camera displays, which can fail due to both software defects and possible moisture entry, violating federal safety standards for rear visibility.

Both recalls were filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and vehicle owners are expected to be notified by early June 2025. Repairs will be provided at no cost.

With safety-critical features like airbags and rearview systems failing, legal experts say Porsche may face a wave of lawsuits — especially if these defects lead to injuries or accidents.

Porsche Airbag Lawsuit Overview

The Porsche airbag lawsuits center on defective ARC Automotive inflators that can explode with excessive force, shooting metal debris into vehicle cabins.

These lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to ensure airbag safety despite known risks. At least 7 injuries and 2 deaths have been linked to these defective inflators.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has demanded a recall of 67 million potentially dangerous inflators.

Latest Porsche Airbag Lawsuit Updates

• October 28, 2024 –The NHTSA has confirmed ongoing safety concerns about ARC airbags, which may impact Porsche and other automakers.
• July 31, 2024 – NHTSA reaffirmed its demand that ARC Automotive recall approximately 50 million airbag inflators, pressing the company to address future failure risks and warning adequacy, with comments reopened until August 30, 2024.
• November 2, 2023 – Porsche has issued a recall for nearly 1,000 Porsche 911 models due to an airbag deployment calibration issue that could increase injury risk.
• March 22, 2023 – The most recent reported airbag explosion incident occurred, involving an ARC inflator in a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse in Michigan, adding to the list of cases.
• October 28, 2022 – A lawsuit has been filed against Porsche in Palm Beach County, alleging that an airbag failure during a crash caused severe injuries to the driver [1].
• July 2021 – Marlene Beaudoin, a 40-year-old mother of 10 from Michigan, was killed when metal shrapnel from an exploding ARC airbag inflator in her 2015 Chevrolet Traverse SUV struck her neck during a minor crash.

NHTSA Reports

According to NHTSA investigations and reports:

• Approximately 49 million vehicles in the U.S. are equipped with potentially defective ARC airbag inflators, initially estimated at 67 million inflators
• At least 7 injuries and 2 deaths (1 in the U.S., 1 in Canada) have been confirmed in the U.S. and Canada
• The affected inflators were manufactured between 2000 and January 2018
• The first reported explosion incident occurred in 2009
• Defective inflators were manufactured in facilities across three countries: China, Mexico, and the United States (Knoxville, Tennessee)

Porsche Airbag Injuries & Side Effects

ARC airbag inflator explosions can cause severe and potentially fatal injuries when metal fragments are propelled through the vehicle cabin.

• Lacerations: Deep cuts from metal fragments, particularly to the face, neck, and upper body
• Eye Injuries: Including vision loss or blindness from metal shards
• Puncture Wounds: Penetrating injuries to vital organs or blood vessels
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: From direct impact of metal fragments
• Death: At least two fatalities have been directly linked to these defective inflators

Do You Qualify for a Porsche Airbag Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Porsche airbag lawsuit if:

• You owned or drove a Porsche vehicle manufactured between 2000-2018
• Your vehicle was equipped with an ARC airbag inflator
• You or a passenger suffered injuries following an airbag deployment
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the airbag deployment

Evidence Required for a Porsche Airbag Lawsuit

To successfully pursue a claim, you will need to gather the following evidence:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatments
• Vehicle ownership or lease documentation
• Proof that your vehicle contained an ARC airbag inflator
• Accident reports or police documentation
• Photographs of injuries and vehicle damage
• Witness statements (if available)

Damages You Can Recover

A successful Porsche airbag lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatments
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering related to your injuries
• Emotional trauma and psychological counseling
• Punitive damages against the manufacturers
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones

Porsche Airbag Recall Information

The NHTSA demanded a recall of approximately 50 million ARC airbag inflators (initially 67 million in May 2023), which ARC Automotive has refused, arguing no systemic safety defect exists based on isolated incidents. The dispute could lead to court proceedings if unresolved.

Some automakers have issued limited recalls for specific models with ARC inflators, but no comprehensive list of affected Porsche models exists, and Porsche has reported no ruptures in its vehicles as of April 2025.

Approximately 1 million ARC inflators have been recalled by automakers since 2017, which ARC describes as due to isolated manufacturing problems, though NHTSA seeks a broader recall.

Related Article: Malfunctioned Airbags Recall Lawsuit Update

Statute of Limitations for Porsche Airbag Lawsuits

The time you have to file a lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury.

Some states may also allow claims based on the date you discovered (or should have discovered) that your injury was caused by a defective airbag.

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations in your state.

Related Articles:

• BMW Mini Cooper Litigation
• Delphi Airbag Lawsuit
• Pontiac Vibe Recall Defective Airbag Lawsuit

FAQs

1. What makes ARC airbag inflators defective?

NHTSA investigations determined that byproducts from welding during manufacturing, called “weld slag,” can clog vents inside the inflator canister. This prevents gases from properly escaping when the airbag deploys, causing pressure to build until the canister ruptures and explodes.

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

Currently, there is no easy way for vehicle owners to determine whether their inflators are made by ARC. Neither NHTSA nor ARC has released a full list of affected models. Contact your Porsche dealer with your VIN to inquire about your specific vehicle.

3. Which car manufacturers used ARC airbag inflators?

At least 12 automakers used ARC inflators in their vehicles from model years 2000-2018, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Maserati, Stellantis, Tesla, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

4. Why is ARC refusing to recall all potentially defective inflators?

ARC argues that no safety defect exists and that NHTSA’s demand is based on a hypothesis rather than technical conclusions. They also claim the agency has no authority to order such a recall.

5. Are there any upfront costs for filing a Porsche airbag lawsuit?

No. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. This arrangement allows you to pursue legal action without any upfront costs.

6. How long does a Porsche airbag lawsuit typically take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case and whether it resolves through settlement or trial. Some cases settle within months, while others may take several years to complete.

7. Can I still file a lawsuit if my airbag hasn’t deployed or caused injury?

You may have a claim for diminished vehicle value or the cost of airbag replacement, but injury lawsuits typically require proof of physical harm caused by a defective airbag.

8. What should I do if I suspect my Porsche airbag is defective?

Stop using the vehicle if possible and consult with an attorney immediately. Gather all records related to your vehicle purchase and maintenance, as well as documentation of any incidents or communications with dealers.

Get A Free Porsche Airbag Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Porsche airbag injuries. Many states only allow 2-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim, and this window may be closing soon for many victims.

Our experienced attorneys at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, LLP are currently accepting new Porsche airbag injury and death cases in all 50 states. We offer:

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

Don’t delay seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may become to establish liability and secure evidence for your claim.

Reference:

1. https://bocanewsnow.com/2022/10/28/woman-sues-porsche-over-airbag-failure-in-palm-beach-county-crash/ 
2. https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/over-18k-porsche-vehicles-being-recalled-over-airbag-review-camera-issues