Stellantis Airbag Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Stellantis Airbag Lawsuit Overview

The Stellantis airbag lawsuits center around potentially defective airbag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive and its licensee Delphi Automotive Systems. These lawsuits allege that manufacturing defects can cause the inflators to rupture, sending metal fragments into vehicle occupants. To date, at least 7 people have been injured and 1 person has been killed in the U.S. and Canada by the rupturing airbag inflators. The NHTSA has identified the inflators as defective following an extensive 8-year investigation.Related Article: Malfunctioned Airbags Recall Lawsuit Update

Latest Stellantis Airbag Lawsuit Updates

October 1, 2024 – The class action, launched in late 2024, alleged Stellantis overcharged millions of UK vehicle buyers by participating in a long-running cartel that fixed airbag and seatbelt prices [1].June 7, 2024 – The unfolding safety scandal in France is shedding light on Stellantis’ alleged failures in addressing airbag defects, adding to the growing list of legal challenges the automaker faces over safety-related issues.September 5, 2023 – The NHTSA issued an initial decision that ~52 million airbag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive Systems through January 2018 are defective due to rupture risks, affecting vehicles from multiple automakers, including Stellantis, prompting a public hearing on October 5, 2023.April 2023 – NHTSA requested ARC recall ~52 million inflators after an 8-year investigation; ARC rejected this in May 2023, arguing no systemic defect exists and calling ruptures ‘occasional or isolated failures,’ challenging NHTSA’s basis for action.July 13, 2015 – NHTSA initiated an investigation into ARC airbag inflators after two ruptures; a notable death occurred later in 2021 when a driver was hit in the neck by shrapnel from a ruptured inflator in a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse, not in 2016.

NHTSA Reports and Statistics

The NHTSA has identified approximately 52 million airbag inflators as potentially defective, including 41 million from ARC Automotive and 11 million from Delphi Automotive Systems, with a July 2024 estimate refined to 50-51 million, distinct from the separate Takata recall of 67 million inflators [2].These defective inflators were produced from 2000 to January 2018 by ARC (with Delphi producing 11 million from 2001 to 2004), after which ARC implemented manufacturing improvements in January 2018, including borescopes.NHTSA has reported that it is not aware of any ruptures of ARC airbags made after the company installed borescopes (tiny cameras used to identify weld slags) in their manufacturing process by January 2018.

Stellantis Airbag Injuries & Side Effects

Defective Stellantis airbags can cause severe injuries or death when the inflator ruptures and propels metal fragments at high velocity into the vehicle’s cabin.Metal Shrapnel Injuries: Flying metal fragments can cause lacerations, puncture wounds, and penetrating trauma to the face, neck, and upper body
Head and Facial Trauma: Severe facial injuries including eye damage and facial fractures
Neck Injuries: Potentially fatal injuries to the neck from high-velocity metal fragments
Hemorrhage: Severe bleeding from puncture wounds caused by metal shrapnel

Do You Qualify for a Stellantis Airbag Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Stellantis airbag lawsuit if:

• You owned or drove a Stellantis vehicle manufactured between 2000 and January 2018
• Your vehicle contained an ARC or Delphi airbag inflator
• You experienced injuries from a malfunctioning or exploding airbag
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide documentation linking your injuries to the defective airbag

Evidence Required for a Stellantis Airbag Lawsuit

To strengthen your claim, you should gather:

• Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
• Vehicle maintenance records
• Accident reports
• Photographs of your injuries
• Any recall notices received from Stellantis
• Proof of vehicle ownership during the affected period

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Stellantis airbag lawsuits may result in compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering damages
• Punitive damages against the manufacturer
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones

Stellantis Airbag Recall Information

While a full recall of all 52 million ARC inflators has not been implemented, several automakers have initiated their own recalls for vehicles with defective airbag inflators:

• 2017 BMW recall covering 6 variants of the BMW X5
• 2017 Ford recall affecting Mustangs and F150 pickup trucks
• General Motors recalled the Chevrolet Malibu, Traverse, Buick Enclave, and GMC Acadia autos
• Volkswagen recalled various Audi and VW models

Which Vehicles Would be Affected by the Recall?

The NHTSA has identified at least 12 auto manufacturers that used the airbag inflators in question in their vehicles: Stellantis, BMW, Tesla, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen.The recall request includes airbag inflators manufactured from 2000 to January 2018. At that point, ARC began installing small borescopes ― tiny cameras used to identify weld slags ― which appear to have fixed the problem. NHTSA said it is not aware of any ruptures of an ARC airbag made after the company installed the borescopes.

Statute of Limitations for Stellantis Airbag Lawsuits

There are deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, which vary by state. Most states allow between 1-3 years from the date of injury or from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that your injury was caused by the defective airbag.It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines that could bar your claim.Related Articles:

• BMW Mini Cooper Litigation
• Volkswagen Beetle Lawsuit
• Pontiac Vibe Recall Defective Airbag Lawsuit

FAQs

1. Is there a deadline for filing a claim in the Stellantis airbag lawsuit?

Yes, there are typically deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, which vary by state. It’s crucial to file your claim promptly to avoid missing these deadlines.

2. What evidence do I need to support my claim in the Stellantis airbag lawsuit?

Evidence may include medical records, accident reports, photographs of injuries, vehicle maintenance records, and any recall notices received from Stellantis.

3. Can I file a lawsuit if my vehicle’s airbag deployed incorrectly but did not cause injury?

You may still be able to file a lawsuit if the airbag defect could have caused significant danger or required you to incur costs for repairs or replacements.

4. How long does the Stellantis airbag lawsuit process take?

The timeline varies depending on case complexity, but it can take anywhere from several months to several years to reach a resolution.

5. Will my case go to trial or settle out of court?

Most product liability cases settle before trial, but our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if necessary to secure fair compensation.

6. How much compensation can I expect from a Stellantis airbag lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors specific to your case.

7. Do I need a lawyer to file a Stellantis airbag lawsuit?

While not legally required, working with an experienced product liability attorney significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation.

8. What if my airbag hasn’t malfunctioned but is part of the affected models?

You may still have a claim for diminished vehicle value or the cost of replacement even if no injury has occurred.

9. Can I join a class action lawsuit against Stellantis?

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to join existing class actions or file an individual lawsuit.

10. How will I know if my vehicle contains a defective airbag inflator?

Check your vehicle’s VIN number on the NHTSA website or contact your dealership to determine if your vehicle is affected.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 Stellantis airbag injuries. Most states only allow 1-3 years from the date of injury to file your claim. Don’t risk losing your right to compensation.At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees to begin your case
• Payment only if we win your case – no recovery, no fee

Taking prompt action is crucial to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Get a Free Stellantis Airbag Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Stellantis 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 Stellantis airbag, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.References:[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/stellantis-854-million-uk-lawsuit-over-airbag-seatbelt-cartels-begins-2024-10-01/ [2] https://www.autonews.com/regulation-safety/arc-automotive-probe-nhtsa-says-52-million-airbag-inflators-should-be-recalled/