Airbag Inflator Injuries and Death Lead to Recall, Lawsuits

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to recall 52 million airbag inflators after the discovery that they can rupture, explode, and project shrapnel that causes severe injuries and even death in some instances.

In recent years, these faulty airbags have led to numerous lawsuits and multiple recalls, some of which are ongoing, including airbags manufactured by Delphi Automotive Systems, Takata, and ARC.

In the United States alone, one person has died, and several others have been seriously injured due to these defective airbag inflators. As these statistics became known, the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation requested in April 2023 that the manufacturers initiate a recall. 

According to the agency's investigation, the weld slag is likely causing the 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 can propel shrapnel or metal fragments from the inflator into the passenger compartment, injuring those inside the vehicle.

What Vehicles Are Affected?

The airbag inflators in question were incorporated into vehicles at the following 12 manufacturers:

• BMW of North America, LLC
• FCA US LLC
• Ford Motor Company
• 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.

Contact Morgan & Morgan if Injured

Unfortunately, instead of taking responsibility and putting drivers’ safety as a priority, ARC Automotive argued that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lacked "sufficient evidence" that there was a safety defect and that the seven confirmed ruptures that caused injuries were "occasional or isolated failures that are an inevitable part of any volume manufacturing process.” In other words, they don’t care if their products hurt people.

For over 35 years, Morgan & Morgan has fought against big corporations who think their actions don’t have consequences. We fight For the People, seeking justice for the injured and holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

If you or someone you love were harmed in an incident involving an airbag, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more about your legal options. We may be able to help you fight for compensation for your needless suffering.