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ALERT: Auto Airbag maker Takata to pay $1 billion to settle a U.S. airbag probe. Source: Wall Street Journal

In recent years, at least 16 people have died, and 184 people have been injured in the United States in incidents involving exploding Takata airbags. Also, eight Americans have been killed so far by Takata airbags. (NHTSA.gov). That is why the US government has ordered what the NHTSA calls “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.”

The injuries, in some cases, are horrifying, with metal shards from defective, ammonium nitrate airbag canisters penetrating victims’ faces and necks. Some law enforcement officers have thought airbag explosion victims had been shot in the face. (Money.CNN.com)

If you have suffered an injury from a Takata airbag, this page provides critical information. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages, and pain and suffering.

In This Section

History of Airbag Lawsuits & Recalls

Takata Corporation is a major supplier of airbags and other automotive parts to many vehicle manufacturers, including Chrysler, GM, Volkswagen, Honda, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Subaru, and Mitsubishi. (Consumerreports.org). Vehicles manufactured by these and other automakers have been recalled to replace frontal airbags on both sides.

The airbags were installed in vehicles between model years 2002-2015. Some defective airbags could deploy explosively, causing severe injuries or death to vehicle passengers.

Recalls for Takata airbags have tripled in size in the last year. It is anticipated that the airbag recall will affect at least 42 million vehicles in the United States, and 56 million airbags.

Class Action Airbag Lawsuits Against Takata

A class action lawsuit was filed in U.S. federal court in 2017 alleging that Takata Corporation supplied Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Chrysler, Mazda, and other manufacturers with defective airbags. While the class action lawsuit has concluded, injured consumers can still file a claim against Takata and/or vehicle manufacturers. A Takata airbag personal injury attorney can provide guidance on the claims process.

List of Vehicles Recalled for Defective Airbags

According to the NHTSA, tens of millions of vehicles equipped with Takata airbags have been recalled. Long-term exposure to heat and humidity can lead to airbag explosions when they deploy.

The agency reports that 41.6 million vehicles with 56 million defective airbags have been recalled. It is expected there will be more airbags recalled by the end of 2019, and the total number of airbags affected could rise to 70 million. (NHTSA.gov).

Below is the list of recalled vehicles for defective Takata airbags (as of October 2019). (Carporusa.com). You also can check if your vehicle is under recall by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the NHTSA website.

However, the NHTSA also points out that many of the vehicles that will be recalled in late 2019 or beyond do not currently show up in a VIN search, so it is important to sign up for NHTSA Recall Alerts. That way, consumers will be informed by email about this or any other recall for their vehicle.

Acura

  • 2003 Acura 3.2CL
  • 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL
  • 2013-2016 Acura ILX
  • 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid
  • 2003-2006 Acura MDX
  • 2007-2016 Acura RDX
  • 2005-2012 Acura RL
  • 2009-2011 Acura TSX
  • 2011 Acura TSX Sportswagon
  • 2009-2014 Acura TL
  • 2010-2013 Acura ZDX

Audi

  • 2005-2013 Audi A3
  • 2004-2008 Audi A4
  • 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabrio
  • 2010-2011 Audi A5 Cabrio
  • 2005-2011 Audi A6
  • 2009-2012 Audi Q5
  • 2017 Audi R8
  • 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
  • 2007-2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan
  • 2005-2008 Audi S4 Avant
  • 2007-2009 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • 2005-2008 Audi S4 Sedan
  • 2010-2012 Audi S5 Cabriolet
  • 2007-2011 Audi S6 Sedan
  • 2016-2017 Audi TT

BMW

  • 2008-2013 BMW 1 Series
  • 2000-2013 BMW 3 Series
  • 2002-2003 BMW 5 Series
  • 2011-2015 BMW X1
  • 2007-2010 BMW X3
  • 2003-2013 BMW X5
  • 2008-2014 BMW X6
  • 2010-2011 BMW X6 Hybrid

Cadillac

  • 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Chevrolet

  • 2007-2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
  • 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2007-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2007-2011 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2007-2011 Chevrolet Tahoe

Chrysler

  • 2005-2015 Chrysler 300
  • 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen
  • 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire

Daimler Trucks

  • 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet 4500
  • 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet 5500

Daimler Vans

  • 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500
  • 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 3500
  • 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
  • 2007-2014 Freightliner Sprinter 3500
  • 2010-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2010-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500

Dodge Ram

  • 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger
  • 2006-2012 Dodge Charger
  • 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota
  • 2004-2009 Dodge Durango
  • 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
  • 2003-2009 Dodge Ram 1500
  • 2003-2009 Dodge Ram 2500
  • 2003-2010 Dodge Ram 3500
  • 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500
  • 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 5500

Ferrari

  • 2010-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
  • 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale
  • 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A
  • 2012-2015 Ferrari 458 Spider
  • 2016-2017 Ferrari 488 GTB
  • 2016-2017 Ferrari 488 Spider
  • 2009-2014 Ferrari California
  • 2015-2017 Ferrari California T
  • 2013-2017 Ferrari F12
  • 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf
  • 2016 Ferrari F60
  • 2012-2016 Ferrari FF
  • 2017 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

Fisker

  • 2012 Fisker Karma

Ford

  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge
  • 2006-2011 Ford Fusion
  • 2005-2006 Ford GT
  • 2005-2014 Ford Mustang
  • 2004-2011 Ford Ranger

GMC

  • 2007-2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2007-2011 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2007-2011 GMC Sierra 3500
  • 2007-2011 GMC Yukon
  • 2007-2011 GMC Yukon XL

Honda

  • 2001-2011 Honda Accord
  • 2010-2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  • 2001-2011 Honda Civic
  • 2001-2004 Honda Civic CNG
  • 2006-2011 Honda Civic GX
  • 2003-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
  • 2002-2011 Honda CR-V
  • 2011-2015 Honda CR-Z
  • 2003-2011 Honda Element
  • 2010-2014 Honda FCX Clarity
  • 2009-2013 Honda Fit
  • 2013-2014 Honda Fit EV
  • 2006-2011 Honda GL1800
  • 2010-2014 Honda Insight
  • 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
  • 2003-2011 Honda Pilot
  • 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline

Infiniti

  • 2003-2008 Infiniti FX
  • 2001 Infiniti I30
  • 2002-2004 Infiniti I35
  • 2006-2010 Infiniti M
  • 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4

Jaguar

  • 2009-2011 Jaguar XF

Jeep

  • 2007-2016 Jeep Wrangler

Land Rover

  • 2007-2012 Land Rover Range Rover

Lexus

  • 2007-2012 Lexus ES350
  • 2010-2017 Lexus GX460
  • 2006-2013 Lexus IS250/350
  • 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C/350C
  • 2008-2014 Lexus IS-F
  • 2012 Lexus LFA
  • 2002-2010 Lexus SC430

Lincoln

  • 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
  • 2006-2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ

Mazda

  • 2004-2009 Mazda B-Series Trucks
  • 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7
  • 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9
  • 2003-2011 Mazda6
  • 2006-2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed6
  • 2004-2006 Mazda MPV
  • 2004-2011 Mazda RX-8

McLaren

  • 2016-2017 McLaren 570
  • 2015-2016 McLaren 650S
  • 2016 McLaren 675LT
  • 2012-2014 McLaren MP4-12C
  • 2011-2015 McLaren P1

Mercedes-Benz

  • 2005-2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • 2011-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio
  • 2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
  • 2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  • 2010-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  • 2009-2010 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
  • 2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  • 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
  • 2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class

Mercury

  • 2006-2011 Mercury Milan

Mitsubishi

  • 2012-2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
  • 2004-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer
  • 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
  • 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  • 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider

Nissan

  • 2007-2012 Nissan Versa
  • 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
  • 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
  • 2007-2012 Nissan Versa

Pontiac

  • 2003-2010 Pontiac Vibe

Saab

  • 2005-2006 Saab 9-2x
  • 2006-2011 Saab 9-3
  • 2006-2009 Saab 9-5

Saturn

  • 2008-2009 Saturn Astra

Scion

  • 2008-2015 Scion XB

Subaru

  • 2003-2006 Subaru Baja
  • 2009-2013 Subaru Forester
  • 2004-2011 Subaru Impreza
  • 2003-2014 Subaru Legacy
  • 2003-2014 Subaru Outback
  • 2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca
  • 2012-2014 Subaru WRX/STI

Tesla

  • 2012-2016 Tesla Model S

Toyota

  • 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
  • 2003-2013 Toyota Corolla
  • 2003-2008, 2013 Toyota Corolla Matrix
  • 2009-2013 Toyota Matrix
  • 2004-2005 Toyota Rav4
  • 2002-2006 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna
  • 2003-2006 Toyota Tundra
  • 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris (Hatch Back)
  • 2007-2012 Toyota Yaris (Sedan)

Volkswagen

  • 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC
  • 2010-2014 Volkswagen Eos
  • 2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf
  • 2013 Volkswagen Golf R
  • 2009-2013 Volkswagen GTI
  • 2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat
  • 2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
  • 2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

Airbag Lawsuits, Payouts, and Settlement Amounts

Separate legal actions by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and attorneys general from 44 states and Washington, D.C. netted in $1.65 billion in fines against Takata Corporation. Much of that money was awarded to people who were injured by Takata airbags.

DOJ also charged the airbag manufacturer with wire fraud. Federal investigators claimed Takata knew in 2000 that their metal airbag inflators were defective and could explode. But the company allegedly hid the dangers from federal regulators.

In early 2017, DOJ also announced Takata must pay a $1 billion criminal penalty, including $975 million for restitution and a $25 million fine. (Justice.gov).

The restitution was divided into two parts. The first was an $850 million fund for auto manufacturers that have incurred repair and recall costs. The second was a $125 million fund for consumers injured by Takata airbags and who had not reached a settlement with Takata.

In a separate legal action, state attorneys general charged Takata with hiding safety problems with its airbags and not reporting safety problems. In February 2018, the auto parts manufacturer agreed to pay a $650 million settlement. But the states said they would not collect the settlement. Instead, they left the money for people hurt by defective airbags.

By the time the settlement with the 44 states was announced, Takata had declared bankruptcy. When this happened, Takata established the Takata Airbag Tort Compensation Trust Fund (TATCTF) to provide compensation to consumers who were hurt or lost loved ones to defective Takata airbags.

The US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan also set up the Individual Restitution Fund (IRF) as part of the company’s criminal plea.

Injured consumers can submit a compensation request from both funds. While retaining an attorney is not required to file a claim, it is recommended because of the legal complexities involved.

Compensation Available from Auto Airbag Lawsuits

Auto manufacturers have a legal obligation to manufacture vehicles and parts that are safe. They also must correct any safety defects they are aware of promptly. If you or a loved one have been hurt by a defective airbag, you may be eligible for the following compensation:

  • Past and future physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish and physical impairment
  • Past and future medical costs
  • Past and future lost earnings
  • Punitive damages, in select cases

If the driver or passenger died, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations to File an Airbag Lawsuit

Consumers who suffered injuries and family of loved ones who died from defective airbags may receive compensation for their damages. But claims against Takata and auto manufacturers must be filed within the applicable timeframe established by state law. The statute of limitations for product defect claims varies by state. For instance, people in California have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, while Florida residents have four years.

Check the laws in your state to be certain you are filing a claim within the statute of limitations for your area.

Types of Injuries Caused by Defective Airbags

Drivers and passengers have suffered terrible injuries caused by metal shards from exploding Takata airbags. The shrapnel can tear into the victim’s face, neck, and chest, causing severe or fatal injuries. Some of the injuries that have been reported from defective Takata airbags are:

  • Severe lacerations
  • Eye injuries
  • Torn veins and arteries
  • Skull fractures
  • Brain bleeds
  • Stab and gunshot wound-like injuries

Victims of exploding Takata airbags could require emergency surgery, rehabilitation, and reconstructive surgery. Some injuries have been fatal.

How to File a Defective Takata Airbag Lawsuit

Auto manufacturers have a legal requirement to ensure their vehicles and products are safe and free of hazardous defects. If you have been injured by a Takata airbag, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit. Damages from a lawsuit can compensate you for expenses incurred related to your injuries or wrongful death of your loved one.

A personal injury attorney can assist you in filing a defective Takata airbag lawsuit. Your attorney may recommend that you file a claim with the Takata Airbag Tort Compensation Trust Fund (TATCTF) and/or the Individual Restitution Fund (IRF) for compensation.

Contact an Airbag Lawsuit Lawyer Today

If you have questions about the Takata airbag recall or how to file a lawsuit against Takata or an auto manufacturer for your injuries, talk to a licensed personal injury attorney. Most attorneys will offer a complimentary consultation to review the case and determine if filing a lawsuit would be beneficial for you.