Takata Airbags: What Every Driver Needs to Know
Understanding the defect, who’s at risk, and how to take action
What Happened with Takata Airbags?
Takata Corporation, once one of the largest airbag suppliers in the world, manufactured millions of defective inflators that were installed in cars from more than a dozen automakers. These inflators used a volatile chemical propellant that could degrade over time, especially in hot or humid conditions. During a crash, instead of inflating the airbag safely, the inflator could explode violently, ejecting sharp metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin.
The defect has been linked to hundreds of serious injuries and dozens of deaths globally. Regulators called it the largest and most complex auto safety recall in U.S. history. Despite years of recalls, many affected vehicles remain on the road, leaving drivers and passengers at continued risk.
Who’s Affected?
Vehicle owners
Cars manufactured between 2000 and 2016 by brands such as Honda, Ford, Toyota, BMW, Nissan, and more.
Passengers
Even if you don’t own the car, riding in an affected vehicle places you at risk.
Used car buyers
Many recalled cars were resold without repairs, leaving unsuspecting buyers exposed to danger.
Families
Injuries often carry long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences for households.
Symptoms and Harms
When a Takata airbag inflator explodes, the results can be catastrophic:
- Facial lacerations and scarring
- Eye damage or blindness
- Hearing loss from blast force
- Neck and chest trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Death in severe cases
Victims often suffer long-term consequences, including disfigurement, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These injuries can alter lives permanently, affecting the ability to work and maintain financial stability.
Timeline of the Takata Crisis
2000s: Reports of airbag ruptures surface, but issues are minimized by the manufacturer.
2013–2014: U.S. regulators begin investigations as injuries and fatalities mount.
2015: Massive recalls expand worldwide, covering millions of vehicles.
2017: Takata files for bankruptcy amid mounting lawsuits and recall costs.
2020–present: Recalls continue as more inflators are deemed unsafe. Many cars remain unrepaired on U.S. roads.
Eligible Claim Types
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a Takata airbag, you may be able to pursue several legal avenues:
- Personal injury claims: Compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death claims: Families may seek justice for lives lost due to exploding inflators.
- Product liability claims: Holding manufacturers and suppliers accountable for defective airbags.
Practical Next Steps
Here are immediate actions you can take if you believe your car is affected or you’ve been injured:
1. Check Your Vehicle’s VIN
Use the NHTSA recall tool to see if your car is included. Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is usually found on the dashboard near the windshield or inside the driver’s door frame.
2. Document Injuries and Vehicle Details
- Medical records and hospital reports
- Photos of injuries and the vehicle interior
- Doctor’s notes and treatment plans
3. Seek Immediate Medical Care
Even minor-looking injuries can hide long-term damage. Follow through on all recommended treatment and keep receipts.
4. Preserve Evidence
Save insurance records, repair bills, and recall notices. If any inflator fragments were retrieved, ask how they were stored.
5. Speak with Legal Counsel
Auto defect attorneys can help determine liability, file claims, and ensure deadlines (statutes of limitations) are not missed.
Start Your Free Case Check
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a Takata airbag, don’t delay. Pursuing.com helps verify your VIN, assess your injuries, and connect you with auto-defect legal teams experienced in handling Takata litigation. Start your free case check