Lawsuits are still being filed for people who were seriously injured or killed when thei airbag exploded and shot out pieces of metal shrapnel.
Need a Texas Airbag Explosion Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured or killed by an airbag explosion, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
WARNING: 52 Million Airbag Inflators Can Explode
In 2023, safety officials demanded a recall for 52 million airbag inflators that were manufactured by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive Systems between 2000 and January 2018. These inflators can potentially explode and shoot out deadly pieces of metal shrapnel, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Since 2009, at least 2 deaths and 7 injuries have been linked to metal that blew out of an ARC airbag inflator that exploded, sometimes after minor fender-benders that would have normally been survivable.
ARC and Delphi airbag inflators were used in vehicles from 12 different auto-makers, including:
- BMW
- Stellantis / Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA)
- Ford
- General Motors (GM)
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Maserati
- Mercedes-Benz
- Porsche
- Tesla
- Toyota
- Volkswagen (VW)
BMW Says “Do Not Drive” 90,000 Cars With Takata Airbags
In May 2023, BMW warned owners of 90,000 vehicles from 2000-2006 to park their cars immediately and do not drive until the airbags are replaced.
These vehicles have Takata airbag inflators that can explode and shoot out deadly pieces of metal at a driver or passenger’s head, neck, or chest. According to safety officials, un-repaired Takata airbags in these vehicles have a 50% chance of failing and exploding in a crash, even after minor collisions.
In Last of Scheduled Recalls, Takata Recalls 10 Million Replacement Airbag Inflators in U.S.
In January 2020, Takata issued a final recall for 10 million replacement airbag inflators that were issued in the early stages of the airbag recalls as a temporary fix while they developed a permanent airbag replacement.
Problems With Takata Airbags
Takata airbag inflators contain an explosive chemical called ammonium nitrate. The airbags are a serious safety hazard because they can explode too forcefully, burst apart their metal canister, and shoot off deadly pieces of metal.
How Many People Have Been Injured?
Takata’s exploding airbags have been linked to 33 deaths and more than 400 injuries worldwide. Over 67 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide due to defective Takata airbags, according to the NHTSA, making it the largest and most complex auto-safety recall in history. There are still around 11 million airbags that have not been replaced, which is why incidents continue to occur.
Why Do Takata Airbags Explode?
Takata airbag inflators contain a dangerous chemical called ammonium nitrate. This chemical is used as a cheap fertilizer, but it is also used to make bombs. Unfortunately, Takata did not mix the ammonium nitrate with another chemical to keep it dry and stable.
Over time, ammonium nitrate destabilizes when it is exposed to high heat and humidity in a vehicle. This causes it to burn too fast and explode apart the metal canister when the airbag goes off, spraying deadly pieces of metal shrapnel that can kill or injure passengers.
Was My Airbag Recalled?
Check if your vehicle was recalled by visiting the NHTSA Takata airbag recall website and entering your 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN).
List of Highest-Risk Vehicles with Takata Airbags
Vehicles with “Alpha” airbags are 50% more likely to explode and cause serious injuries or deaths in a car accident, even after minor fender-benders. These vehicles need to be repaired immediately.
Texas is also one of the highest-risk states for Takata airbag explosions. This is because the climate in Texas is hot and humid, with big temperature fluctuations between seasons, which is more likely to destabilize the chemicals in Takata airbag inflators.
Do not drive these vehicles with Takata airbags:
- 2006 Mazda B-Series (Mazda Advises Do Not Drive)
- 2006 Ford Ranger (Ford Advises Do Not Drive)
- 2001-2002 Honda Civic
- 2001-2002 Honda Accord
- 2002-2003 Acura TL
- 2002 Honda CR-V
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 Acura CL
- 2003 Honda Pilot
Need an Airbag Explosion Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.