airbag recall, product liability

Defective Airbags

Defective designs have caused airbags to malfunction. If an airbag fails to perform as it should in a crash, anyone harmed by the failure could have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Airbag Recalls

About 42 million vehicles in the U.S. are under an urgent airbag recall prompted by Takata airbag explosions. These explosions, triggered by defective chemical based inflators, have killed at least 26 people, including 17 in the United States. The defective airbags have also injured hundreds more. Now, nearly two decades after opening the first Takata airbag recall in 2008, millions of potentially unsafe airbags remain in active use.

Also, more than 15 million airbags made by ZF TRW are prone to fail in a collision. These airbags have microchips in the airbag control units, leaving drivers unprotected. The defect has caused at least 26 deaths and scores of injuries in the U.S. Beasley Allen is representing a class of plaintiffs suing ZF TRW and six automakers over these faulty airbag units. The complaint alleges that auto manufacturers have recalled some vehicles with ZF TRW airbags, yet more than nine million vehicles equipped with these dangerous airbags were never recalled. Airbags are critical safety components in any vehicle. When they fail to work as intended, either by deploying with deadly force as in the case of Takata airbags, or not all as in the case of ZF TRW, the traveling public remains at risk of injury and death.

Crash test dummy in vehicle with deployed airbags and broken windshield
Crash test dummy in vehicle with deployed airbags and broken windshield

Takata Airbags

The Takata airbag recall is widely considered to be the largest-ever safety recall in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), companies have recalled 63 million Takata airbag units for the risk of explosion. These defective airbags affect about 42 million vehicles made by more than a dozen global manufacturers. Every major auto brand in the U.S. has been affected by the sprawling airbag recall.

Airbags that deploy with too much force can cause head or neck injuries or other broken bones. While most Takata airbag injuries affect the driver, children are also especially susceptible to injuries and or death caused by an airbag that deploys with excessive force. Always seat children upright and as far away from an airbag as possible.

Watch: Beasley Allen attorney Kendall Dunson explains the dangers of defective Takata airbags.

The problem with Takata airbags stems from the company’s use of ammonium nitrate as the chemical propellant in the airbag’s inflator. While other automotive suppliers avoided using ammonium nitrate due to the chemical’s highly volatile nature, Takata relied on it as a cost-effective way to produce airbags for its clients despite knowing the risks. For reference, a port warehouse full of improperly stored ammonium nitrate was responsible for “the largest non-nuclear blast in modern history,” which took place in Beirut, Lebanon on August 4th 2020.

Ammonium nitrate becomes compromised by heat and humidity, and this triggers a chemical reaction that causes Takata’s airbags to explode. When they explode, they blow apart the metal canister and blast it like shrapnel toward the vehicle’s occupants. These hyper-sensitive airbags often deploy in fender benders and other minor collisions in which airbag deployment is unwarranted.

Takata Airbag Recall List – Makes and Models

While nearly all Takata airbags are potentially dangerous, some of the oldest units are especially dangerous. These airbags, which the industry call “Alpha airbags,” pose a 50 percent risk of a deadly malfunction. The NHTSA urges drivers of certain 2001-2003 Honda or Acura vehicles, 2006 Ford Ranger pickup trucks, and 2006 Mazda B Series pickups equipped with Alpha airbags to immediately stop driving the affected vehicles.

The following vehicles are included in the sweeping Takata airbag recall. Models with Alpha airbags are notated with bold text:

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
  • 2009-2014 Acura TL
  • 2009-2014 Acura TSX
  • 2010-2013 Acura ZDX

Audi

  • 2006-2013 Audi A3
  • 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant
  • 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan
  • 2010-2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2003-2011 Audi A6 Avant
  • 2005-2011 Audi A6 Sedan
  • 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

  • 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT

Chevrolet

  • 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD
  • 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado LD
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe

Chrysler

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

Daimler Trucks North America (Sterling Bullet)

  • 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet

Daimler Vans USA LLC (Sprinter)

  • 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter
  • 2007-2017 Freightliner Sprinter
  • 2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Dodge / Ram

  • 2008-2014 Dodge Challenger
  • 2006-2015 Dodge Charger
  • 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota
  • 2004-2009 Dodge Durango
  • 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
  • 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 Pickup
  • 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup
  • 2007-2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
  • 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup
  • 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis

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 GTC4Lusso

Fisker

  • 2012 Fisker Karma

Ford

  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge
  • 2006-2012 Ford Fusion
  • 2005-2006 Ford GT
  • 2005-2014 Ford Mustang
  • 2004-2011 Ford Ranger

GMC

  • 2007-2014 GMC Sierra HD
  • 2007-2013 GMC Sierra LD
  • 2007-2014 GMC Yukon
  • 2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL

Honda

  • 2001,2002-2012 Honda Accord
  • 2001, 2002-2011 Honda Civic
  • 2003-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
  • 2001-2011 Honda Civic NGV
  • 2010-2015 Honda Crosstour
  • 2002-2011 Honda CR-V
  • 2011-2015 Honda CR-Z
  • 2003-2011 Honda Element
  • 2010-2014 Honda FCX Clarity
  • 2007-2013 Honda Fit
  • 2013-2014 Honda Fit EV
  • 2010-2014 Honda Insight
  • 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
  • 2003-2015 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

  • 2009-2015 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
  • 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

  • 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 (Including WRX/STI)
  • 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 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

ZF TRW Airbag Recall List – Makes And Models

{Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt utlabore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis n

Airbags that fail to deploy in a crash leave motorists without lifesaving protection. Nondeployment can be caused by a mechanical problem, such as the failure of the airbag sensors to detect a crash, or to properly transmit a signal to the control module after a crash was detected.

In the case of certain ZF TRW airbags, the airbag control units (ACUs) are informed by crash sensors in the front of the vehicles. When the sensors detect a collision, they notify the ACU, which commands the system to deploy the airbags and tighten the seat belts. However, millions of ZF TRW ACUs are allegedly equipped with a potentially faulty microchip made by STMicro. This component acts as the “brain” of the ZF TRW ACU by processing the signal from the crash sensors to activate the airbags and seatbelts.

The alleged flaw in the microchip makes them vulnerable to bursts of electricity and electrical overstress that can overwhelm the circuit in a crash. If this happens, the airbag and seat belts can fail, leaving motorists completely unprotected.

The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the ZF TRW airbags and related airbag failures in 2019. This ongoing probe encompasses about 12.3 million vehicles. ZF TRW has not recalled any of the allegedly defective airbag components, but a few automakers — Chrysler, Hyundai, and Kia — have recalled some vehicles equipped with the defective ACUs.

The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation is currently investigating ZF TRW airbags in the following vehicles:

Acura

  • 2014-2019 RLX
  • 2014-2019 RLX Hybrid
  • 2012-2014 TL
  • 2015-2017 TLX
  • 2012-2014 TSX
  • 2012-2014 TSX Sport Wagon

Dodge

  • 2010-2011 Nitro
  • 2009-2012 Ram 1500
  • 2010-2012 Ram 2500
  • 2010-2012 Ram 3500
  • 2011-2012 Ram 4500
  • 2011-2012 Ram 5500

Fiat

  • 2012-2019 Fiat 500

Honda

  • 2013-2015 Accord
  • 2014-2015 Accord Hybrid
  • 2012-2015 Civic, GX, Hybrid, Si
  • 2012-2016 CR-V
  • 2012-2017 Fit
  • 2013-2014 Fit EV
  • 2012-2014 Ridgeline

Hyundai

  • 2013-2019 Sonata
  • 2013-2019 Sonata Hybrid

Jeep

  • 2015-2017 Compass
  • 2010-2012 Liberty
  • 2015-2017 Patriot
  • 2010-2018 Wrangler

Kia

  • 2013 Forte
  • 2013 Forte Koup
  • 2013-2019 Optima
  • 2012-2016 Optima Hybrid
  • 2014 Sedona

Mitsubishi

  • 2013-2017 Lancer
  • 2013-2015 Lancer Evolution
  • 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart
  • 2013-2016 Lancer Sportback
  • 2013 Outlander

Toyota

  • 2012-2018 Toyota Avalon
  • 2013-2018 Avalon Hybrid
  • 2011-2019 Corolla
  • 2017-2018 Corolla iM
  • 2011-2013 Corolla Matrix
  • 2012-2017 Sequoia
  • 2012-2019 Tacoma
  • 2012-2017 Tundra

Is My Vehicle On An Airbag Recall List?

Car owners can check the NHTSA website at www.SaferCar.gov for their vehicle’s VIN periodically to see if it is included in an airbag recall. Manufacturers will continue to add VINs to the database. Once owner recall notices are available, owners can retrieve a copy from SaferCar.gov, or will receive one by U.S. mail. Anyone whose vehicle is included on an airbag recall list is strongly advised to follow the instructions for having their airbag repaired or replaced.

Do I Have An Auto Airbag Settlement Claim?

On Feb. 21, 2018, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware confirmed the reorganization plan of Takata Corporation’s U.S. unit, TK Holdings, clearing the way for the Takata Airbag Individual Restitution Fund (IRF).

The $975 million Takata fund allocates $125 million to personal injury and wrongful death claimants – past, present, and future victims of Takata’s defective airbags, regardless of the vehicle in which the airbags were installed.

What Should I Do?

If you feel you have a claim involving a defective airbag of any type, our attorneys would like to talk to you. You may be entitled to compensation. If you or someone you know has been involved in a vehicle accident and suffered serious injuries you feel are related to an airbag that did not operate properly – either not deploying, or exploding with too much force, we would like to hear from you.

Related News

1 2 3

Free Case Evaluation

Since 1979, Beasley Allen has been committed to “helping those who need it most.” Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients get the justice they desperately needed and deserved. You pay us nothing if we do not win for you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

For Disclaimers, see our Terms of Use.

Free Case Evaluation Full - Updated

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.