Faulty Airbags in a Car Crash: Can You Sue the Manufacturer?

What Happens When an Airbag Doesn’t Deploy?

Airbags are designed to be life-saving safety features in a car accident. They act as a protective cushion between vehicle occupants and the hard surfaces of the vehicle's interior. Using small explosive charges, airbags deploy within milliseconds of impact, preventing severe personal injury by absorbing the force of a collision.

However, vehicle occupants are vulnerable to serious injuries the airbag was supposed to prevent when deployment fails. Without proper protection, victims may suffer:

• Head and neck trauma from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or side panels
• Broken ribs and chest injuries from unrestrained impact against the seatbelt
• The violent force of a crash causes traumatic brain injuries
• Facial fractures and eye injuries from striking the windshield or side windows
• Internal bleeding and organ damage due to the force of the collision

Understanding Airbag Defects: What Went Wrong?

Not every car accident triggers an airbag deployment, as they are designed to activate only when the electronic control unit (ECU) detects a significant impact. The system relies on sensors, wiring, and inflators to work in perfect sync, ensuring that the airbag inflates at the right moment. However, defects can prevent deployment or cause malfunction, putting vehicle occupants at a higher risk of serious injuries.

The most common reasons they fail to deploy

• Defective crash sensors: Airbags rely on sensors to detect impact, but if they fail to register a crash or send a delayed signal, the system may not activate when needed
• Electrical malfunctions: Wiring issues or a faulty electronic control unit can prevent the airbag deployment signal from reaching the inflators, rendering the safety system useless
• Manufacturing defects: Errors in the manufacturing process can lead to defects, such as weak inflators or improperly calibrated sensors, increasing the likelihood of failure
• Improper repairs: Unqualified repairs or DIY repairs can accidentally disconnect or disable the system, making it inoperable in a crash
• Faulty inflators: The inflator is responsible for filling the front airbags with gas upon impact. A defective inflator may fail to deploy it or, in some cases, cause it to explode with excessive force, increasing the risk of injury

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Faulty Airbag?

Car manufacturer

Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that safety features like airbags function correctly. If a car manufacturer designs a faulty airbag system, fails to issue a recall for known defects, or installs defective inflators, they can be held accountable for damages caused by the malfunction.

Airbag manufacturer

Many modern vehicles use airbags produced by third-party companies rather than manufactured directly by car companies. If the manufacturer produces faulty airbags, defective sensors, or poorly assembled components, they may be liable for serious injuries resulting from the failure.

Dealerships and repair shops

If a dealership knowingly sells a car with a defective system or a repair shop improperly installs or replaces a system, they may share responsibility. DIY repairs and unqualified aftermarket modifications can also contribute to deployment failures, making repair shops potentially liable if their negligence compromises the vehicle's safety features.

Parts suppliers and technology providers

Airbags rely on multiple components beyond just the inflator and cushion. Companies manufacturing the sensors, wiring, software, and electronic control units (ECU) are critical in ensuring proper deployment. If parts malfunction or are defectively designed, the supplier or technology provider could be responsible.

Shared liability

In many product liability cases, multiple responsible parties may be at fault. Depending on the circumstances, the car manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, repair shop, or parts supplier could all share legal liability. A personal injury lawyer can help investigate the manufacturing process, identify potential defects, and determine who should be held accountable in legal action.

The Legal Grounds for a Lawsuit

If your airbag fails to deploy or malfunctions, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit under several legal theories. The right approach depends on the cause of the defect and the responsible parties involved.

• Product liability: Most airbag defect lawsuits fall under product liability law, which holds manufacturers accountable for dangerous or defective products
  • Design defect: Some airbags are inherently flawed due to poor design, making them prone to failing in a crash. If an airbag was unsafe from the start, the manufacturer can be held responsible
  • Manufacturing defect: Even if the airbag was properly designed, mistakes in the manufacturing process can lead to faulty components. If it fails due to production errors, victims may have a claim
  • Failure to warn: Automakers and airbag manufacturers must provide proper safety warnings, and issue recalls for known defects. If they fail to do so, they can be sued for not informing consumers of the risks
• Negligence: A company may be negligent if it ignores safety regulations, uses substandard materials, or fails to test its airbags properly. If negligence caused the defect, victims may be able to seek compensation
• Breach of warranty: If a car was sold with a warranty promising working safety features, but the airbags failed, the manufacturer may have breached that promise. Buyers can pursue legal action if the product does not perform as guaranteed
• Strict liability: In some states, manufacturers are automatically responsible for defective airbags, even if they weren’t negligent. If a defect caused injuries, victims may not have to prove fault to recover damages

What would disqualify you from filing a lawsuit?

Not all airbag defect lawsuits qualify for compensation; certain factors may disqualify your claim. If the accident did not generate enough force to trigger deployments—such as in a low-speed collision or minor fender bender—then the airbag may have functioned as intended.

Additionally, if you disabled or modified the system by turning off the passenger-side airbag or attempting a DIY repair, this could prevent a successful claim. Prior vehicle damage that affected the system but was never properly repaired may also weaken your case, as manufacturers are not liable for external factors that interfere with airbag function.

What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Your Case?

Building a strong case for a faulty airbag lawsuit requires clear evidence demonstrating that the airbag should have been deployed but failed. Several pieces of evidence can help establish liability and support your compensation claim.

• A forensic expert can examine the vehicle’s system to determine why it didn’t deploy. This may include checking crash sensors, electrical components, and the overall condition of the airbag inflators
• The police report provides an official account of the accident, while medical records document your injuries. These records help prove that the lack of deployment contributed to more severe injuries
• Testimonies from passengers, bystanders, or other drivers can help confirm that the airbags failed to deploy. If available, traffic or security camera footage can provide visual proof of the crash and the malfunctions
• Your case will strengthen if the car or airbag manufacturer has previously issued recalls or received complaints about defective airbags. It shows that similar failures have occurred and that the manufacturer was aware of potential defects

How to File a Lawsuit Against a Car Manufacturer

• Preserve evidence: Do not repair, sell, or discard your vehicle before an expert inspects it. The airbag system, crash data, and vehicle damage provide critical evidence to prove that the airbag was defective
• Identify liable parties: Your lawsuit may involve multiple defendants, including the car manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, parts suppliers, or even a repair shop
• File the lawsuit: Product liability claims must be filed within the statute of limitations, which varies by state but typically ranges from 2 to 4 years. Missing this deadline can prevent you from seeking compensation
• Seek compensation: Many cases are settled through negotiations, where the manufacturer may offer a payout. However, if a fair settlement isn’t reached, your lawyer can take the case to court to fight for your deserved compensation

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Faulty Airbag Lawsuit?

• If the car company or airbag manufacturer refuses to acknowledge the defect or compensate you adequately, legal representation can help you fight back
• If you suffered traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal bleeding, or other severe harm due to airbag failure, a lawyer can help you pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• If the airbag in your vehicle was subject to a recall, your lawyer can investigate whether the manufacturer failed to properly address known defects
• Product liability lawsuits against large manufacturers can be complex, requiring expert testimony, technical evidence, and legal knowledge. A lawyer ensures all legal deadlines are met and builds a strong case on your behalf

An experienced attorney will investigate the defect, reviewing past recalls, safety complaints, and product liability cases involving the manufacturer. They will work with accident reconstruction experts, engineers, and medical professionals to prove that the airbag failed due to a defect.

Additionally, a lawyer can handle negotiations with the manufacturer or insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. They will take your case to court and fight for a fair outcome if necessary.

The Bottom Line

Airbags are one of the most important safety features in modern vehicles, designed to prevent severe injuries in a crash. But the consequences can be devastating when they fail to deploy, deploy too forcefully, or malfunction due to defects. Victims may suffer head trauma, broken bones, or other serious injuries that could have been prevented. When this happens, holding the responsible parties accountable is crucial—not just for your recovery but to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.

If you were injured due to a faulty airbag, you may have legal options to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Navigating a claim against a manufacturer can be complex, but legal help is available. Don’t wait to take action—visit YourAccident.com to explore your options and get the support you need.