Honda Airbag Lawsuit

Based on an investigation conducted by the NHTSA, the issue with the inflators comes as a result of the weld slag produced by the friction welding manufacturing process. The report states that should the weld sag become dislodged, it can cause a "blockage of the inflator exit orifice" when the airbag deploys, which can lead to over-pressurization and the rupture of the inflator. This rupture can send shrapnel or metal fragments from the inflator into the passenger compartment, risking severe or even life-threatening injuries. 

Since 2009, roughly seven people have been injured by the rupturing ARC airbag inflators, and two deaths have been reported in the U.S. and Canada. On October 5, 2023, the NHTSA held a public meeting in Washington, DC, to discuss its initial decision over certain frontal driver and passenger air bag inflators manufactured by ARC and Delphi through January 2018 that contain a “defect related to motor vehicle safety” should be recalled.

While both the ARC and Takata airbag inflators were recalled for risk of explosions, the initial issue behind the two differ. As uncovered by the NHTSA, the Takata airbags contained the chemical compound ammonium nitrate. The compound was used as a propellant and housed in a metal canister in the steering wheel or behind the passenger dash. However, the compound used is highly volatile and sensitive to moisture and heat, which can degrade the propellant and generate too much pressure too quickly. 

In the case of the vehicles equipped with the Takata airbag inflators, multiple incidents of exploding inflators were reported, which left the vehicle occupants with severe injuries or, in some cases, dead. Due to the dangers behind the Takata airbag inflators, over 65 million vehicles have been recalled around the world, making it one of the largest auto recalls. For more information about the Takata recall, contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today.

Listed below are some of the Honda vehicles affected by the ARC and Takata airbag recalls. 

• 2001-2012 Accord
• 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour
• 2001-2011 Civic 2013-2016 ILX
• 2012-2015 Crosstour
• 2002-2011 CR-V
• 2011-2015 CR-Z
• 2003-2011 Element
• 2010-2014 FCX Clarity
• 2007-2014 Fit
• 2010-2014 Insight 
• 2002-2004 Odyssey 
• 2003-2015 Pilot
• 2006-2014 Ridgeline

Honda customers who suspect their vehicles may have been involved in a recall but are unable to verify can enter their vehicle's 17 character identification number (VIN) into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to learn more. Your car's VIN is located on the lower left of your car's windshield, on your car's registration card, or may be shown on your insurance card. Vehicle owners can also enter their VIN into Honda's search engine in order to learn if their vehicles are affected. 

Honda customers who are unable to verify if their vehicle is affected online can also contact their local Honda dealership to learn more.

Due to the explosive nature of the airbag inflators, drivers or passengers who operate a vehicle with the defective airbags equipped may suffer from the following injuries. 

• Bleeding of the brain
• Burns
• Facial fractures
• Dental injuries
• Eye injuries
• Jawbone injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations
• Skull fractures
• Deep lacerations
• Abrasions
• Hearing loss
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Neck injuries

In some cases, the injuries sustained due to a defective airbag may lead to death. If you or someone you know owns a Honda vehicle and have suffered an injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation. For more information on the Honda airbag lawsuit, contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today.

While the ARC and Takata airbag inflators pose a risk to drivers' safety, disabling your airbags could put you at further risk of severe injuries in accidents. Drivers who are concerned about the safety of their vehicle's airbags should contact their local Honda dealership to learn more about what their best and safest options are.

Victims who have suffered injuries due to a defective airbag may be eligible to recover financial compensation. However, the amount awarded may vary from case to case; some of the most significant factors in determining the value of your case can include the costs related to any medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. For an accurate estimation of what you may be eligible to recover, we highly encourage you to speak with an experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan.

If you have suffered an injury or have lost a loved one due to a defective airbag, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. To learn more information, contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today. Speaking with an experienced attorney will only increase your chances of recovering the compensation you and your loved ones deserve after you've been injured by a defective airbag. For questions regarding the recent airbags recall, contact our law firm today by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form.

Working with an experienced attorney can significantly increase your chances of recovering the compensation you and your loved ones are entitled to after an injury. Our attorneys will assess the specifics of your case and determine your next best steps. For more information on how a Morgan & Morgan attorney can help you, or if you have questions about your Honda airbag claim, contact our law firm today by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form.