Exploding Takata Airbags and Metal Shrapnel Causing Eye, Facial, and Brain Injuries
Did you suffer injuries from an Exploding Takata Airbag with Eye Injuries, or Facial Lacerations? Free Case Review
When a Takata airbag inflator ruptures, it is not a routine deployment. It is an explosion. Instead of inflating as a protective cushion, the metal inflator housing can fracture and propel sharp metal fragments into the vehicle cabin. These fragments may strike the eyes, face, neck, and head at high velocity, causing severe and sometimes fatal injuries.
Takata Inflator Housing After Rupture
These events differ fundamentally from ordinary airbag contact injuries. Takata inflator ruptures produce distinctive, rupture-related injury patterns penetrating metal shrapnel wounds and blast-force trauma that differ materially from routine abrasions or minor deployment burns. These rupture events frequently result in catastrophic metal shrapnel injuries caused by high-velocity fragments expelled from the inflator housing. The mechanism involves high-energy fragmentation of the inflator housing itself, creating injury dynamics more consistent with an explosive metal failure than a standard restraint system deployment. They also commonly cause devastating eye and vision loss due to penetrating trauma and blast-force pressure to the face and orbital structures.
These events differ fundamentally from ordinary airbag contact injuries. Takata inflator ruptures produce distinctive, rupture-related injury patterns penetrating metal shrapnel wounds and blast-force trauma that differ materially from routine abrasions or minor deployment burns. These rupture events frequently result in catastrophic metal shrapnel injuries caused by high-velocity fragments expelled from the inflator housing. The mechanism involves high-energy fragmentation of the inflator housing itself, creating injury dynamics more consistent with an explosive metal failure than a standard restraint system deployment. They also commonly cause devastating eye and vision loss due to penetrating trauma and blast-force pressure to the face and orbital structures.
Airbag With Holes from Exploded Metal Shrapnel
Unlike routine airbag deployments, Takata rupture incidents involve ammonium nitrate propellant that can degrade over time, particularly in regions exposed to prolonged heat and humidity. As the chemical compound destabilizes, the inflator may rupture under pressure rather than inflate properly. These failures ultimately led to one of the largest automotive safety actions in U.S. history the Takata airbag recall which expanded over many years as additional vehicles and inflator models were identified. Federal investigations and nationwide recalls have linked these inflator failures to severe trauma across multiple vehicle manufacturers.
The engineering failures and recall history underlying these cases are examined in our overview of Takata airbag defects, which explains how inflator rupture differs fundamentally from standard airbag deployment. Victims of exploding Takata airbags have suffered life-altering injuries, including:
- Globe rupture
- * Detached retinas
- * Optic nerve damage
- * Orbital fractures
- * Permanent blindness and vision loss
- * Deep facial lacerations
- * Permanent scarring -disfigurement
- * Brain bleed (intracranial hemorrhage)
- * Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- * Diffuse axonal injury
- * Penetrating metal shrapnel wounds
- * Neck trauma and carotid artery damage
- * Internal hemorrhage and fatal injuries
Each of these inflator explosion injuries may give rise to a substantial product liability claim against the responsible manufacturer and requires prompt evidence preservation, forensic examination of the airbag module, and expert defect analysis.
Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer Since 1988
David P. Willis is Board-Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction earned by fewer than 2% of Texas attorneys. He is a former Briefing Attorney to the Supreme Court of Texas and has more than 40 years of experience handling complex product defects and catastrophic injury litigation. Licensed in multiple jurisdictions (Texas – 1983 & New York – 2005). He represents clients in serious Takata airbag injury matters involving inflator rupture and metal shrapnel trauma.
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Why Takata Inflator Rupture Cases Are Different
Takata inflator rupture claims are not typical car accident lawsuits. They involve allegations of defective design, unstable propellant, manufacturing flaws, and failure to warn. Proving these cases often requires:
- * Preservation of the deployed airbag module
- * Inspection of the inflator housing
- * Engineering analysis
- * Review of recall documentation
- * Medical expert evaluation
Once a vehicle is salvaged or destroyed, critical evidence may be permanently lost. Before allowing an insurer to dispose of your vehicle, review our guidance on preserving Takata airbag lawsuit evidence and understand the applicable Takata airbag lawsuit filing deadlines.
If you are unsure whether your vehicle was subject to recall, you can confirm through the official NHTSA VIN recall lookup tool.
Major Vehicle Manufacturers Affected by Takata Airbag Recalls
Takata inflators were installed in vehicles across numerous global automakers, resulting in one of the largest automotive defect recalls in United States history. The defective inflators were primarily installed in model years 2002-2015, though some recalls include a few models in 2017-2019 even. Federal regulators have reported that more than 60 million vehicles nationwide were equipped with Takata airbags containing potentially unstable inflators.
Over the past decade, tens of millions of those inflators have been recalled due to rupture risk and catastrophic injury potential. Yet millions of vehicles remain unrepaired, particularly older models that have changed ownership. As Takata inflators age, rupture risk may increase especially in high-heat and high-humidity environments.
Manufacturers most frequently associated with Takata inflators include the following automakers. A detailed breakdown of affected makes, models, and model years can be found on our Takata airbag recall vehicle list page.
- * Honda BMW
- * Acura Ford
- * Toyota Mazda
- * Nissan Subaru
- * Chevrolet. Dodge
- * GMC Lexus
Honda and Acura were among the largest users of early-generation inflators and have been heavily represented in documented exploding inflator injury incidents.
Heat, Humidity & Increased Rupture Risk
Federal investigations have identified prolonged exposure to heat and humidity as a significant factor in inflator degradation. The ammonium nitrate propellant used in certain Takata inflators can become unstable over time, particularly in warm and humid climates.
For this reason, rupture-related eye injuries, facial injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and fatal shrapnel injuries have been disproportionately reported in southern states such as Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Geographic exposure, inflator generation, and vehicle age can all influence injury risk.
“Do Not Drive” Warnings & Unrepaired Vehicles
In the most serious cases, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued “Do Not Drive” warnings for specific vehicles equipped with especially dangerous inflator generations. A “Do Not Drive” warning means the vehicle should not be operated at all until the airbag is repaired or replaced due to a heightened risk of explosive rupture and severe injury.
Despite years of recall efforts, millions of vehicles remain on the road without repair. Many drivers are unaware their vehicle still contains a recalled Takata inflator. You can determine whether your vehicle is subject to an active recall or warning by reviewing the current Takata Do Not Drive warnings list to see whether your vehicle has been identified as posing a particularly serious injury risk.
If a ruptured inflator caused blindness, facial disfigurement, traumatic brain injury, neck or arterial damage, internal bleeding, or death, those injuries may form the basis of a Takata airbag injury lawsuit.
Can You Still File a Takata Injury Lawsuit?
Many individuals assume they are barred from pursuing a claim because of factors that may apply in ordinary car accident cases. However, Takata airbag cases are product liability lawsuits, which are legally distinct from negligence claims arising from the collision itself. You may still have a viable Takata airbag injury lawsuit even if:
- * The crash was minor but, air injuries are severe
- * You were partially at fault in causing the collision
- * You have settled a claim against another driver
- * The insurance company salvaged the vehicle
- * The statute of limitations may have expired
- * The recall was issued after your incident
- * Takata filed for bankruptcy protection
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Speak With a Takata Airbag Lawyer Today.
Why Choose Willis Law Firm for a Takata Airbag Lawsuit
Takata inflator rupture litigation is complex product liability litigation. These cases require detailed defect investigation, preservation of the airbag module and vehicle components, engineering analysis of inflator performance, and coordination with medical and economic experts. Successfully pursuing a Takata airbag lawsuit demands more than handling an ordinary car accident claim. It requires experience confronting manufacturers, understanding recall history, and preparing a case for trial if necessary.
David P. Willis has been a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1988. Board certification reflects tested, substantial experience and demonstrated competence in trial law. Less than 2% of the Texas attorneys have earned this important specialization. For more than four decades, Willis Law Firm has represented individuals and families in complex catastrophic injury and product defect cases.
Our qualifications include:
- * Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer
- * $100,000,000’s Recovered for Former Clients
- * Former Attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas
- * 40+ years of Handling Complex Product Defect Cases
- * All Cases Handled on a No Fees if No Recovery Basis
Takata airbag cases often involve multinational manufacturers, corporate defendants, and substantial legal resources on the defense side. These matters require careful preparation, expert coordination, and willingness to litigate aggressively when necessary.
If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injury due to a ruptured Takata airbag, early investigation may be essential. The airbag module, vehicle data, and recall documentation must often be preserved before repair or salvage occurs. Free Case Consultations are available to review Takata airbag injury and product liability claims.
Call us 24/7 at 1-866-AIRBAGS or request a Free Online Case Review
“As a trial lawyer & former Texas Judge, when my own daughter got seriously injured, I thought of no other lawyer to call to handle my daughter’s injury case except David Willis.”
– Ben C.“When my husband got seriously injured we interviewed lots of trial lawyers until we met Mr. Willis. Instantly we knew he was the one. He didn’t let us down. His tenacity and fight changed our lives.”
– Sherry Lynn B.“They supported me through an accident and made sure all of my medical bills were covered as well as maximizing my returns. Everyone was professional and responsive while they helped me navigate through an entirely new process. Would highly recommend!”
– Emily D.After my husband suffered a traumatic brain injury from a fall off scaffolding on a movie set our family attorney recommended David Willis. We met him and instantly liked him. Soon he and another lawyer hired experts and filed a lawsuit against the movie producer and scaffolding company. The case was settled our of court. Mr. Willis was always there for us. In fact, we even asked him to our daughter’s quinceanera party for her 15th birthday and he and his wife came. We will forever be grateful to him.
– Linda R.$100,000,000’s
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Takata Airbag Lawsuit FAQs
Did a Takata airbag cause my injuries?
If you suffered serious injury during an airbag deployment — especially involving metal fragments, unexpected explosion, or excessive force — a defective Takata inflator may have been involved. Many victims are unaware their vehicle contained a recalled airbag at the time of the crash. A careful review of recall history and the airbag module can help determine whether a product defect contributed to your injuries.
Can I still pursue a Takata airbag lawsuit if I was at fault in the wreck?
Yes. Takata cases are product liability lawsuits, which are legally separate from fault in the collision itself. Even if you caused or contributed to the crash, you may still have the right to pursue a claim if a defective airbag caused or worsened your injuries.
Is my car’s airbag dangerous?
Millions of vehicles were equipped with Takata inflators that were later recalled due to rupture risk. The safest way to determine whether your vehicle is subject to recall is to check your 17-character VIN through the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) NHTSA Vin Recall Lookup Tool. (nhtsa.gov/recalls)
Will I have to go to court?
Not every Takata lawsuit proceeds to trial. Some claims are resolved through negotiated settlement. However, because these cases involve manufacturers and complex defect issues, litigation may be necessary in certain situations. Each case depends on the evidence, injury severity, and legal posture of the parties involved.
Will this cost me anything?
No. We handle Takata airbag injury lawsuits under a contingency fee agreement. There are no attorney’s fees or litigation expenses unless compensation is recovered. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.
Since Takata filed bankruptcy, can I still file a claim?
Yes. Although Takata filed for bankruptcy in 2017, a compensation trust and related legal mechanisms were established to address certain injury claims. In addition, lawsuits may involve other responsible parties, including vehicle manufacturers or component suppliers.
Can I still sue if I already settled my auto accident claim?
Possibly. Settling a negligence claim against another driver does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a product liability lawsuit against the airbag manufacturer or vehicle maker. However, the language of prior settlement agreements and the status of the vehicle may affect your legal options.
It is especially important to preserve the vehicle and airbag module. If a vehicle is salvaged or destroyed, proving a rupture defect may become significantly more difficult.
Can I Still File a Takata Airbag Injury Lawsuit If My Vehicle Was Recalled or Repaired?
Yes. A recall repair does not eliminate your right to file an individual injury lawsuit.
Recall programs typically provide replacement of the airbag module — they do not compensate victims for serious injuries or wrongful death. Product liability claims focus on whether a defective Takata inflator ruptured or worsened your injuries, not simply on who caused the crash.
If the airbag explosion caused additional harm beyond the collision itself, you may still have a viable claim even if the vehicle was later repaired.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Takata Airbag Injury Case?
Liability may extend beyond Takata.
Vehicle manufacturers installed the defective inflators into millions of vehicles. Depending on the circumstances, a lawsuit may include claims against:
- * The automaker
- * Component manufacturers
- * Distributors or other entities in the supply chain
Product liability law allows injured victims to pursue all parties responsible for placing a defective and unreasonably dangerous product into the stream of commerce.
Does Takata’s Bankruptcy Prevent Me From Filing a Claim?
No. Takata’s 2017 bankruptcy does not automatically bar injury claims.
Compensation trusts and related legal mechanisms were established to address certain injury cases. In addition, other responsible companies — including automakers — may still be subject to suit.
The strength of a claim depends on the facts of the crash, the vehicle involved, and applicable state law.
Is There a Deadline to File a Takata Airbag Injury Lawsuit?
Yes. Strict statutes of limitation apply and vary by state.
Evidence preservation is often critical. The airbag module, inflator components, crash data, and vehicle condition may be central to proving that a ruptured inflator caused or worsened the injury. If a vehicle has been salvaged, destroyed, or repaired, critical evidence may be lost.
For this reason, early legal evaluation is strongly recommended.
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