How Many People Have Been Injured by Takata Airbags?

Nov 25, 2024Crash-Related Injuries

While auto manufacturers sold tens of millions of vehicles equipped with defective Takata airbags in the 2000s and 2010s, the number of people injured by these airbags is fairly small by comparison. But, while this may be true, the statistics are meaningless for those who are coping with the life-altering effects of severe airbag-related trauma. If you are struggling to cope with a Takata airbag injury, you need to focus on your specific circumstances, and you should speak with an attorney about your legal rights.

With that said, it can be helpful to know that you are not alone. Keep reading to find out how many people have been injured by Takata airbags—and to find out what these victims are doing to make sure they receive the financial compensation they deserve.

The Number of People Injured by Takata Airbags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) keeps track of the number of reported cases of injuries caused by defective Takata airbags. The NHTSA is a federal government agency, and it is responsible for managing vehicle-related recalls—including the Takata airbag recall. As a result, it is a reliable source of information on this topic.

These are the latest figures according to the NHTSA:

Non-Fatal Takata Airbag Injury Reports – The NHTSA has confirmed 400 cases of non-fatal Takata airbag-related injuries.
Fatal Takata Airbag Injury Reports – The NHTSA has confirmed that 28 people have lost their lives due to defective Tataka airbag inflator malfunctions.

With tens of millions of vehicles equipped with more than 100 million defective Takata airbags, these numbers can seem relatively small. But, it is still important to remember that this is hundreds of people—and dozens of families—who are living with life-altering consequences that should never have happened. As a result, Takata airbag injuries are a major issue, and this is made clear by the fact that the NHTSA is taking the Takata airbag recall so seriously.

In fact, beyond issuing a recall and requiring auto manufacturers to replace defective Takata airbags at no cost to vehicle owners, the NHTSA has also issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for certain makes and models. While the NHTSA recommends against driving any vehicle equipped with a defective Takata airbag if possible, it has identified specific concerns with the following vehicles (potentially among others):

Acura 3.2 TL (2002-2003)
Acura 3.2 CL (2003)
BMW 3 Series (2000-2006)
BMW 5 Series (2000-2003)
BMW X5 (2000-2004)
Chrysler 300 (2005-2010)
Dodge Challenger (2005-2010)
Dodge Charger (2005-2010)
Dodge Magnum (2005-2010)
Dodge Ram 1500 (2003)
Ford Edge (2007-2010)
Ford Fusion (2006-2012)
Ford GT (2005-2006)
Ford Mustang (2005-2014)
Ford Ranger (2004-2011)
Honda Accord (2001-2002)
Honda Civic (2001-2002)
Honda CR-V (2002)
Honda Odyssey (2002)
Honda Pilot (2003)
Infiniti QX4 (2002-2003)
Mazda B-Series (2004-2009)
Mazda CX-7 (2007-2012)
Mazda CX-9 (2007-2015)
Mazda MPV (2004-2006)
Mazda RX-8 (2004-2011)
Mazda6 (2003-2013)
MazdaSpeed6 (2006-2007)
Nissan Pathfinder (2002-2004)
Nissan Sentra (2002-2006)
Pontiac Vibe (2003-2004)
Toyota Corolla (2003-2004)
Toyota RAV4 (2004-2005)

Again, these are not the only vehicles equipped with defective Takata airbags, but rather vehicles for which the NHTSA has issued a “Do Not Drive” warning. The list of recalled vehicles is far longer, and if you are not sure whether your vehicle is subject to the Takata airbag recall, you can (and should) check on the NHTSA’s recall website.

The Most Common Types of Takata Airbag Injuries

While most Takata airbag failures are similar, these failures can cause a wide range of injuries. In a typical scenario, issues with the airbag’s inflator cause it to explode rather than deploying properly—sending chemicals and debris flying toward drivers and passengers while also failing to properly cushion the impact of the collision. As a result, some of the most common types of Takata airbag injuries include:

Broken Bones

Broken bones are common injuries resulting from Takata airbag failures. When an airbag fails to inflate properly, it cannot serve its intended purpose of protecting drivers and passengers from severe blunt-force trauma. Even in relatively low-speed collisions, the forces involved can still be more than enough to cause fractures throughout the body.

Chest Injuries

Chest injuries are extremely common in cases involving airbag failures, and they can also be extremely dangerous. These include rib fractures, collapsed lungs, pulmonary contusions and chest wall injuries, among others. In many cases, chest injuries resulting from airbag failures will constitute medical emergencies.

Facial Injuries

Takata airbag failures can cause several types of serious facial injuries. These include severe lacerations and burns as well as injuries to the eyes, nose and jaw. Sadly, in many cases, these injuries will cause both permanent disabilities and permanent disfigurement—leaving victims with daily reminders of what happened.

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries, including whiplash, are common airbag-related injuries as well. In modern vehicles, airbags and seatbelts are designed to work in tandem. If a seatbelt functions properly and an airbag does not, this can cause violent thrusting of the head or body that exerts more strain than the neck can bear.

Organ Damage and Internal Bleeding

Along with collapsed lungs, Takata airbag failures can cause other types of organ damage as well. This includes damage to the stomach, intestines and kidneys. Internal bleeding is another very real concern, and this can also be a medical emergency.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Takata airbag failures have caused concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in many cases. If an airbag fails to deploy properly, this can leave the driver or passenger’s head completely exposed. The force of a defective airbag explosion can cause severe brain trauma as well.

Talk to a Lawyer About Filing a Takata Airbag Injury Claim for Free

If you have questions about filing a claim for an airbag-related injury, we encourage you to contact us promptly for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are accepting Takata airbag injury cases nationwide. To discuss your legal rights with an experienced lawyer in confidence as soon as possible, call 866-247-2247 or tell us how we can reach you online now.