Injured by a Takata Airbag in 2024? Here’s What You Need to Know
Even though the Takata airbag recall began more than a decade ago, people are still being seriously injured in 2026 by these defective airbags. Millions of vehicles remain on the road with unrepaired Takata inflators, and when they deploy, the consequences can be catastrophic.
If you or a loved one were injured by a Takata airbag this year, you are not alone — and you may have important legal rights. Takata injuries and more recalls are still occurring even in 2025 and 2026. Below is what every injured driver or passenger should know right now.
Why Takata Airbags Are Still Dangerous in 2026
Takata airbags are defective because they use ammonium nitrate propellant, a chemical that becomes unstable over time. Exposure to heat, humidity, and aging can cause the inflator to explode violently instead of deploying safely.
When that happens, the airbag can send metal shrapnel into the vehicle cabin at high speed. These fragments often strike the face, neck, chest, or arms, causing devastating injuries — and in many cases, death.
Despite years of recalls:
- Millions of vehicles have never been repaired
- Some owners were never notified
- Others delayed repairs due to parts shortages or inconvenience
- Certain older vehicles are now subject to “Do Not Drive” warnings
That’s why Takata airbag injuries are still occurring today.
Common Injuries Caused by Takata Airbag Explosions
Takata airbag injuries are often far more severe than typical airbag-related harm. Victims frequently suffer:
- Facial fractures and skull injuries
- Severe lacerations to the face, neck, or arms
- Eye injuries or permanent vision loss
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Chest trauma and internal organ damage
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
In the most extreme cases, victims bleed out within seconds of impact due to penetrating shrapnel wounds.
What to Do Immediately After a Takata Airbag Injury
If you were seriously hurt, it’s critical to understand what to do after a serious Takata airbag injury, both medically and legally, to protect your health and your claim. Your actions after the crash matter. If you suspect a Takata airbag was involved:
- Seek emergency medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Preserve the vehicle — do not repair, sell, or destroy it
- Photograph the interior, especially the airbag, dashboard, and metal fragments
- Request a copy of the police crash report
- Do not sign releases or accept settlement offers without legal advice
These cases depend heavily on physical evidence, and once a vehicle is altered or salvaged, key proof may be lost forever.
Was Your Vehicle Subject to the Takata Recall?
Many injured drivers don’t realize their car was recalled until after the explosion.
Takata airbags were installed in vehicles from nearly every major manufacturer, including Honda, Toyota, Ford, BMW, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and others. Some models were recalled multiple times as replacement airbags were later found to be defective as well.
You can check whether your vehicle was affected by reviewing the Takata recall list of vehicles, which outlines known makes, models, and model years tied to dangerous inflators.
You should also run your VIN through a Takata airbag recall VIN lookup, which can confirm whether:
- Your car was recalled
- The recall repair was completed
- The vehicle was subject to a “Do Not Drive” warning
Even if a recall repair was supposedly done, injuries may still qualify for legal action depending on the inflator used.
In 2026, Can You Still File a Claim for a Takata Airbag Injury?
Yes. Victims injured by Takata airbags still are eligible to pursue compensation through an exploding airbag injury claim.
These claims are typically product liability cases and may involve:
- Takata (the airbag manufacturer)
- The automaker
- Parts suppliers or distributors
You do not need to prove the airbag was recalled before the crash — only that the airbag was defective and caused your injuries.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the severity of your injuries, a Takata airbag lawsuit may seek damages for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In fatal cases, families may pursue wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Each case is different, and compensation depends on medical evidence, liability, and long-term impact.
Is There a Deadline to File a Claim?
Yes — and this is critical.
Every state has a statute of limitations that strictly limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. In many states, the clock starts running on the date of injury, not the date you learned the airbag was defective.
Waiting too long could permanently bar your claim, even if your injuries are severe.
Why You Should Speak With a Takata Airbag Attorney
Takata airbag cases are complex, high-stakes product liability claims involving corporate defendants, technical evidence, and federal recall data.
An experienced Takata airbag attorney can:
- Preserve critical vehicle and airbag evidence
- Identify all responsible parties
- Work with engineering and medical experts
- Handle negotiations with manufacturers and insurers
- Fight for full compensation, not quick settlements
Most firms offer free case reviews and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you.
If you or a loved one were injured, don’t wait — Contact Us for a Free Review to understand your rights and next steps.
The Bottom Line
Takata airbags remain one of the deadliest automotive defects in U.S. history, and injuries are still happening in 2024. If a defective airbag caused you harm, you may be entitled to significant compensation — but timing and evidence are crucial.
Taking action now can protect your health, your family, and your legal rights.