Toyota Pays $78.5 Million To Resolve Claims Related To Defective Airbags
Toyota has agreed to pay $78.5 million to settle claims related to a defective airbag. The lawsuit alleged that several models had defective airbags that could malfunction during a crash. Specifically, these airbags would fail to deploy during an accident resulting in potential injury to the driver or front passenger. The settlement benefits owners and lessees of the following vehicles:
- 2011 – 2019 Toyota Corolla
- 2011 – 2013 Toyota Corolla Matrix
- 2012 – 2018 Toyota Avalon
- 2013 – 2018 Toyota Avalon HV
- 2012 – 2019 Toyota Tacoma
- 2012 – 2017 Toyota Tundra
- 2012 – 2017 Toyota Sequoia
Drivers are instructed to look up their VIN to check for their eligibility.
Defective airbag lawsuits
Airbags are an integral safety feature that is now standard on commuter vehicles. The airbag system uses a sensor to detect a potential collision and then deploys when a collision has occurred. This provides a cushion for the driver’s head that absorbs a potential blow to the steering wheel. Airbags reduce the potential injuries caused to a driver during a crash and save lives when they deploy correctly. The NHTSA estimates that between 1987 and 2017, airbags saved more than 50,000 lives. All vehicles manufactured after 1998 are required to have airbags as a standard safety device.
But they are also complex and a number of things can go wrong. An airbag can fail to deploy when needed resulting in severe injury to the driver or a passenger. They occasionally deploy for no good reason at all while the driver is driving their vehicle. This can lead to an accident. In some cases, airbags explode throwing shrapnel into the face of the driver. Such incidents can result in severe injury or even death.
Types of airbag defects
Airbags are complex systems with a lot of moving parts. An airbag system consists of an airbag cushion, flexible bag, impact sensor, and inflator module. Due to the complexity of the system, there are a number of things that can go wrong with an airbag. These include:
- Corrosion
- Defective impact sensors
- Defective inflators
- Defective on/off sensor
- Electrical system issues
- Faulty design
- Premature inflation
While airbags are meant to save lives, in some cases, they have been responsible for taking them. Takata, a major manufacturer of airbags, produced an airbag that would explode in the face of the driver or passenger. This led to 23 deaths and numerous serious injuries. Four deaths were reported as late as 2022. People are still driving around with defective and potentially fatal airbags in their vehicles.
Contact a Florida Product Liability Attorney Today
If you have been injured due to a defective airbag, the Florida personal injury attorneys at Halpern, Santos & Pinkert can help you file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. We have the litigation experience necessary to take on a major corporation and have helped plaintiffs recover millions in settlements and jury awards. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation, and we can begin working on your case immediately.
Source:
topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/auto-news/toyota-air-bag-control-units-78-5m-class-action-settlement/
