Airbag Rupture Lawsuits

Airbags are supposed to reduce injuries in a crash. But when an airbag inflator ruptures, the device meant to protect you may instead release sharp metal fragments or fail to inflate properly, potentially turning a survivable collision into a catastrophic event. Regulators have repeatedly warned that inflator ruptures can cause severe injuries, including deep lacerations and life-altering trauma, and in some cases have been linked to fatalities.

This page explains what “airbag rupture” means, how these incidents happen, what kinds of injuries are commonly reported, and what legal options may be available. We also use a recent recall involving certain vehicles as an example of how inflator defects are identified and addressed.

Important note: Every case depends on specific facts, medical records, crash details, and applicable law. This page provides general information, not legal advice.

What Is an Airbag Inflator Rupture?

An airbag system deploys when sensors detect a crash. The inflator is the component that rapidly generates gas to fill the airbag cushion. In a rupture event, the inflator housing or weld joint can fail under pressure.

When an inflator ruptures, two dangerous things may happen:

• Metal fragments (shrapnel) can be propelled into the passenger compartment, potentially causing penetrating injuries.
• Gas leakage or incomplete inflation can reduce the airbag’s ability to protect occupants during impact.

Some failures involve manufacturing or weld issues, while others may relate to materials, aging, heat/humidity exposure, or substandard replacement parts.

Example Recall: BMW Head Airbag Inflator Rupture Risk (NHTSA 25V871000)

A recent recall illustrates how these risks are described by regulators. Under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V871000, BMW recalled certain 2014–2015 vehicles because a head airbag inflator may fail at a weld joint, which can cause gas to leak or lead to an inflator rupture. The recall warning explains that a rupture could increase injury risk, while gas leakage may lead to partial inflation. Dealers are expected to replace the head airbags at no cost.

This type of recall matters to consumers for two reasons:

1. Safety: A “head airbag” (often a curtain-style airbag) is meant to protect the head/neck area where shrapnel injuries can be especially devastating.
2. Accountability: If someone was injured before the recall repair was completed or if a defect contributed to injuries, families may want to understand legal options beyond the recall remedy.

Why Airbag Ruptures Can Cause Severe Injuries

Airbags deploy in milliseconds. If the inflator housing fails during that event, metal fragments may be ejected with significant force. Regulators have described inflator ruptures as potentially sending shrapnel into the occupant compartment, creating a risk of serious injury or death.

Separately, if an inflator leaks and the airbag only partially inflates, occupants may strike hard surfaces (door frame, steering wheel, glass, pillars), increasing the likelihood of blunt-force trauma.

Injuries Commonly Reported in Airbag Rupture Incidents

Airbag rupture and malfunction cases may involve:

• Deep lacerations to the face, neck, arms, and chest
• Eye injuries (including vision loss)
• Arterial injuries and severe bleeding
• Traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures
• Spinal injuries
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Wrongful death claims in the most severe cases

How Airbag Rupture Lawsuits Work

Airbag cases are typically pursued as product liability claims (sometimes alongside negligence-based claims). Depending on the facts, a case may focus on:

Design defect

Whether the inflator design created an unreasonable risk when used as intended.

Manufacturing defect

Whether the particular inflator deviated from specifications (for example, weld or assembly issues).

Failure to warn

Whether warnings or instructions were insufficient given known risks.

Recall timing and notice issues

Whether a safety issue was known earlier, whether a recall was delayed, or whether owners received adequate notice (these issues can be fact-specific and disputed).

Because automakers and suppliers often contest causation, these cases usually require a careful review of crash reports, medical records, recall history, and expert analysis.

Who Might Be Responsible?

Potential defendants may include:

• The vehicle manufacturer
• The airbag/inflator manufacturer or supplier
• Component manufacturers involved in welding or assembly
• In some scenarios, entities involved in replacement inflators (particularly if a substandard replacement part was installed after an earlier crash)

Responsibility depends on what failed (OEM inflator vs. replacement), and how the failure occurred.

Real-World Examples and Case Scenarios

Below are examples of how airbag rupture claims can arise. Some are based on publicly reported litigation patterns; others are common fact patterns we see in defective safety-system investigations.

Example 1: “Minor crash, major injury” pattern

A driver is involved in a moderate collision that would typically cause limited injuries. During deployment, the inflator ruptures and a metal fragment causes a penetrating arm injury, leading to surgery and nerve damage. Similar fact patterns have been reported in airbag litigation and verdict reporting.

Example 2: Curtain airbag rupture and facial injuries

A side-impact collision triggers a head/curtain airbag. The inflator ruptures and fragments cause facial lacerations and eye trauma.

Example 3: Partial inflation leads to head injury

An inflator leak causes partial deployment. The occupant’s head strikes the door pillar, resulting in concussion symptoms and ongoing vestibular issues.

Example 4: Used vehicle with replacement inflator concerns

After a prior crash repair, a vehicle has an airbag replaced. Later, the replacement inflator ruptures, and regulators warn about substandard or illegally imported replacement inflators in some contexts.

What to Do If You Suspect an Airbag Rupture or Malfunction

If you believe an airbag rupture (or partial inflation) contributed to injuries:

1. Get medical care immediately (and document follow-up treatment).
2. Preserve the vehicle if possible, avoid disposing of it before the airbag system can be inspected.
3. Take photos of the interior, deployed airbags, and any visible fragments or damage.
4. Request the crash report and any tow/storage records.
5. Keep recall notices and repair records, including dealership paperwork.
6. Avoid recorded statements about the cause until you understand your options.

Preserving the physical evidence (vehicle/airbag module) can be critical in these cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the difference between an airbag “rupture” and an airbag “failure to deploy”?

A rupture involves the inflator housing failing, potentially ejecting metal fragments. A failure to deploy generally means the airbag didn’t inflate when it should have. Partial inflation can fall somewhere in between.

2) If my car is recalled, do I automatically have a lawsuit?

Not necessarily. A recall may support a claim, but you typically need evidence of injury, damages, and a connection between the defect and the harm.

3) What if my airbag didn’t rupture, but inflated only partially?

Partial inflation may still be dangerous and may be addressed in some recalls (including concerns about gas leaks).

4) What if the airbags were replaced after a prior accident?

That can matter. Regulators have issued warnings about certain replacement inflators and the importance of legitimate repair channels.

5) Do I need the vehicle to bring a claim?

Having the vehicle available can be very helpful, but not every case requires it. The ability to preserve evidence varies by situation.

6) What injuries tend to be associated with inflator ruptures?

Lacerations, penetrating trauma, eye injuries, scarring, and severe bleeding are commonly discussed in rupture contexts.

7) Who gets sued: the automaker or the airbag supplier?

It depends. Some cases involve both. Identifying the correct parties can require investigation into the specific inflator used.

8) How long do I have to file an airbag injury lawsuit?

Deadlines vary by state and by the type of claim. It’s usually safest to speak with counsel quickly to avoid missing a statute of limitations.

9) Will a recall repair cover my medical bills?

A recall repair is typically free, but it usually does not compensate for injuries already suffered.

10) What should I bring to a free consultation?

Crash report, photos, medical records/bills (if available), recall notices, and repair history are a good start.

How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin Can Help

Airbag rupture claims can be technically and medically complex. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin helps injured consumers and families by:

• Reviewing recall information and repair history
• Evaluating whether an airbag defect may have contributed to injuries
• Identifying potentially responsible parties
• Preserving and organizing evidence
• Pursuing compensation when appropriate

We can handle cases with a client-focused approach and aim to make the process as clear as possible during a difficult time.

Contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a crash involving a suspected airbag inflator rupture or partial inflation, contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin for a free consultation.

Phone: (800) 337-7755
Website: https://www.jasonturchin.com/