When Airbags Fail: Understanding Your Rights After a Malfunction
Airbags are one of the most important safety features in modern vehicles, designed to prevent serious or fatal injuries during a crash. When they work properly, airbags save thousands of lives each year. But when they fail to deploy—or deploy incorrectly—they can cause devastating injuries and leave victims facing a long, painful recovery.
If your airbag didn’t deploy during a car accident, you may have a right to pursue compensation. In some cases, the car manufacturer, airbag manufacturer, or another negligent party could be held responsible for your injuries and losses.
How Airbags Are Supposed to Protect You
Airbags are designed to work in conjunction with seatbelts to cushion and protect the body during a collision. When a crash occurs, sensors detect the impact and trigger a rapid inflation of the airbag using harmless gas—usually within milliseconds.
Front airbags protect the driver and front passenger in a head-on collision, while side airbags deploy in side-impact crashes to reduce the risk of severe injuries. Together, they are meant to prevent direct contact with the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows.
However, even this sophisticated technology is not foolproof. When airbags fail to deploy—or deploy too late—the results can be catastrophic.
Why Airbags Sometimes Fail to Deploy
Not every accident will cause an airbag to deploy, and that’s by design. Airbags are typically programmed to inflate only in moderate to severe collisions. However, if an airbag fails to deploy in a crash that clearly should have triggered it, there may be an underlying problem.
Common causes of airbag deployment failure include:
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Defective sensors or faulty wiring
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Design or manufacturing defects in the airbag system
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Failure to replace airbags after a previous deployment
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Software or electrical malfunctions
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Improper installation or maintenance
A defective or malfunctioning airbag can leave occupants unprotected, increasing the risk of head, chest, or spinal injuries during a crash.
Common Injuries Caused by Airbag Malfunctions
When an airbag fails to deploy—or deploys with too much force—the injuries can be severe. Victims may experience:
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Head and brain injuries, including concussions or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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Facial fractures or eye damage from striking the steering wheel or windshield
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Chest trauma, such as broken ribs or internal bleeding
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Neck and back injuries, including whiplash or herniated discs
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Arm and leg injuries from hitting the dashboard or doors
In some cases, airbags have even exploded due to defective inflators, leading to burns, lacerations, or fatal injuries. These situations can form the basis of a product liability claim against the manufacturer or other responsible parties.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Airbag?
When an airbag fails to deploy properly, several parties may be legally responsible, including:
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The vehicle manufacturer
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The airbag manufacturer or supplier
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A mechanic or repair shop that improperly installed or handled the airbag system
Product liability laws allow injured victims to hold manufacturers accountable for defective or unsafe products. You may be able to file a claim under one or more of the following legal theories:
1. Strict Product Liability
Manufacturers can be held responsible if a product defect directly causes injury, regardless of whether they acted negligently. Defects may include:
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Design defects – inherent flaws that make the airbag unsafe even when used properly
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Manufacturing defects – mistakes made during production that cause the airbag to malfunction
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Failure to warn – not providing adequate safety instructions or warnings about risks
2. Negligence
If a manufacturer or repair company failed to exercise reasonable care during the design, assembly, or installation of the airbag system, they may be liable for negligence.
3. Breach of Warranty
If the airbag system failed to perform as promised, you may also have a claim for breach of express or implied warranty.
What to Do If Your Airbag Didn’t Deploy
If you were involved in a crash where your airbag didn’t deploy, take these steps:
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Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not appear right away.
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Document everything. Take photos of your vehicle, dashboard, and any visible injuries.
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Report the failure. File a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
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Preserve evidence. Do not allow your car to be destroyed or repaired until an attorney or expert has examined it.
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Speak with a product liability lawyer. An attorney can help determine who is responsible and guide you through the claims process.
Airbag Safety Tips
To help reduce your risk of injury from airbags:
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Always wear your seatbelt—airbags work best in combination with them.
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Keep children under 13 in the back seat.
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Sit at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel or dashboard.
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Have your vehicle inspected if the airbag warning light is on.
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Check whether your car is affected by the Takata airbag recall or other safety recalls.
Get Legal Help After an Airbag Malfunction
A defective or non-deploying airbag can turn a survivable crash into a life-changing event. If you or a loved one were injured because an airbag failed to deploy, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At Applebaum Accident Group, our experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorneys understand the complex nature of product liability and auto defect cases. We work tirelessly to uncover what went wrong—and hold negligent manufacturers accountable for the harm they cause.
You may be entitled to recover compensation for:
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Medical bills and future treatment
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Disability or permanent impairment
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Property damage
We’re here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Applebaum Accident Group today for a consultation.
Call us(855-Call-Paul)or fill out 
our online form to speak with a trusted Philadelphia car accident lawyer.
