Class Action
Eight Automakers Reach More Than $1.5 Billion in Settlements in Takata Airbag Litigation
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tens of millions of vehicles with Takata airbags are under recall. The airbags that are part of these recalls have defective inflators that could explode, sending shrapnel into the vehicle, causing injury and death.
Given common allegations raised by consumers, lawsuits filed throughout the federal court system were centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, as part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in 2015.
Podhurst Orseck partner Peter Prieto, appointed by U.S. District Court Judge Federico Moreno as Chair Lead Counsel for the Plaintiffs, oversees both class actions and personal injury actions in In Re: Takata Airbags Product Liability.
"It has been an incredibly challenging matter because Takata pled guilty early on and all the automakers were claiming, and continue to claim, that they weren't at fault because Takata had lied to them about the performance of the airbags. Then, Takata filed for bankruptcy. So, we also had to defend our case in bankruptcy court and keep the MDL moving forward," said Prieto.
As of December 2025, the following automakers agreed to pay a combined $1.5 Billion to settle the claims:
- BMW
- Ford
- Volkswagen/Audi
- Honda
- Mazda
- Nissan
- Subaru
- Toyota
Despite the substantial settlements reached so far, litigation continues against remaining defendants General Motors, FCA/Chrysler, now known as Stellantis, and Merceds Benz.
With more than $1.5 billion already secured, the Takata Airbag MDL stands as a landmark example of coordinated, nationwide litigation aimed at protecting consumers and improving automotive safety standards. It is the largest automative recall in U.S. history.