If Airbags Did Not Deploy in a Car Accident, Is the Car Company Liable?

April 15, 2026 | Car Accidents

If-Airbags-Did-Not-Deploy-in-a-Car-Accident,-Is-the-Car-Company-Liable?

When airbags fail to deploy during a car accident, the consequences can be severe. Airbags are designed to reduce the risk of serious injury or death, so when they don’t function as intended, victims are often left wondering: “Is the car manufacturer liable?” 

The answer depends on several factors, including why the airbags failed and whether a defect played a role.

How Airbags Are Supposed to Work

Airbags are part of a vehicle’s supplemental restraint system (SRS). They are designed to deploy in moderate to severe collisions, typically frontal or near-frontal impacts, when sensors detect rapid deceleration. 

However, airbags are not meant to deploy in every accident. Minor collisions, side impacts (without side airbags), or crashes at very low speeds may not trigger deployment. Because of this, the mere fact that airbags did not deploy does not automatically mean something went wrong.

When Airbag Failure May Indicate a Defect

A car manufacturer can be held liable if the failure to deploy was caused by a defect. 

In product liability cases, defects generally fall into three categories.

1. Design Defects

If the airbag system was inherently flawed in its design—meaning it was unreasonably dangerous even when manufactured correctly—the manufacturer may be responsible. For example, if the crash sensors are calibrated too narrowly and fail to detect collisions that should trigger deployment, that could be a design issue.

2. Manufacturing Defects

Sometimes, the design is sound, but something goes wrong during production. A faulty sensor, damaged wiring, or improperly installed airbag module could prevent deployment. In these cases, the defect affects only certain vehicles or batches.

3. Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects)

Manufacturers must provide adequate warnings and instructions about how safety systems work. If a vehicle owner was not properly informed about the limitations of the airbag system, this could also lead to liability.

Proving Liability Is Not Simple

To hold a car company liable, you must prove more than just non-deployment. 

Typically, a claim requires showing:

  • The airbag should have deployed under the circumstances
  • A defect existed in the vehicle or airbag system
  • The defect directly caused or worsened your injuries

This often involves expert analysis, including accident reconstruction and inspection of the vehicle’s event data recorder (commonly called the “black box”). These experts determine the speed, angle of impact, and whether deployment thresholds were met.

Situations Where the Manufacturer May Not Be Liable

There are many scenarios where airbags not deploying is completely normal and does not indicate a defect:

  • Low-speed collisions where deployment thresholds are not reached
  • Rear-end accidents, where frontal airbags may not activate
  • Angular or offset impacts that do not trigger sensors
  • Seatbelt use and occupant position, which can influence deployment decisions

Additionally, if the airbag system was disabled—whether intentionally or due to prior damage—the manufacturer may not be responsible.

Other Potentially Liable Parties

In some cases, liability may extend beyond the car manufacturer. 

For example:

  • Parts manufacturers may be responsible if a specific component (like a sensor or inflator) failed
  • Dealerships or repair shops could be liable if improper repairs affected the airbag system
  • Previous owners might bear responsibility if they tampered with safety systems

Each case depends heavily on the facts and history of the vehicle.

What to Do After an Airbag Fails to Deploy

If you were injured in a crash where airbags did not deploy, it’s important to act quickly:

  • Preserve the vehicle in its post-accident condition
  • Avoid having it repaired or destroyed before inspection
  • Obtain the police report and medical records
  • Consult a personal injury attorney experienced in product liability

An attorney can coordinate expert evaluations and determine whether you have a valid claim.

Contact a Lancaster Car Accident Lawyer at Marzzacco Niven & Associates for a Free Consultation Today

Airbags are critical safety features, but they are not guaranteed to deploy in every crash. However, when they fail in situations where they should have activated, it may point to a defect—and potentially, manufacturer liability. 

If you were injured in an accident where your airbags did not deploy, Marzzacco Niven & Associates can help. Call our Lancaster car accident attorneys for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

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