Joyson Airbag Lawsuit

Joyson airbag defect lawsuits involve an alleged flaw in the Key Safety Systems inflator used in the product. The inflator produces the gas that fills the airbag during a collision. But, because of its potentially faulty design, the inflator can violently break apart and injure the driver and passengers.

One of the flaws may involve the inflator seal. This seal protects the inflator housing, which holds the propellant and the inflator. An important task of the seal is to keep the inflator housing airtight and protect the propellant from absorbing moisture. But the design of the seal may allow moisture to damage the propellant.

The 5AT propellant is a chemical that ignites in a flash to inflate the airbag. Since this propellant can naturally absorb moisture from its environment, the seal must keep it dry. If the seal fails that task, the propellant can become unstable and misfire when the airbag deploys. A misfire can lead to the ignitor breaking apart, separating from the steering column and shooting metal fragments at high velocity into the vehicle interior.

Defective seals have allegedly allowed the 5AT propellant to absorb moisture. This flaw has allegedly led to at least one known inflator rupture during what should have been a minor event.

Joyson Safety Systems has been investigated numerous times and has been subject to recalls for drivers’ airbag cushions and side curtain airbags. Read the full National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls below:

• Head Side Airbag Inflator recall (recall code 25E-030)
• Curtain Airbag Inflator recall (recall code 21E-095)
• 2024 Cadillac Driver Front Airbag Cushion recall (recall code 24V-311)

Lawsuits allege the company did not adequately warn people about the potential failure of the airbags. Actions against Joyson are related to airbag design and manufacturing defects, including the inflator and its propellant.

Are Joyson airbags being recalled?

Joyson airbags are being recalled because manufacturers have reported product failures.

In 2024, Joyson launched an investigation after vehicle manufacturers reported safety incidents involving the company’s head side airbags. In October 2024, General Motors voluntarily recalled 2,061 vehicles equipped with Joyson airbags. In January 2025, Chrysler voluntarily recalled 6,066 vehicles equipped with Joyson airbags.

Joyson Safety Systems (Joyson or JSS) is an American company that manufactures automotive safety systems. Joyson was formerly known as Key Safety Systems (KSS). It manufactured the Key Safety Systems ADI-D inflators, side curtain airbag inflators, and other components for airbag systems.

Takata Corp. originally manufactured airbags equipped with defective PSAN inflators, which resulted in a recall of Takata airbags. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2017, claiming it needed to restructure the company’s assets. The filing came months after Takata agreed to pay fees related to the mass recall of its defective airbags. Criminal penalties included roughly $1 billion paid to the U.S.

In 2018, KSS bought the Takata Corporation and began doing business as Joyson Safety Systems. When Joyson acquired Takata, the company continued to market legacy Takata airbags in addition to its own branded units.

Joyson was not held liable for Takata’s defective PSAN inflators because Takata's bankruptcy handled those prior claims.

However, Joyson is fully liable for any defects (design, manufacturing, or warning failures) in the airbag systems and components it designs, produces and sells under its own brand. The company has faced lawsuits and investigations related to alleged defects in its own airbag inflators.

Injuries connected to the rupture of airbags include:

• Burns
• Eye damage
• Facial trauma
• Fractures
• Hearing loss
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Violent ruptures of Joyson airbags can also cause fatal injuries.

People who were harmed by a defective Joyson airbag may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit or potentially a wrongful death claim, depending on the circumstances. Loved ones may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the estate of someone who died because an airbag deployed incorrectly.

Anyone injured by a Joyson Safety Systems airbag should consider reaching out to an attorney with experience handling similar personal injury claims.

What compensation is available in a Joyson Safety Systems lawsuit?

The compensation available in a personal injury lawsuit, like the lawsuits against Joyson Safety Systems, will depend on the injuries suffered and the applicable law of the jurisdiction in which the case can be filed. Compensation is known as “damages.” Damages that may be available in a Joyson Safety Systems lawsuit may include reimbursement for:

• Medical bills for injuries suffered from the defective device
• Lost wages from time missed at work because of injuries
• Pain and suffering for the emotional harm resulting from injuries
• Permanent damage, including hearing loss, scarring and disfigurement
• Reduced earning capacity for injuries that permanently limit earning potential
• Decreased quality of life related to physical limitations and severe injuries

The compensation available in any lawsuit will depend on the facts of the particular case. A lawyer with experience can help you understand what damages may be available for your particular claim. Motley Rice attorneys are available to discuss injury claims with people impacted by these potentially faulty devices.

Victims of car crashes are often unaware that a defective vehicle or vehicle part may have contributed to, worsened or caused the incident. Tragically, defects like these can lead to serious and sometimes fatal accidents. From our experiences, we know that this is made even worse when a manufacturer knows of defects and attempts to hide them.

Motley Rice attorneys represent drivers and passengers of car crashes through complex vehicle defect litigation. Our attorneys use document and liability discovery and experts in vehicle engineering and safety to help build strong cases.

Motley Rice attorneys have had a critical role in some of the largest vehicle defect litigation in the country. Attorneys Kevin Dean and John David O’Neill were instrumental in litigation involving defective Takata airbags - one of the nation’s largest auto recalls, involving millions of vehicles. Our team has also advocated for clients in litigation involving defective Fiat Chrysler gear shifts and injuries related to defective ignition switches in GM vehicles.

Learn more about our experience in cases dealing with defective vehicle components.