Airbag Failure: Toyota Ordered to Pay ₹61.36 Lakh Compensation for Non-Deploying Airbag in Crash

A case from Chhattisgarh has highlighted the critical importance of safety features in vehicles and raised awareness among car owners about their rights. The Chhattisgarh State Consumer Commission has held Toyota Kirloskar Motor Company liable for the airbag failure in a Toyota Innova during an accident, ordering the company to pay ₹61.36 lakh in compensation to the victim.

Accident Details
The incident occurred on 23 April 2023. Sumit Agarwal’s brother, Amit Agarwal, was returning from Raipur in a Toyota Innova when the vehicle lost control while trying to avoid an oncoming car near Tarda village. The MPV rolled over and hit a tree, causing serious injuries to Amit Agarwal. During the crash, none of the Innova’s airbags deployed, even in a severe collision. The victim incurred medical expenses totaling ₹36.53 lakh for treatment in Raipur and Hyderabad.

Legal Proceedings
Following the accident, Sumit Agarwal filed a complaint with the District Consumer Commission, Korba, against Toyota Kirloskar Motor Company. The company failed to respond or appear for hearings, leading the district commission to issue a unilateral order directing the company to provide a new car or equivalent monetary compensation along with medical expenses. Toyota appealed to the Chhattisgarh State Consumer Commission, Bilaspur, but the appeal was rejected.

Commission Verdict
The State Commission, after reviewing the surveyor report, vehicle damage, and extent of injuries, concluded that the airbag failure was a manufacturing defect. The commission noted that the consumer purchased a high-value car for safety, and the failure of safety systems constituted a deficiency in service.

The verdict ordered Toyota to pay Sumit Agarwal the following within 30 days:

• ₹23.83 lakh for a new Innova or equivalent price
• ₹36.53 lakh for medical expenses
• ₹1 lakh for physical and mental suffering
• ₹10,000 for legal expenses

This case underscores the critical importance of vehicle safety features and the accountability of automobile manufacturers in ensuring the safety of their customers.