Maruti Car Airbag Fails During Accident – Court Orders Full Refund To Owner

Kerala Consumer Commission Orders Maruti Suzuki to Refund Car Price Over Airbag Failure

In a groundbreaking decision, the Malappuram District Consumer Commission has mandated Maruti Suzuki India Limited to reimburse the entire cost of a car to a customer after its airbag failed to deploy during an accident.

The ruling has thrown a spotlight on safety concerns and the accountability of manufacturers in India’s automotive industry.

The Incident: Airbag Malfunction Leads to Severe Injuries

The incident in question occurred on June 30, 2021, when Mohammed Musliar, a resident of Indianoor, a village in Malappuram district in Kerala, experienced a serious accident.

Shockingly, the car’s airbag system did not activate, resulting in severe injuries to Musliar. Following an investigation by the Motor Vehicle Inspector, it was confirmed that the non-deployment of the airbag was due to a manufacturing defect.

The Malappuram District Consumer Commission’s verdict directs Maruti Suzuki to refund the entire purchase price of the vehicle, amounting to Rs 4,35,854, along with an additional Rs 20,000 to cover litigation costs.

This decision underscores the importance of automakers maintaining stringent safety standards and taking responsibility for the integrity of their products. The commission has also imposed a nine percent interest penalty if the refund is not executed within a month.