Can You Sue a Car Manufacturer for a Defective Vehicle in Texas?

 Posted on August 07, 2026 in Defective Products

You can sue a car manufacturer for a defective vehicle in Texas if a design flaw, manufacturing error, or missing warning caused you harm. This is true even if you weren't at fault for the accident. These cases fall under a legal area called product liability. Manufacturers can be held responsible when their vehicles fail to perform safely as intended.

If a defective vehicle caused your injury in 2026, our Dallas County, TX product liability lawyer can help you understand whether you have a valid claim against the manufacturer.

What Makes a Vehicle Legally Defective in Texas?

Under Texas law, a product liability claim generally requires showing that a product was defective. You also need to show that the defect caused the injury in question. When it comes to vehicles, defects usually fall into one of three categories.

A design defect means the vehicle was inherently unsafe because of how it was engineered. This is true even if it was built exactly as intended. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 82.005, a design defect claim requires showing that there was a safer alternative design and that the defective design was a producing cause of the injury or damage.

A manufacturing defect means something went wrong during the production process. This makes a specific vehicle different and more dangerous than others of the same model. A marketing defect, sometimes called a failure to warn, means the manufacturer didn't provide adequate instructions or warnings about a known risk.

Most Difficult Defects To Prove

Design defects are often the most complicated to prove. This is because they require showing that a safer, feasible alternative design existed at the time the vehicle was made. Manufacturing defects can sometimes be easier to identify. This is especially true if the same issue has been reported in other vehicles from the same production batch or recall.

What Are Common Examples of Vehicle Defects in Texas?

Vehicle defects can affect nearly any part of a car. Some are more likely to cause serious accidents than others. Common examples include:

• Faulty brakes that fail to engage properly
• Defective airbags that don't deploy or deploy unexpectedly
• Tire defects that cause blowouts or tread separation
• Steering or suspension failures that lead to loss of control
• Fuel system defects that increase the risk of fire

Many of these defects come to light only after multiple accidents occur. This sometimes leads to a wider recall of the affected vehicle model.

How Is a Product Liability Case Different From a Regular Car Accident Claim?

A typical car accident claim usually focuses on driver negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving. A product liability claim instead focuses on the vehicle itself and whether a defect played a role in causing or worsening the accident.

In many cases, both types of claims can apply at the same time. For example, another driver's negligence might have caused the initial collision. A defective airbag might have failed to deploy, making your injuries far worse than they should have been.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Defective Vehicle in Texas?

Responsibility for a defective vehicle isn't always limited to the manufacturer. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to parts suppliers who made a defective component. Texas generally limits liability for nonmanufacturing sellers unless one of the exceptions in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 82.003 applies. Identifying every potentially responsible party is an important part of building a strong case, and an experienced attorney can help.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Vehicle Defect Caused Your Accident?

Acting quickly after a suspected vehicle defect can help preserve important evidence. Helpful steps include keeping the vehicle in its post-accident condition rather than repairing it right away. Taking photos of the damage and any parts that appear to have failed is also important. Check whether the vehicle has been subject to any manufacturer recalls, and consult a product liability attorney before speaking with the manufacturer or their insurance representatives.

Manufacturers often have significant resources to investigate and defend these claims. Preserving evidence early gives your case the best chance of success.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Defective Vehicle Case?

If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases involving a permanent injury, compensation may also cover the long-term cost of ongoing care. In some cases involving particularly reckless conduct by a manufacturer, additional damages may also be available.

Call Our Irving, TX Defective Vehicles and Auto Parts Attorney for a Free Consultation

Attorney Jerry D. Andrews is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in the area of personal injury trials, giving clients confidence in the depth of experience behind their case. Every case is handled on a contingency basis, which means you pay no fees or costs unless we win your case.

Contact Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. at 214-221-5800 to talk to our Dallas County product liability lawyer today.

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