11 Products That Caused Massive Lawsuits

A diverse array of flawed or dangerously marketed products — from medical devices and pharmaceuticals to household goods and auto parts — sparked massive class-action litigation due to injuries, negligence, or suppressed safety risks.

  • Alyana Aguja
  • 4 min read
11 Products That Caused Massive Lawsuits
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These cases reveal a troubling pattern: companies often fail to warn consumers or proactively address safety issues until harm has already occurred at scale. Legal consequences, from hefty settlements and recall obligations to bankruptcies and criminal charges, have reshaped corporate approaches to product safety and transparency. Together, they serve as powerful reminders that rigorous oversight, honest marketing, and ethical design are essential for protecting the public.

1. Transvaginal Mesh

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Manufacturers of transvaginal mesh devices paid approximately $1.5 billion to settle over 100,000 claims. Women suffered severe complications, including vaginal scarring, chronic pain, and fistulas. The lawsuits highlighted failures in both design and warning about the device’s risks.

2. GM Faulty Ignition Switches

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General Motors recalled millions of cars after ignition switches could shut off mid-drive, disabling power steering and airbags. The defective switches were linked to at least 124 deaths and hundreds of injuries. GM ultimately paid $870 million in claims and $900 million to settle with the Department of Justice.

3. Takata Airbags

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 Takata’s airbags used a volatile propellant that could explode and send metal fragments flying. The defect led to recalls of over 40 million vehicles worldwide and was tied to at least 16 deaths. The company ended up paying $1 billion and filed for bankruptcy.

4. Dow Corning Silicone Breast Implants

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Dow Corning settled claims by more than 170,000 women alleging that leaking silicone implants caused autoimmune illnesses. The company filed for bankruptcy and later paid around $3.2 billion in the settlement. The case prompted scrutiny of implant safety and manufacturer accountability.

5. Owens Corning Asbestos Products

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Owens Corning faced more than 176,000 claims from people harmed by asbestos in building materials, which caused cancers such as mesothelioma. The company agreed to pay $1.2 billion and later set up a $2.6 billion trust fund for claims. The litigation underscored the long-term dangers of asbestos exposure.

6. Monsanto (Roundup Herbicide)

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Thousands of plaintiffs sued Monsanto (now part of Bayer), claiming Roundup’s glyphosate herbicide caused cancer. In response, Bayer agreed to pay over $10 billion to settle the lawsuits. The case raised awareness of herbicide safety and corporate transparency.

7. Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder

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 J&J faced tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging that talcum powder products were contaminated with asbestos and caused ovarian cancer. The company proposed a $6.475 billion settlement through its subsidiary’s bankruptcy to cover virtually all current and future claims. J&J continues to contest the allegations.

8. Zantac (Ranitidine)

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The heartburn drug Zantac was pulled from shelves after being found to contain dangerous levels of NDMA, a possible carcinogen. By 2021, more than 100,000 lawsuits had been filed, and settlements continue to unfold. The case highlighted the importance of pharmaceutical safety monitoring and disclosure.

9. Hydroxycut (Weight Loss Supplement)

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Before 2004, Hydroxycut products containing ephedra were linked to seizures and cardiac issues. The Missouri Attorney General filed suit accusing MuscleTech of false marketing and safety concealment; MuscleTech settled for $100,000 and agreed to stop selling ephedra formulations in Missouri. The case emphasized the dangers of unregulated weight-loss ingredients.

10. Blitz Plastic Gas Cans

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Blitz, a major gas-can manufacturer, faced numerous lawsuits after its cans exploded while being poured, causing fatalities and injuries. The company went bankrupt after dozens of verdicts, with damages averaging $4 million per claim in 2012. The litigation underscored the need for safety features like flame arresters in fuel containers.

11. Ford Pinto (Fuel Tank Fires)

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The Ford Pinto’s fuel system design caused fires in rear-end collisions, once leading to a criminal reckless homicide case — the first against a U.S. corporation for product defects. In the landmark Grimshaw case, Ford was ordered to pay $127.8 million (later reduced), marking one of the largest punitive awards ever in product liability history. The case set a precedent for corporate responsibility in design flaws.

Written by: Alyana Aguja

Alyana is a Creative Writing graduate with a lifelong passion for storytelling, sparked by her father’s love of books. She’s been writing seriously for five years, fueled by encouragement from teachers and peers. Alyana finds inspiration in all forms of art, from films by directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Quentin Tarantino to her favorite TV shows like Mad Men and Modern Family. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her immersed in books, music, or painting, always chasing her next creative spark.

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