The invention relates to a pyrotechnic actuator unit (10) for actuating a vehicle safety system, comprising a pyrotechnic igniter (12) and an external plastic housing (14) which holds the pyrotechnic igniter (12), said external housing (14) breaking up when the igniter is activated (12). The external housing (14) consists of a first plastic part (18) and a second plastic part (20), both plastic parts (18, 20) being permanently joined to one another. The invention also relates to an airbag module comprising an actuator unit (10) of this type and to a method for producing a pyrotechnic actuator unit (10) comprising a pyrotechnic igniter (12) and an external housing (14) which holds the pyrotechnic igniter (12), said external housing (14) consisting of a first housing part (48) and a second housing part (50). The method has the following steps: The first housing part (48) is first manufactured with a recess for the pyrotechnic igniter (12), the latter (12) being then inserted into said recess. Finally, the second housing part (50) is injected onto the pyrotechnic igniter (12) and a first end (34) of the first housing part (48), thus essentially sealing a receiving chamber (24) for the pyrotechnic igniter (12).