By Seth Anderson on February 27, 2015
The U.S. government will fine Japanese airbag maker Takata Corp. $14,000 per day for failing to fully cooperate in a long-running probe of defective airbags.
Five deaths, including one in Jan. 2015, have been linked to the defects and more than 18 million vehicles with the faulty airbags have been recalled in U.S.
Takata maintains it has been cooperating with safety agency officials and says it was “surprised and disappointed” by NHTSA’s announcement. However, while the Tokyo-based manufacturer has provided the agency with almost 2.5 million documents to date, safety officials say it has not helped regulators fully understand them.
The fines are another escalation in the public fight between NHTSA and Takata, which also refused the agency’s demand to issue a nationwide recall of driver’s side airbags last year. However, automakers recalled the cars on their own.
The auto industry recalled a record number of vehicles last year and the safety agency has been under increasing pressure to impose bigger penalties.
In January, the agency imposed a record $70 million penalty on Honda for grossly under-reporting fatal auto accidents and injuries to the government. That penalty doubled the $35 million fine levied on General Motors last year after the automaker failed to report a defective ignition switch for more than a decade.
Fines from NHTSA are capped at $35 million per infraction. Since Takata is alleged to have violated two orders, it could be fined a maximum of $70 million.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective Takata airbag, consult a personal injury attorney at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn today, to see if you are eligible for compensation.
You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Call (817) 920-9000 to schedule your free consultation today.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
Being sued after a crash is one of those situations nobody expects, and when it happens, it can feel overwhelming. You may worry about your finances, your reputation, and how to even begin responding. Many Texans search for what to do if someone sues...
learn more
Drivers across Texas may not even realize they’re doing it, but what is a rolling stop? It’s when a vehicle slows down at a stop sign or red light but doesn’t completely halt before entering the intersection. It might feel like a minor shortcut,...
learn more
Sitting at a red light and questioning, Can you turn right on red in Texas, is a common experience for many drivers across the state. Confusion at intersections is one of the leading contributors to preventable car accidents. The rules aren’t always clear, especially...
learn moreTell us about your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer from our team will call and provide you with a free evaluation of your case. If we can help, and you are unable to travel, we will come to your home, office, or hospital. It’s easy – let’s get started.
Email us anytime and we will get back to you.
Our attorneys will come to your home, office or hospital at your convenience.
Our team is ready and waiting to help you today.
Message Us 
Call Us