The Takata Airbag Recall – Manufacturer Hit with $1 Billion Fine

February 16, 2017

More than 64 million Takata airbags have been recalled in the United States, affecting a significant number of automakers that sell vehicles both inside and outside the United States. In 2015, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration ("NHTSA") began a national recall of certain Takata airbags that have been linked to eleven deaths and more than 180 injuries.

While many defective Takata airbags have now been replaced, tens of millions of others still remain. As the Takata airbag story has unfolded over the past couple of years, the Department of Justice recently indicted top-level Takata executives for concealing safety information about its airbags from regulators, automakers, and consumers, according to the Washington Post.

Takata Pleads Guilty to Fraud

Takata is the second largest provider of airbags for automakers from around the world. The defective airbags designed and manufactured by Takata allegedly failed safety tests of which the company was fully aware. This negative information was deleted by certain Takata executives, and falsified information was provided to automakers that rely on accurate safety information to ensure they are not placing consumers at risk.

Because of this conduct, Takata has pleaded guilty to fraud and has been ordered to pay $25 million to resolve the criminal matter. Additionally, Takata was ordered to pay automakers $850 million as well as $125 million to the injured and deceased victims of airbag-related injuries. These collective fines total $1 Billion.

How to Find Out if Your Car is Subject to the Takata Airbag Recall

The Takata airbag recall is the largest safety recall in United States history, and it will take a long time for every defective airbag to be replaced. As such, it is important that all car owners are aware of the recall and know whether or not the it applies to their vehicles. Automakers have been sending recall notices to car owners. However, these notices do not always reach the consumer. The NHTSA provides updated information on what cars are affected and also allows car owners to input their vehicle's VIN to find out if their car is, in fact, subject to the Takata airbag recall.

It is unfortunate that lives have been lost and hundreds have been injured because of defective airbags that should never have been placed in vehicles in the first place. Takata's knowledge of the defects and decision to conceal negative safety data continues to place millions of people at risk for suffering injuries or death given that not all defective Takata airbags have been replaced.

Both the Department of Justice and the NHTSA are hopeful that the recent indictment of Takata top-level executives will send a message to other manufacturers that there will be criminal and monetary consequences of placing human life at risk by ignoring critical safety information.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries resulting from a defective Takata Airbag that has been recalled, consider discussing your situation with Montlick & Associates. With more than 39 years of experience, Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law continues to provide legal representation to injured clients from all across Georgia.

Contact Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you would like to discuss the facts of your situation with one of our Georgia Personal Injury and Auto Accident Attorneys, contact Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law today by calling (800) LAW-NEED (529-6333) to schedule your free consultation. You may also visit us online at www.montlick.com to complete a Free Case Evaluation Form, and you may also participate in a 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law

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Atlanta, GA 30329
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Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/01/13/u-s-indicts-three-takata-executives-in-faulty-airbag-scandal/?utm_term=.b47892eda6f5

https://www.safercar.gov/rs/takata/takatalist.html

Category: Auto Accidents