Federal safety regulators National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ordered an inquiry to investigate reasons why Honda Motor failed to report deaths and injuries that arose due to violent rupturing of airbags. Honda reportedly was alerted about airbags exploding in the vehicles as early as 2004 but did not inform regulators or keep a record regarding the same.
The faulty airbags installed in Honda cars are reportedly made by its Japanese supplier Takata. Due to the faulty airbags more than 30 injuries about 3 deaths have been reported. A statement from the agency goes as, “NHTSA has received information from Honda indicating that Honda may have failed to meet its TREAD reporting obligations, including reporting other death or injury incidents.” The agency reserves the right to fine about $35 million to automakers who have failed to report injuries or deaths on time.
Adding more on the issue, David Friedman, acting NHTSA administrator, said, “Early warning reporting information is one of many data sources we rely on to spot potential defects. Honda and the other auto makers are legally obligated to report this information to us, and failure to do so will not be tolerated.” More details on the issue shall be known post reports from the investigation are received.
