Toronto, Ontario — Honda is paying a large settlement to put an end to a U.S. investigation into the brand using Takata airbag inflators in vehicles. The settlement marks the end of multiple state probes into allegations that the automaker failed to notify consumers that the automaker knew airbag inflators may be potentially unsafe.
Although the settlement did not involve Honda admitting to any wrongdoing, investigations had been ongoing into Honda’s use of Tataka airbag inflators since December 2015, Reuters reports. Since 2008, the automaker has recalled around 14 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, replacing airbags that could, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, potentially explode when deployed. Honda was not the only automaker affected by the Takata airbag issue, more than 100 million inflators have been recalled worldwide covering 19 major automakers.
As part of the settlement, which involved a payment of US $85 million to 46 states and territories involved, American Honda Motor Co agreed to update product safety procedures and find ways to reduce the risk of rupturing airbags.
Researchers found that moisture played a big role in the airbags rupturing. Cars, trucks, and even motorcycles from model years 2000 through 2015 were affected, and recall notices have been issued.
