Honda Fined $70 Million for Failing to Report Deaths, Injuries

The Obama administration said Thursday it is fining Honda $70 million, for not reporting to regulators some 1,729 complaints that its vehicles caused deaths and injuries. This is the largest civil penalty levied against an automaker. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is imposing twin fines - $35 million for not reporting the death and injury complaints, and another $35 million for not reporting the warranty and customer satisfaction claims. Both fines are the maximums the agency is legally allowed to impose. The Honda complaints include incidents related to air bags made by Japanese auto supplier, Takata. The air bag inflators can rupture after a crash and injure occupants with shards of metal.