Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
In one of the most significant fines ever imposed on a car manufacturer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ordered Honda to pay $70 million. The penalty stemmed from the automaker’s failure to report over 1,700 injuries and deaths linked to its vehicles between 2003 and 2014. These incidents were supposed to be included in routine safety filings but were omitted.
This case not only highlights a serious breakdown in corporate responsibility but also raises significant concerns about consumer safety, federal oversight, and the legal rights of those injured by defective vehicles.
The NHTSA is a government agency that oversees vehicle safety regulations in the U.S. It requires automakers to submit regular reports, called Early Warning Reports, that alert regulators to possible safety issues. These filings help the agency detect trends and decide when to investigate or issue recalls.
Between 2003 and 2014, Honda failed to report 1,729 injury and death claims, a violation of federal reporting rules. — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In Honda’s case, their failure to report these incidents meant that thousands of people were left at risk without the government being aware of potential defects. The NHTSA fined Honda $35 million for the unreported injuries and deaths and another $35 million for failing to disclose warranty claims that could also point to safety issues.
The missing reports were not just paperwork errors. They meant that possible life-threatening defects—such as those involving airbags, brakes, or electrical systems—were hidden from the public and the NHTSA for years. Some of the issues were tied to the now-infamous Takata airbags, which have been recalled worldwide due to their risk of exploding on impact.
Honda was fined for failing to comply with the Early Warning Reporting system under the TREAD Act.
When a company hides safety information, people get hurt. These kinds of violations stop regulators from doing their job and prevent consumers from making informed choices about their vehicles.
Under Oklahoma law, if a person is injured due to a defective vehicle, they may be able to file a product liability claim. This type of legal case holds manufacturers responsible when a product causes harm because of:
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has experience handling complex product liability cases involving vehicles, consumer goods, and medical devices. They help clients pursue claims for medical expenses, lost income, long-term care needs, and emotional harm following an injury caused by a hazardous substance.
It’s easier than ever to find out if your car has an open recall. You can use the official NHTSA recall lookup tool. All you need is your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is usually located on the dashboard or inside the driver’s door.
Visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN to view any active safety recalls. If your vehicle is on the list, contact your dealership to arrange free repairs. Recalls are always repaired at no cost to the owner.
Year | Key Event |
| 2003 | Honda begins underreporting injury and death incidents |
| 2008–2014 | Safety defects tied to Takata airbags linked to fatalities |
| 2014 | Massive recall announced for Takata airbags |
| 2015 | NHTSA imposes $70 million fine on Honda |
| 2023–2025 | Additional recalls and monitoring continue |
This timeline shows just how long the problem went unnoticed—and how federal action only came after a decade of silence.
If you or someone close to you was hurt because of a vehicle malfunction, don’t wait to act. Injuries caused by airbags, seatbelt failures, brake malfunctions, or faulty electronics may be grounds for a legal claim. Start by taking these steps:
Your health comes first. Get immediate care and document all injuries.
Do not repair or dispose of the vehicle, if possible. It may serve as crucial evidence in your case.
These cases require expert review, accident reconstruction, and profound legal knowledge. An experienced firm can determine whether you have a strong claim and guide you through the process.
Honda was fined $70 million for failing to report more than 1,700 injury and death claims, violating federal safety reporting laws.
To find out whether your car has a safety recall, you can use the NHTSA recall lookup tool with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Yes. If a known or defective auto part caused the injury, you may have a valid product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Design flaws, manufacturing errors, and failures to warn consumers about known risks are all grounds for a claim.
You may be eligible for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury.
Oklahoma law gives you two years from the date of injury in most cases, but this may vary depending on circumstances. Speak with an attorney to confirm.
Honda’s record-setting fine is more than a corporate scandal—it’s a warning. When manufacturers withhold safety information, the public pays the price. This case reminds us how critical it is to stay informed, check for recalls, and hold businesses responsible when they don’t protect customers.
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, especially a recalled vehicle, it’s essential to explore your legal rights. The team at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can help investigate your case and provide honest guidance about your options.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
