In an escalating standoff with Takata, federal regulators said Friday that they would begin to fine the Japanese auto supplier $14,000 a day, saying it had not fully cooperated in an investigation into defective airbags.
A letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to Takata charged that Takata had failed to respond “fully or truthfully” to two orders that it turn over documents and information related to the defect.
Takata’s airbag inflaters can explode violently when they deploy, sending shrapnel into a vehicle’s cabin. More than 18 million vehicles with the faulty airbags have been recalled in the United States, and at least six deaths worldwide and numerous injuries have been linked to the defect.
“Takata is neither being forthcoming with the information that it is legally obligated to supply, nor is it being cooperative in aiding N.H.T.S.A.’s ongoing investigation of a potentially serious safety defect,” the letter said.
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Mr. Foxx appeared with representatives from the rental car industry, including Avis-Budget, Hertz and Enterprise, companies that now fix cars under recall and support the legislation.
”It’s really historic for them to come out so strongly to close those auto safety loopholes for rental cars and used cars,” said Rosemary Shahan, president of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, who also attended the Richmond news conference and supports the effort to pass the legislation. “That would be a major explanation of N.H.T.S.A.’s authority.”
More vehicles, including old models, have been recalled in the United States in 2014 than ever before. Explore the size and scope of the recalls, and find out if your car has been affected.
The New York Times has exposed missteps and delays by automakers and federal safety regulators in responding to deadly defects in automobiles during what has become a record year for recalls.
