Honda has been fined $70 million for failing to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, including reporting deaths, injuries, and certain warranty claims.
In a news release Thursday, the U.S. DOT said the company violated the TREAD Act and must pay two $35 million civil penalties. Honda also agreed to allow the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to increase its oversight and third-party audit to ensure required reports are being made.
The Wall Street Journal said the $70 million fine is the highest ever charged against an automaker by the department.
“Honda and all of the automakers have a safety responsibility they must live up to — no excuses,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in the release. “Last year alone, we issued more fines than in NHTSA’s entire history. These fines reflect the tough stance we will take against those who violate the law and fail to do their part in the mission to keep Americans safe on the road.”
The fines were levied after a NHTSA investigation found Honda failed to submit early warning reports that identify potential or actual safety issues, the DOT release said. “The first civil penalty is a result of Honda’s failure to report 1,729 death and injury claims to NHTSA between 2003 and 2014,” the DOT said. “The second civil penalty is due to the manufacturer’s failure to report certain warranty claims and claims under customer satisfaction campaigns throughout the same time period.”
The agency levied more fines in 2014 than ever before in its history, with civil penalties reaching more than $126 million.
“Today’s announcement sends a very clear message to the entire industry that manufacturers have responsibility for the complete and timely reporting of this critical safety information,” said Dr. Mark Rosekind, NHTSA administrator, in the release. “The actions we are requiring will push Honda to significantly raise the bar on the effectiveness of its EWR reporting program. Our ongoing oversight will ensure compliance and determine if there is cause for additional actions.”