A settlement [text, PDF] was reached between plaintiffs and several car manufacturers in a lawsuit concerning defective Takata [official website] airbag inflators on Thursday. The faulty airbags would rupture and expel debris, causing injury and damage to the vehicle’s cabin. At least 16 deaths [NPR report] were linked to the defect. Toyota, Subaru, Mazda and BMW [corporate websites] will collectively pay out $553 million in a deal that covers nearly 16 million vehicles. The settlement will not cover personal injuries or damage to property but will compensate those who own cars with the defective airbags by providing rental cars. Claims against other auto manufacturers in the suit, including Honda, Ford and Nissan [corporate websites], are still pending.

Auto manufacturers have continued to face punishment for issues with their vehicles and parts in the US. In February Takata pleaded guilty [JURIST report] to wire fraud arising out of the airbag defects. In July the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined [JURIST report] that Fiat Chrysler failed to provide a remedy and notices for 23 recalls related to malfunctions of their automobiles. In 2014 the US DOJ announced [JURIST report] a $1.2 billion settlement agreement with Toyota for misleading customers and US regulators. In November 2012 Toyota settled [JURIST report] a class action lawsuit for $35.5 million brought by its shareholders for failing to disclose vehicle quality issues. In 2010 Toyota agreed [JURIST report] to pay $32.4 million in fines following investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. JURIST Guest Columnist Bruce Aronson in 2011 argued [JURIST op-ed] that the recent corporate scandals in Japan, including the Toyota recalls, highlight the need for reform of that country’s corporate governance structure.