Ohio gets $2M settlement in Honda airbag lawsuit

SANDUSKY — The American branch of the Honda automobile manufacturer will pay out millions to states in a faulty airbag lawsuit settlement, which includes Ohio. The settlement reached between Honda and the attorneys general of 48 states is just over $85 million. Ohio will get about $2.3 million, according to a news release from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The lawsuit dealt with defective airbags in some Honda and Acura vehicles, first installed in the 2001 model year. An investigation found the manufacturer failed to disclose that the airbags could potentially rupture and send metal fragments into a car's passenger compartment — those ruptures resulted in at least 14 deaths and 200 injuries across the country, the release states. Honda began recalling vehicles with faulty airbags in 2008. "I'd never buy a car if I knew systems meant to save me and my family could actually hurt us," Yost said. "That is what Honda denied Ohio consumers — the chance to make the best decisions for their families." As a part of the lawsuit, Honda will have to ensure future airbag designs include "fail-safe features," and implement changes in how they procure airbags for their vehicles. Consumers who own a Honda or Acura who have questions about if their vehicle is part of a recall should visit Honda's recall website, hondaairbaginfo.com, or call its toll-free number, 1-888-234-2138. People can also learn more about recalls by visiting safercar.gov.