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3 Former Takata Execs Indicted, Company Fined Over Air Bag Scandal

The Department of Justice is accusing three former Takata executives of manipulating inspection data to hide defects in the company's air bags.

3 Former Takata Execs Indicted, Company Fined Over Air Bag Scandal
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Three former executives from Takata have been indicted for their alleged role in the company's massive faulty air bag recall. 

Federal prosecutors say those executives tampered with safety inspection data to conceal known defects in their air bags. The problem would sometimes cause the air bag to explode and shower the vehicle with metal shrapnel.

Millions Of Takata Airbags Will Need To Be Replaced — Again
Millions Of Takata Airbags Will Need To Be Replaced — Again

Millions Of Takata Airbags Will Need To Be Replaced — Again

But that's not the only bad news — dealers are still selling brand-new cars with recalled Takata airbags.

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That defect's been linked to deaths and injuries, and it prompted the auto industry's largest-ever recall effort. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board estimates the recall will affect 42 million vehicles in the U.S.

Takata is also paying a $1 billion penalty to the U.S. government. About $125 million of that penalty will go to those affected by the faulty air bags. And $850 million will help automakers cover the costs of replacing all those air bags.