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Honda admits failing to report safety fears

Firm held back information on potentially deadly defects

Honda has admitted that it failed to report more than 1,700 injury and death claims against its vehicles to US safety regulators.

The Japanese carmaker owned up to finding out about the omissions in 2011 but taking three years to take action.

The company said it filed documents on Monday with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Honda has recalled more than five million vehicles since 2008 to fix potentially fatal defects.

The firm blamed computer entry and programming errors and misinterpretation of the law.

Honda should get the maximum fine for "massively" violating the law, said watchdog Centre for Auto Safety head Clarence Ditlow, who also called for a criminal investigation.

NHTSA has the authority to fine manufacturers $35 million (£21m) for failing to report defects in a timely manner.

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