6 Car Brands With a History of Bribing Safety Regulators Overseas

May 19, 2025

When you’re shopping for a new ride, you probably focus on price, performance, and maybe even the color. But have you ever wondered if your favorite car brands have played fair when it comes to safety? It’s not just about airbags and crash tests—some car brands have been caught bribing safety regulators overseas to get their vehicles approved or to cover up serious flaws. This isn’t just a headline-grabbing scandal; it’s a real issue that can affect your safety and your wallet. Understanding which car brands have a history of bribery can help you make smarter, safer choices. Let’s take a closer look at six car brands that have been caught up in bribery scandals with safety regulators around the world.

1. Volkswagen

Volkswagen is a household name, but its reputation took a massive hit with the infamous “Dieselgate” scandal. While most people remember the cheating of emissions, fewer know that Volkswagen was also accused of bribing foreign officials to sidestep safety and environmental regulations in several countries. According to Reuters, the company faced investigations in South Korea and Brazil for allegedly paying off regulators to overlook safety violations. For car buyers, this is a reminder to look beyond the badge and dig into a brand’s history before making a purchase. If a company is willing to cut corners with regulators, what else might they be hiding?

2. Toyota

Toyota is often praised for reliability, but it hasn’t always played by the rules. In 2014, Toyota paid a $1.2 billion fine in the U.S. for misleading regulators about safety defects, but the company’s troubles didn’t stop there. In Thailand and Indonesia, Toyota has faced allegations of bribing officials to speed up safety certifications and avoid costly recalls. According to The Guardian, these actions put drivers at risk and erode trust in the brand. If you’re considering a Toyota, it’s wise to research recent recalls and regulatory actions in your country.

3. General Motors

General Motors (GM) is another giant among car brands facing overseas bribery allegations. In Brazil and China, GM has been investigated for making illicit payments to safety inspectors to approve vehicles that didn’t meet local standards. These scandals often fly under the radar in the U.S., but they can have global consequences. For example, a car that passes inspection due to bribery might not actually be safe, putting drivers and passengers at risk. Always check for independent safety ratings and recall histories, especially if you’re buying an imported GM vehicle.

4. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, now part of Stellantis, has a checkered past when it comes to regulatory compliance. In 2019, FCA was fined in Brazil for bribing safety officials to overlook faulty airbags and seatbelts. The company has also faced similar accusations in India and China. These incidents highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in the automotive industry. If you’re eyeing a Fiat, Jeep, or Chrysler, make sure to review the latest safety reports and consider how the brand’s history might affect your peace of mind.

5. Hyundai

Hyundai has made impressive strides in quality and innovation, but hasn’t been immune to controversy. In South Korea, Hyundai executives were investigated for bribing government safety inspectors to approve vehicles with known defects. According to Bloomberg, these actions led to delayed recalls and put thousands of drivers at risk. For consumers, this is a wake-up call to stay informed about ongoing investigations and to prioritize brands with a clean track record.

6. Nissan

Nissan rounds out our list of car brands with a history of bribing safety regulators overseas. In 2017, Nissan admitted to falsifying safety inspection documents in Japan and was later accused of bribing Southeast Asian officials to avoid penalties. These scandals damage the brand’s reputation and raise serious questions about the safety of their vehicles. If you’re considering a Nissan, take the time to read up on recent news and recall information to ensure you’re making a safe choice.

Why Car Brands’ Ethics Matter for Your Safety

It’s easy to assume that all car brands are held to the same high standards, but these scandals show that’s not always the case. When car brands bribe safety regulators, they’re not just breaking the law—they risk your safety. As a consumer, you have the power to demand better by staying informed, checking independent safety ratings, and holding car brands accountable for their actions. Remember, a shiny new car isn’t worth much if you can’t trust the company behind it.

Have you ever had doubts about a car brand’s safety or ethics? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

10 Cars with the Most Expensive Repairs: What You Need to Know Before Buying