U.S. confirms that 11th death was caused by defective Takata Corp. air bags

A 50-year-old woman who died after a car wreck last month in California is the 11th U.S. victim of Takata Corp.’s defective air bags.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed the woman’s death on Thursday, but didn’t release her name. She is the 11th known U.S. victim. Up to five people also may have been killed by the air bags in Malaysia, bringing the number of deaths globally to as many as 16.

The agency said the woman died on Sept. 30 in Riverside County, Calif., near Los Angeles. Honda Motor Co. confirmed the woman’s death and said she was driving a 2001 Civic.

Honda said the vehicle involved in the California crash had been included in multiple recalls since 2008. The company said it mailed more than 20 recall notices to the car’s registered owner, but its records indicate the vehicle was never repaired.