Geier v. American Honda Motor Co.
United States Supreme Court
529 U.S. 861 (2000)
Relevant factsFree
Alexis Geier (plaintiff) was seriously injured driving a 1987 Honda Accord and sued American Honda (defendant), alleging negligent design for lacking a driver's-side airbag; Honda complied with the applicable federal safety standard, FMVSS 208, which required only some, not all, 1987 vehicles to have passive restraints like airbags. The court of appeals found Geier's suit preempted by the federal standard, and Geier appealed.
IssueFree
Whether ordinary preemption principles such as federal conflict preemption may apply to defeat state common-law tort actions based on strict products liability.