Thursday 21 Nov
The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has imposed a $165 million fine on Ford Motor Company. This significant penalty stems from Ford's substantial delay in recalling vehicles with faulty cameras and its failure to provide accurate information about the recall process to NHTSA.
This civil penalty marks the second-largest fine in NHTSA's 54-year history, surpassed only by the fine levied against Takata for its defective airbags.
Ford has agreed to the penalty,
which includes a $65 million payment, a $45 million investment in compliance
measures, and a $55 million delay penalty.
Sophie Shulman, Deputy Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), emphasized the importance of timely and accurate recalls in ensuring road safety. She stated, "When manufacturers fail to prioritize the safety of the American people and meet their obligations under federal law, NHTSA will hold them accountable."
To ensure future compliance, an
independent party will oversee Ford's recall performance for the next three
years. Additionally, Ford will review its past three years of recalls to verify
that the required number of vehicles have been repaired and to initiate new
recalls as necessary.
Ford has committed to investing $45 million to enhance its data analytics capabilities and establish a new testing laboratory.
