The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fined the Ford Motor Company $165 million for failing to meet federal recall requirements in a timely manner and for providing incomplete, inaccurate information on Nov. 14.
In the second largest civil fine imposed by the NHTSA in decades, Ford Motor Comp. is required to pay $65 million immediately, allocate $45 million for compliance measures, and defer an additional $55 million.
“Timely and accurate recalls are critical to keeping everyone safe on our roads,” Sophie Shulman, the NHTSA deputy administrator, said. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is committed to ensuring manufacturers comply with the laws designed to keep our roads safe. When manufacturers fail to prioritize the safety of the American public and meet their obligations under federal law, NHTSA will hold them accountable.”
The NHTSA found that Ford delayed the recall of vehicles with defective rearview cameras and failed to provide accurate, complete recall information mandated by law. As of May 2018, a federal regulation took effect that requires all new vehicles sold in the U.S. to have backup cameras. This legislation was a step toward reducing the number of accidents caused by reversing vehicles and enhancing road safety.
More than 70,000 vehicles were recalled from 2018 to 2020, including the 2018 to 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. In its April Safety Recall Report, Ford mentioned another 21,904 potentially involved recalls, including 13,427 F-Super Duty Vehicles, 47% of which had rearview camera issues.
“We appreciate the opportunity to resolve this matter with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and remain committed to continuously improving safety,” Ford said in a statement. “We look forward to working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the independent third party to implement further enhancements.”
Despite the settlement, Ford has disputed some of the NHTSA’s findings while expressing a commitment to improving its safety measures and compliance efforts. Ford has also agreed to quarterly meetings with the NHTSA to discuss progress.
