Ford has decided to pay $165 million to federal regulators because it took too long to recall cars with broken rearview cameras
In its 54-year history, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given out 54 fines. This is the second biggest fine they have given out since the 2019 Takata airbag recalls.
The agency’s consent report says Ford also didn’t give correct and full information in its reports to NHTSA and didn’t send in some quarterly recall reports on time.
About two months from now, Ford will pay $65 million. Of that amount, $55 million is “held in abeyance” until Ford follows the rules of the consent order. The car company will use the last $45 million to create safety-improving technology, such as advanced safety data analytics tools and a multimodal driver aid technology test lab focusing on low-voltage electronics like rearview cameras.
As part of the NHTSA’s punishments, Ford must hire a third party with experience in motor vehicles and Safety Act requirements to ensure the company stays in line with government safety rules.
A Ford spokesperson told TechCrunch, “We appreciate the chance to settle this matter with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and remain committed to continuously improving safety and compliance at Ford.” “Many improvements are already being made, and more are coming. These include advanced data analytics and a new in-house testing facility, among other things.”