US plans to penalize Fiat Chrysler over delayed recalls - The Detroit News

Washington — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday it plans to penalize Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, after it found sweeping problems with its recalls. Penalties could include hefty fines, an agreement requiring significant auto safety reforms — or even ordering Fiat Chrysler to buy back unrepaired vehicles. The automaker could face fines of $35 million in each of the 23 recalls being investigated if NHTSA determines it failed to meet legal requirements. Asked if he saw any way the automaker could avoid punishment, he said “no. ”. At an unprecedented hearing at the Transportation Department’s headquarters, three agency officials detailed widespread problems in Fiat Chrysler’s handling of 23... The agency says Fiat Chrysler failed to properly notify car owners and NHTSA of recalls in a timely fashion, and did not ensure there were adequate parts. It said Fiat Chrysler initiated recall fixes that did not work. Fiat Chrysler owners have waited 18 months for replacement parts to get some recall repairs completed. Source: www.detroitnews.com