Ford Facing $165M Recall Fine After Investigation Over Faulty Backup Cameras Concludes

Ford Motor Company is facing a $165 million recall fine after an investigation over faulty backup cameras by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The company moved too slowly on its recall and failed to give accurate recall information to customers.

An NHTSA press release states that the fine follows an investigation into the matter, which found that Ford failed to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras promptly. The automotive company also failed to provide accurate and complete recall information as required by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. 

NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said, “Timely and accurate recalls are critical to keeping everyone safe on our roads. NHTSA 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.” 

Ford must pay $65 million upfront to the United States government, with an additional $55 million deferred and $45 million for performance obligations. According to the agency, “The base term of the order is three years, with NHTSA reserving the option to extend all or parts of the order for a fourth year. “

Additionally, the NHTSA requires the following of Ford:

• Review and make changes as needed to its recall decision-making process, including “Ford’s ability to analyze data to identify safety-related defects and non-compliances.”
• Improve its information-sharing capabilities and increase the speed of decisions regarding recalls.
• Develop and update its written policies and procedures related to Vehicle Safety Act compliance. 

Ford Investigation Reveals Engine Defect in Over 400,000 SUVs and Pickup Trucks

Ford Motor Co. will pay a penalty of up to $165 million to the U.S. government for moving too slowly on a recall and failing to give accurate recall information. https://t.co/6nMZzRYvYi

— The Associated Press (@AP) November 14, 2024

This fine comes on the heels of an investigation into over 411,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs and pickup trucks that had a potential engine defect. This defect caused the vehicles to lose power, the NHTSA announced in a report.

The probe began with Ford Bronco vehicles equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engines in July 2022. The NHTSA also investigated similar issues with the Ford Edge, F-150, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and Nautilus vehicles from model years 2021 and 2022 that used 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engines.

The agency believed the engines within these automobiles had a faulty valvetrain. Most incidents reportedly occurred before 20,000 miles and more than half before 5,000 miles.