NHTSA’s Automaker Fines Reach Historic Levels
In 2014, the federal agency imposed more than $126 million in civil penalties against automakers for a range of violations.

Mark Rosekind, previously an NTSB member, in December took the helm at NHTSA. Screen capture courtesy of NTSB.

Mark Rosekind, previously an NTSB member, in December took the helm at NHTSA. Screen capture courtesy of NTSB.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2014 imposed more than $126 million in civil penalties against automakers and their dealers – a figure exceeding the total amount the agency previously collected during its 43-year history.
NHTSA is a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Mark Rosekind, who was sworn in as the safety agency’s new head on Dec. 22, also advocates increasing the current $35 million limit on such fines for individual violations – a change that would require Congressional action.
NHTSA said its civil penalties in 2014 included the following:
Honda – $70,000,000, for failure to both submit early warning reports and warranty claims.
Gwinnett Place Nissan – $110,000, for failure to perform a recall remedy in new motor vehicles prior to sale and delivery.
Ferrari S.p.A. and Ferrari North America Inc. – $3,500,000, for failure to submit early warning reports.
Chapman Chevrolet LLC – $50,000, for failure to perform a recall remedy in new motor vehicles prior to sale and delivery.
Hyundai Motor America – $17,350,000, for failure to issue a recall in a timely manner.
General Motors Co. – $35,000,000, for failure to issue a recall in a timely manner.
General Motors Co. – $441,000, for failure to fully respond to a special order by the due date.
Prevost, a division of Volvo Group Canada Inc; Volvo Industrial de Mexico S.A. de C.V.; and Prevost Car (US) Inc. – $250,000, the second of six annual installments of a total of $1.5 million in civil penalties, for untimely recalls and untimely submission of early warning reports and technical service bulletins (TSBs).
Southern Honda Powersports (a/k/a Big Red Powersports LLC) – $25,000, the second of five annual installments of a total of $125, 000 in civil penalties, for the sale of unrepaired, recalled vehicles.
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