“These fines reflect the tough stance we will take against those who violate the law and fail to do their part in the mission to keep Americans safe on the road,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
During 2014, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued more than $126 million in civil penalties, exceeding the total amount collected by NHTSA during its forty-three year history.
Even though 2014 was a record year for civil penalties, the fines are limited by the U.S. Congress established $35 million dollar cap, the amount Honda will pay for each of the two series of violations. (Honda Pays Largest NHTSA Fine in History for Takata and other Safety Cover Ups)
The Obama Administration’s four-year re-authorization bill – dubbed the GROW AMERICA Act – proposes to increase the limit to $300 million. The Administration’s proposal also seeks additional authority to help NHTSA in its efforts to force recalls.
NHTSA issued the following civil penalties in 2014:
• Honda, $70,000,000, for failing to both submit early warning reports and warranty claims.
• Gwinnett Place Nissan, $110,000, for failing to perform recall remedy in new motor vehicles prior to sale and delivery.
• Ferrari S.p.A. and Ferrari North America, Inc., $3,500,000, for failing to submit early warning reports.
• Chapman Chevrolet LLC, $50,000, for failing to perform recall remedy in new motor vehicles prior to sale and delivery.
• Hyundai Motor America, $17,350,000, for the failure to issue a recall in a timely manner.
• General Motors Company, $35,000,000, for the failure to issue a recall in a timely manner.
• General Motors Company, $441,000, for failing to fully respond to Special Order by 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.
