(NBC News) Federal regulators have delivered a strong message to Fiat Chrysler, slapping the automaker with one of the harshest penalties ever for what investigators say was neglect and unnecessary delays surrounding millions of recalled vehicles.
Fiat Chrysler will pay a $105-million fine and also have to buy back nearly half-a-million recalled vehicles.
“This is about making sure that what’s out on the market place is safe, and we take that responsibility seriously,” U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said of the penalties.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the automaker failed to notify customers of recalls, delayed making and distributing repair parts, and in some cases failed to come up with repairs to fix the problems.
The buy-back includes Dodge SUVs and Ram pickups built between 2008 and 2012, plus more than a million Jeep Cherokees from the 90s prone to catch fire due to rear-mounted fuel tanks.
Owners will be able to trade-in their vehicles for above market value or receive a financial incentive and have them repaired.
In a written statement Fiat Chrysler agreed to the record penalties and said in part: “We also accept the resulting consequences with renewed resolve to improve our handling of recalls and re-establish the trust our customers place in us.”
Vehicles under recall — 2014-2015 model years Ram 4500 and 5500 manufactured August 20, 2013, to January 27, 2015, and equipped with 6.4L Hemi engines
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