WASHINGTON (AP) – Fiat Chrysler will be punished soon for failing to follow the law in 23 recalls involving more than 11 million vehicles, the nation’s top auto safety regulator said Thursday.
But Mark Rosekind, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wouldn’t say what action the agency will take until after a public comment period closes on July 17.
Rosekind spoke after a two-hour public hearing in Washington on Fiat Chrysler’s recall performance that featured agency officials detailing an alarming litany of failures to notify customers of recalls, delays in making and distributing repair parts, and in some cases failing to come up with repairs that fix the problems. Some of the recalls date to 2013, and Rosekind said more allegations against the company could be added.
“The evidence seems very straightforward,” Rosekind said. “There’s a pattern that’s been going on for some time.”
Rosekind said a number of options for agency action are “on the table,” including fines against the company and requiring it to buy back vehicles subject to recall. NHTSA can fine automakers a maximum of $35 million per infraction, so Chrysler could face millions in penalties. It’s unlikely, though, that the company would face the top fine in all 23 recalls.