Fiat Chrysler will pay up to $105 million in penalties and fines, and will buy back almost half a million recalled vehicles after an NHTSA investigation found the automobile manufacturer violated auto safety regulations. The fines include a $70 million cash payment, an agreement that Fiat Chrysler will spend $20 million improving its recall process and an additional $15 million payable if the automaker is found to have committed any further violations.

According to terms of the settlement, Fiat Chrysler will also offer to buy back or repair over half a million 2008-2012 Dodge and Ram pick-up trucks with defective suspension and will have to offer trade-ins or pay for repairs for over a million older Jeep models with rear-mounted gas tanks. The buybacks and fines are part of a settlement between the automaker and the US government over allegations of misconduct in 23 recalls, affecting over 11 million vehicles.

The penalty, the largest ever issued by the NHTSA, reflects a tougher approach to automotive regulations after the safety agency was criticized for their handling of high-profile recalls last year by General Motors and airbag supplier Takata.

Comments are closed.

If you think you have a lemon please complete the form at the top of this page or call 1-888-395-3666 today for a 100% free California Lemon Law evaluation.