Ford has agreed to pay a hefty $165 million penalty to federal regulators for moving too slowly to recall vehicles with faulty rearview cameras. This is the second-largest fine the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has handed out in its 54-year history, following the 2019 Takata airbag recalls.

The automaker was not only slow to recall the faulty vehicles but also failed to provide accurate and complete information in its reports to the NHTSA and to submit certain quarterly recall reports in a timely manner. As part of the settlement, Ford will pay $65 million upfront, with $55 million held in abeyance, subject to the company's adherence to the consent order terms.

The remaining $45 million will be invested in developing technology to improve safety, including advanced safety data analytics capabilities and a multimodal driver assistance technology test lab focused on low-voltage electronics, such as rearview cameras. The NHTSA's remedies also require Ford to enlist an independent third party to ensure compliance with federal safety regulations. This move highlights the importance of prioritizing safety and compliance in the autonomous vehicle industry.