South Korean car maker, Hyundai, will pay a $17.35 million fine after U.S. regulators found that the company has delayed the recall of at least 43,500 vehicles with brake defects.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Thursday that the company should pay a fine due to its delay in recalling the affected vehicles. The amount for the fine was the highest possible penalty allowed during the Hyundai's violation. The affected vehicles include the 2009 to 2012 models of the Hyundai Genesis. These cars were found to be at risk for excessive corrosion that may prevent the car's capability to avoid a crash.
The NHTSA told the Wall Street Journal that Hyundai was aware of the problem as early as 2012. But, instead of staging a recall, they chose to instruct the dealers to change the brake fluid on the affected models. The recall was conducted in October 2013 after the NHTSA investigated the matter.
"Hyundai remains committed to making safety our top priority and is dedicated to ensuring immediate action in response to potential safety concerns including the prompt reporting of safety defects," said Hyundai Motor America's President, David Zuchowski.
Since 2014, U.S. regulators have required various car makers to recall 43.6 million cars because of different safety issues. GM recalled more than 25 million vehicles due to defective ignition switches and was fined $35 million as a result.
The NHTSA admitted that they do not know of any fatalities caused by Hyundai's brakes, but the agency received at least 87 complaints about it.
Auto News reported that Hyundai agreed to a broad consent with the NHTSA. In the agreement, Hyundai U.S. is allowed to decide matters related to safety recalls, instead of waiting for approval from South Korea. In addition, the company promised to work with the agency to ensure that there will be no further delays, as well.
In one year, Hyundai will send a monthly report to the NHTSA, regarding the progress of the recall.
