Due to lapse in recalls, NHTSA could handover a record fine to the Italian-U.S. automaker.
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Federal safety regulators are expected to impose a $105 million fine on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, according to multiple reports.
Fiat Chrysler declined to comment.
Fiat Chrysler, also known as FCA US LLC, also will agree to an independent monitor to review recalls.
The automaker said Friday that it was recalling about 1.4 million cars and trucks in the U.S. after two hackers revealed that they were able to take control of a Jeep Cherokee SUV over the Internet.
Fiat Chrysler could be hit with a fine as high as $105m as early as Monday, reported by the Wall Street Journal, however it’s understood that a separate probe into serious cybersecurity lapses will not be linked to any such settlement. In that recall, Fiat Chrysler said it would update software to insulate the vehicles from being remotely controlled. A few of the recalls date to 2013.
Under terms of the settlement with regulators, Fiat Chrysler is expected to start offering cash to Jeep owners to encourage them to go to dealerships for repairs or additional money on top of the value of their vehicle if they decide to trade it in, the people said.
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NHTSA has found Fiat Chrysler guilty of not informing consumers in time. “There’s a pattern that’s been going on for some time”, he said. The safety system, he said, has been reorganized with added personnel. Previously the person in his position was three rungs down the organization chart from the chief executive, he said.
