Volvo hit with $1.5M NHTSA fine for delayed recalls

AutoBlog: Volvo hit with $1.5M NHTSA fine for delayed recalls

2011 Volvo XC60 R-DesignThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has fined Volvo $1.5 million for delaying safety recalls, according to The New York Times. The Swedish automaker settled with NHTSA after the government agency alleged delays with a total of seven recalls for a range of different models.

Those actions included incorrect tire pressure labels, faulty air bags and stalling vehicles. Volvo has agreed to pay the fine but refused to admit any wrongdoing, saying instead it has since improved its internal review process for quality and safety issues.

NHTSA gives automakers five days from the time they discover a safety issue to inform the government agency of a recall plan. If a manufacturer misses that window, it can face civil penalties like the one Volvo has agreed to pay. The fine covers all seven recalls. The most NHTSA can charge an automaker is $17.35 million, a figure some have criticized as being laughably low.