As outlined in government’s early warning reporting (EWR) program, automakers are required to notify the agency when their vehicles are involved in deaths or injuries, warranty claims, property damage, consumer complaints and other issues. The database helps regulators identify potential safety problems.
“As a result of FCA US LLC’s heightened scrutiny of its regulatory reporting obligations growing out of its recent Consent Order with NHTSA, FCA US identified deficiencies in its TREAD reporting,” the company said in a statement, without elaborating. “FCA US promptly notified NHTSA of these issues, and committed to a thorough investigation, to be followed by complete remediation.”
Notably, the NHTSA claims to have notified FCA in late July of an “apparent discrepancy” in the company’s early warning data. The agency’s statement suggests the warning prompted FCA’s internal investigation.
“FCA has informed NHTSA that in investigating that discrepancy, it has found significant under-reported notices and claims of deaths, injuries and other information required as part of the Early Warning Reporting system,” said NHTSA administrator Mark Rosekind. “This represents a significant failure to meet a manufacturer’s safety responsibilities.”
The company did not elaborate with specific details, such as the number of deaths and injuries that may have been excluded from its required reports.
Rosekind claims the agency will take “appropriate action” after gathering additional information on the scope and causes of the failure, suggesting FCA may be facing even more fines.
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