BMW Fined For Series Of Violations On Mini Recall
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has slapped a $40 million fine on BMW for repeatedly failing to address safety concerns related to its Mini Cooper vehicles and failing to launch an agreed-upon service campaign to fix those safety problems.
According to a Dow Jones Newswires report, NHTSA also said it cited the German automaker for not providing accurate information about its recalls to the government.
This is the second time in recent months that U.S. safety regulators have fined a German automaker for withholding information from officials and failing to take action to meet safety standards.
In September Volkswagen was cited by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for installing fraudulent software on its diesel vehicles allowing it to dupe emissions tests.
BMW Mini Coopers are being cited for failing to meet crash standards and the company is being criticized for not taking prompt and necessary actions to fix safety issues with its vehicles.
Several Instances
NHTSA says it has discovered several instances in which BMW did not do what it needed to do to protect consumers and the public. Officials say BMW failed to notify the agency within five days of learning that their 2014 and 2015 models failed to meet regulatory minimums for side-impact crash protection.
In 2014, a two-door Mini Cooper failed a crash test designed to determine whether the car met minimum safety standards. The company responded saying that the vehicle was listed with the incorrect weight and would pass the test if conducted at the proper weight rating.
But that turned out to be inaccurate because the vehicle failed a second test conducted at that weight rating as well.
Auto Product Liability Issues
Broadside or side-impact crashes can cause significant damage and injuries. In fact, one-third of all crashes on our roadways are side-impact collisions. So, when a vehicle fails to meet the basic safety standards for protecting occupants in a side-impact crash, it doesn’t deserve to be on the roadway.
It is appalling that BMW not only failed to give regulators information in the timely manner, but also provided inaccurate information when asked.
Automakers can be held accountable for the dangerous vehicles and parts they put on the market. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective auto, please contact an experienced auto products liability attorney who will ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected.
The best auto defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.