US based auto mobile manufacturer Ford Motor has paid a fine of $17.35m to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over the delay in notifying the customers about a defect.
The fine was related to the company's recall issued in July 2012 for about 423,000 Ford Escapes and Mazda Tributes over the gas pedal depression even after the removal of pressure.
The manufacturer has issued the recall a week after NHTSA opened an investigation that said to be in conflict with the federal law, under which the auto manufacturers was to notify NHTSA within five business days of discovering the defect.
Ford said in an emailed statement that the company is committed to addressing potential vehicle issues and responding quickly for its customers.
"While we are confident in our current processes for quickly identifying and addressing potential vehicle issues, Ford agreed to this settlement to avoid a lengthy dispute with the government," the company added.
The maximum fine allowed is $17.35m, for which the company had reached an agreement with the agency on June 28.
