Fiat Chrysler offers $100 debit cards to those affected with US vehicle recall
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is reportedly giving $100 prepaid debit card to owners of recalled. This is to guarantee that the affected models will be repaired. If the owner of a recalled Chrysler vehicle opts to trade in and purchase a new car or truck, the company will offer $1000 in discount.
Chrysler has reportedly experienced difficulties in persuading the owners of some older-model vehicles to bring them for repairs. These models include Jeep Liberty 2002-2007 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs 1993-1998.
Vehicles recalled include Dodge Ram pickup trucks 2008-2012. A vehicle that is included in the recall can be identified using their Vehicle Identification Numbers.
Owners of Ram pickups who will opt to purchase a new one will receive $2,000 for trading in their vehicles. For Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep and Dodge, the company will provide $1,000 discount for trading in.
To see if a vehicle is eligible for the discounts, information can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website. Owners of Fiat Chrysler cars can also check out Chrysler's website.
Last month, the NHTSA imposed a $105 million fine against Fiat Chrysler for not immediately acting on fixing problems related to more than 11 million vehicles involved with safety recalls. Fiat Chrysler was found guilty of not properly investigating and reporting possible defects in their vehicles.
The charge is now the highest penalty since the $70 million fine imposed on Honda for their failure to report possible airbag issues.
Anthony Foxx, the Transportation secretary, said that the punishments should let manufacturers know what could possibly happen to them if they are lax with safety concerns.
The penalty imposed on Chrysler includes $20 million for meeting performance goals, $70 million for cash penalty and $15 million penalty to be evaluated if an independent investigator will determine that the company has violated other safety laws.