[motorcycle.com] - Triumph Fined $2.9 Million for Recall Delays

[Ninjette Newsbot]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has imposed a $2.9 million fine on Triumph for failing to report a safety recall in a timely manner and for failing to report its progress on correcting the problem. Triumph has admitted to its violations.

The fine includes a $1.4 million penalty and $500,000 to meet a series of requirements to improve its safety processes. The remaining $1 million will be levied if Triumph fails to make improvements or if further violations are found.

At issue is Triumph’s handling of a recall on 1,368 ABS-equipped 2012-2013 Street Triple and Street Triple R models for loose bolts that could hamper steering movement. According to NHTSA’s database, the U.S. recall was reported on Sept. 8, 2014. The same recall was issued in the U.K. on June 10, 2013, and in Canada on June 11, 2013, or about 15 months before Triumph took action in the U.S.

This April, NHTSA opened an investigation to determine if the delay was a violation of the Safety Act. The investigation also found several violations on reporting requirements and communicating with NHTSA.

As with all U.S. recalls, Triumph is legally required to provide quarterly reports on its recall progress. The first report was due by Jan. 30, 2015 followed by the second report on April 30. Triumph was late on both occasions, filing the first report on Feb. 25 and the second one on May 21. NHTSA issued warning letters following both overdue reports. The third report was due July 30 and Triumph was on time, submitting its report on July 13.

NHTSA also determined Triumph failed to supply copies of technical service bulletins and failed to file early warning data reports on death and injury claims, warranty data and other information. Triumph also failed to respond on time to a NHTSA special order issued as part its investigation.

“Manufacturers must comply with their reporting obligations. The law requires it, and public safety demands it,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “When companies fail to meet those obligations, we will hold them accountable.”

Triumph has acknowledged deficiencies in how it collects and reports early warning data to NHTSA. The company is ordered to hire an independent consultant to audit its safety practices, establish a compliance officer position with direct access to the company’s board and senior executives, and submit written plans for employee training and compliance practices for approval by NHTSA.

[Source: NHTSA]





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