The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Ford's inaction failed to "prioritize the safety of the American public."

Ford Motor Co. agreed to a $165 million civil penalty to settle allegations the company failed to recall cars with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner, the second-largest fine ever levied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The regulator faulted the automaker for not recalling cars with defective rearview cameras quickly enough and for providing incomplete and inaccurate information.