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Auto Safety: Effectiveness of Ford Transmission Settlement Still at Issue

RCED-86-52 Published: Jun 10, 1986. Publicly Released: Jun 10, 1986.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined the agreement between Ford Motor Company and the Department of Transportation that closed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) investigation of an alleged transmission defect in certain 1970-79 model year automobiles.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, NHTSA, to take further action. GAO identified some options the Secretary may wish to consider; others might also be identified.
Closed – Implemented
This recommendation referred to options identified in the report, but it did not urge any specific option. NHTSA has no plans to implement the action options GAO identified.
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, NHTSA, to establish a methodology to both monitor and assess the effectiveness of any negotiated settlement that does not involve a recall.
Closed – Implemented
Each such case is unique and would require a tailored program to evaluate. NHTSA has no plans to implement this recommendation.

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