In its most recent report to the agency Chrysler said it has remedied approximately 3% of the more than 1.5 million vehicles included in the recall. The company also said it had produced 400,000 of the trailer hitch assembly kits that can offer additional protection to the fuel tank in the event of a rear-end collision.
At the request of the NHTSA, Chrysler also submitted an update on its current and planned outreach activities. However, the agency now says "significantly more aggressive steps are required."
Friedman notes: "If these reports are at all accurate, the dealerships' conduct is unacceptable."
Friedman gives Chrysler 15 days to confirm that dealerships are providing accurate information and are performing the repairs in a timely manner. He also wants Chrysler to provide a more "robust and specific" plan to contact owners and "incentivize" them to get their vehicles repaired.
Some of the vehicles affected by the recall have rusted frames, making attachment of the trailer hitch impossible without expensive repairs. Nonetheless, the agency is demanding a plan to deal with these cases, also within 15 days.
In closing, Friedman tells Marchionne: "It is your responsibility to notify affected owners that parts are available and to ensure that dealers are effectively and accurately communicating with their customers. In the strongest possible terms I urge you and your dealers to work together to ensure that the safety risk to vehicle owners from this defect is clearly communicated and effectively and expeditiously addressed."
It's important to remember that Chrysler steadfastly maintained the Jeeps did not pose a safety risk to consumer but agreed, under pressure, to conduct the recall.
The letter and demands may be the result of the heat currently being applied to the NHTSA over its handling of various recalls, including the current Takata airbag fracas. Friedman came under fire from members of the Senate Commerce Committee Thursday for NHTSA's policy of allowing automakers to send out notices of "safety campaigns" rather than formal recalls, leaving customers confused over the severity of the problem.