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

The total penalty, including payments and spending on compliance, is the second largest in the NHTSA’s history.

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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday Ford Motor has agreed to a $165 million civil penalty after a government investigation found the automaker failed to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner.

The U.S. auto-safety agency said Ford failed to recall more than 600,000 vehicles with defective parts in a timely manner.

US penalizes Ford up to $165 million for moving too slowly on a recall.