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.

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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fines Ford up to $165 million over recalls, the second-largest penalty in agency history.