Ford has agreed to pay a fine that could go up to $165 million after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found the automaker took too long to recall vehicles with faulty rearview cameras and failed to “provide accurate and complete recall information.

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

Ford Motor Co. will pay a penalty of up to $165 million to the U.S. government for moving too slowly on a recall and failing to give accurate recall information. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday that the civil penalty is the second-largest in its 54-year history.