NHTSA Hits Tool Store Chain With $1 Million Fine

If you're like us, you occasionally find yourself in a store like Harbor Freight Tools looking for a 2-ton jack, tow straps or welding supplies. Harbor Freight even carries chains, ball hitches and towing supplies. Unfortunately, some of those products aren't in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, according to the Department of Transportation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has hit Harbor Freight Tools with a $1 million civil penalty because it did not follow federal guidelines regarding the recall of more than 800,000 trailer light kits that did not include the proper side lights. Harbor Freight Tools did not report the issue to the feds in the appropriate timeframe, nor did it issue a recall for the incomplete kit within the five-day period required by NHTSA. It also was tardy in notifying consumers about the issue.

Harbor Freight must pay $400,000 in civil penalties immediately; it will have to pay an additional $600,000 if it does not follow the procedures and deadlines outlined in the Safety Act or the NHTSA consent order issued in this matter.

To read the NHTSA press release and navigate to the consent order to Harbor Freight Tools, click here.

Cars.com photo by Mark Williams