Auto Parts Company Fined

Replacement Lamps & Lenses Don't Meet Safety Standards

June 4, 2003
American Products Company (APC) has agreed to pay a $650,000 civil penalty as a result of its manufacture, certification, and sale of replacement lamps that did not comply with federal safety standards.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the penalty recently.

Over the past several years, APC sold various models of noncomplying replacement tail lamps, commonly sold as "clear" tail lamps or "Eurotail" lamps. Some of the non-complying models replaced red lamps and reflectors with clear ones. Others were missing side marker lamps or reflectors.

APC also sold other noncompliant replacement lighting equipment, including clear corner and bumper lenses and high-intensity discharge (HID) conversion kits. The nonconforming equipment was sold by a variety of retailers. The lamps and lenses have been the subject of four recalls covering thousands of parts.

The parts and model numbers associated with these safety recalls are listed on NHTSA’s web site, www.nhtsa.gov under the recall numbers 99E-039, 00E-078, 01E-035 and 03E-014. Part and model numbers are located either on the lamps or on the packaging in which the lamps were sold. Consumers with questions about this or any other safety recall campaign should call NHTSA’s toll-free Auto Safety Hotline, (888) 327-4236.

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