NHTSA Changes Vehicle Recall Notice Requirements

Vehicle recalls deal with hidden defects in a vehicle’s manufacture, design, or labels. A recall warns car owners of a hidden defect and gives vital information on how to get the problem fixed so as to avoid dangerous situations that can cause serious injuries.

Because recalls play such a vital role in driver safety, many experienced Kentucky auto accident attorneys follow recall news closely. Within the next year, recall information will be easier to follow – not only for attorneys, but for all Kentucky residents who rely on their vehicles to take them to work, school, and other events.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced several changes to the ways in which recalls are announced and made accessible to vehicle owners. First, all auto companies will soon be required to allow vehicle owners to search for recalls related to their vehicles by putting the vehicle’s VIN into a search field. Some automakers offer this feature on their websites already; within the next year, all automakers will be required to offer it.

The NHTSA has also changed the formatting of printed recall notices mailed to consumers. The goal of this change is to make recall information stand out among the “junk mail” consumers receive, so that vehicle owners will be more likely to read it and learn how to get their defective vehicles repaired. These mailings will also have to include the VIN of the affected vehicle, so drivers know exactly which of their family’s cars needs to have a potentially serious safety issue addressed.