New Grant to Notify Consumers of Safety Recalls

California Residents Will Benefit from NHTSA Grant

On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a press release announcing that $1.3 million in grant funds will be used in three states to let vehicle owners know about open recalls.  The money will be used by each of the states’ departments of motor vehicles.  The state agencies will track owners of vehicles with active safety recalls through their vehicle registration information.

The interim Transportation Secretary stated that the DOT is proud to provide this common-sense solution to assist drivers in identifying and repairing vehicles with unremedied problems. 

The states slated to receive the recall-related grant funding are:

  • Texas
  • California
  • Ohio

More than 36 million vehicles are registered each year in California. Texas inspects 18 million vehicles per year, and Ohio has a yearly vehicle registration of more than 12 million.

Details of the Recall Notices 

Each of the three states’ motor vehicle departments will provide owners of affected vehicles a recall notice that will include the following information: 

  • A description of the defect
  • Information about the recall
  • Information on how to get the defect fixed

The states will consider issuing recall notifications during safety inspections, emission testing, or at the time of the owner’s driver’s license renewal.

Earlier Program in Maryland was Successful

 A 2017 pilot program was launched between the NHTSA and the state of Maryland.  $222,300 was provided to the state for a two-year program providing consumers with open recall information when they renewed a registration or registered a new vehicle.  Maryland renewed close to 4.3 million vehicle registrations over the course of that two year period, with over 1 million recalls identified.  Nearly half of those recalls were more than two years old, meaning the information reached vehicle owners who may not have been aware of the recalls.  The NHTSA was so pleased with the success of the Maryland program that it decided to expand the program to three other states.  

The Problem of Ignored Recall Notices 

In 2019, there were more than 950 U.S. safety recalls, which affected more than 50 million vehicles.  Despite public warnings and recall notices, it is estimated that around a quarter of recalled vehicles go unrepaired. 

Recalls are issued due to serious safety concerns and leaving them unrepaired presents a safety risk to drivers, their passengers, and other travelers on American roadways.  Repairs for all vehicle recalls are done at no cost at the particular automaker’s dealerships. 

Other Ways to Check for Recalls

In 2020, the NHTSA made its free mobile app, SaferCar, available to the public.  The app runs automatic checks for recalls after the user enters their vehicle identification number.  If a recall is found during the app’s frequent checks, the user will be alerted.  Alternatively, consumers can check for safety recalls on the NHTSA’s website by using the VIN lookup tool.

Watch the YouTube video.  The clip below discusses what to do if you receive a vehicle recall notice.

Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer

Hello, and thank you for visiting our legal blog.  My name is Ed Smith, and I am a personal injury attorney in Stockton.  Not keeping up with safety recalls can lead to dangers on the highway.  There are a number of other ways in which negligence can make the roadways of Northern California hazardous.  Accidents happen every day on Highway 99 and surrounding roads.  If you or anyone you love has sustained injuries in a car crash caused by the carelessness or recklessness of another driver, you will want to seek skilled legal help. The injury lawyers at my firm are available to offer compassionate, free, and friendly advice.  After we go over the facts of your case on the phone, it may then be appropriate to meet for a no-obligation consultation.  We are following strict COVID-19 protocols in the interest of keeping our clients and employees healthy.  Our local number is (209) 227-1931 and our toll-free line for use from outside the local area is (800) 404-5400.

Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/auto-mechanic-car-mechanic-mechanic-2829141/

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